Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden cornbread waffle bite that’s warm and soft on the inside, oozing with creamy melted smoked gouda, and topped with a drizzle of sweet honey. If that doesn’t sound like a little bite of heaven, I don’t know what does! Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a smoky twist that’s guaranteed to wow your taste buds.

These little waffle bites are perfect for everything from a fun appetizer at a party to a cozy snack when you’re craving something comforting but just a bit special. The texture is spot on—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—and the smoked gouda adds a deliciously rich and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey. It’s a bite-sized treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

These little cornbread waffles aren’t just about the flavors; they’re about the experience. Here’s why they’re sure to become a new favorite:

Perfect Flavor Combo: The sweet cornbread, creamy gouda, and honey come together in a way that’s just magical. Smoky, sweet, and savory in every bite.

Easy to Make: Even though these waffle bites look impressive, they’re simple to prepare. All you need is a waffle iron and a few key ingredients to make these beauties.

Versatile: These little bites work perfectly as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish to a larger meal. You could serve them at brunch, for game day, or alongside your favorite stew or soup.

Crowd-Pleasing: These bite-sized cornbread waffles are bound to impress. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or for enjoying solo as a treat to yourself.

Customizable: Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle some chili flakes over the honey drizzle. Want a more savory twist? Add crumbled bacon or fresh herbs to the waffle batter.

Ingredients in Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

For the Waffle Bites:

• Cornmeal: The star ingredient that gives these waffles that classic cornbread flavor.
• Flour: Helps bind everything together for the perfect waffle texture.
• Baking powder: To give the waffles that light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness of the cornbread.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter and helps everything come together.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the waffles a tender texture.
• Smoked Gouda: The creamy, smoky cheese that makes these waffles extra special.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the batter for that comforting, savory taste.

For the Topping:

• Honey: The finishing touch that ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and make these cornbread waffle bites a reality!

Prepare the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with a bit of cooking spray or brush it with melted butter so the waffle bites don’t stick.

Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded smoked gouda cheese.

Cook the Waffle Bites

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cornbread batter into the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Drizzle with Honey

Once the waffle bites are done, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with honey while they’re still warm, allowing it to melt slightly into the crevices of the cornbread.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these little bites as a fun appetizer, side dish, or snack. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the waffle iron, but they’re still delicious the next day.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

These cornbread waffle bites are super versatile, and you can pair them with all sorts of things to elevate the meal:

For Brunch: Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a savory frittata for the perfect brunch spread.

With a Soup or Stew: These little bites make a fantastic side to a bowl of chili, vegetable soup, or creamy tomato bisque.

As an Appetizer: Serve them as finger food at your next party, and watch them disappear before your eyes!

With Bacon: Crumble crispy bacon over the waffles for a savory-sweet combo that’s sure to please.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded smoked gouda will melt more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, giving you that perfect cheesy gooeyness.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough waffles. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!

Try Different Cheeses: If smoked gouda isn’t your thing, swap it out for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp Parmesan.

Add Spice: Want a little kick? Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the batter for a spicy surprise.

Serve Immediately: These waffle bites are best served right away while they’re still crispy and warm, but you can keep them in an airtight container for up to a day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: While these are best fresh, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the waffle iron or oven to crisp them back up.

Q2: Can I freeze these waffle bites?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the cooked waffle bites and reheat them in the waffle iron or oven for a quick snack.

Q3: What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
A3: If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can bake the batter in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized cornbread muffins.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Definitely! You can swap the smoked gouda for any cheese you like. Cheddar or even mozzarella would work great.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Q6: Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add cooked bacon, green onions, or even some fresh herbs to the batter for added flavor.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the waffle iron or oven to get them crispy again.

Q8: Can I serve these without the honey?
A8: Absolutely! The waffles are delicious on their own, but the honey adds a sweet contrast that takes them to the next level.

Q9: How do I make these spicier?
A9: Add some finely diced jalapeños to the batter or drizzle a little hot sauce on top for a spicy kick.

Q10: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A10: Yes, you can! Substitute non-dairy milk, plant-based butter, and vegan cheese for a delicious vegan version of these waffle bites.

Conclusion

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and sweet, making them the ideal snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and totally customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, these little bites are sure to impress. So go ahead—get your waffle iron ready and enjoy these irresistible cornbread waffles with a sweet, smoky twist!

Print