Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup combine the best of both worlds—fluffy cornbread and crispy waffles—into a fun and flavorful bite-sized treat. The savory, slightly sweet waffles are a perfect pairing with a rich and decadent honey butter syrup that adds a touch of indulgence to every bite. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will delight both kids and adults alike. The addition of optional ingredients like cheddar cheese and bacon takes these cornbread waffles to a new level of flavor, making them versatile enough to enjoy on their own or as a side dish to complement your favorite main course. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or casual gatherings. If you’re looking to bring a little southern comfort into your kitchen with a modern twist, these cornbread waffle bites are the perfect choice. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful bites, complete with a sweet and savory drizzle of honey butter syrup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The cornbread is soft yet crispy around the edges, thanks to the waffle iron. The syrup, made with honey, butter, and a hint of maple syrup, brings the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. This recipe can be customized to suit your taste with the option to add cheddar cheese and bacon, making it savory and indulgent. The recipe is also versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish to complement your favorite BBQ meal. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare—just mix, cook, and drizzle! It’s an easy way to bring comfort food into your everyday routine while impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Waffle Bites:

Cornbread mix
Buttermilk
Large egg
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

For the Honey Butter Syrup:

Honey
Unsalted butter
Maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of salt

Variations

Cheddar and Bacon: Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the cornbread batter for a savory twist that enhances the flavor profile of the waffles.
Spicy Cornbread: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.
Fruit Topping: Top your cornbread waffles with fresh berries or fruit compote in place of honey butter syrup for a lighter, fruity option.
Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk and a flax egg to make a plant-based version of the cornbread waffles, and swap the honey butter syrup with maple syrup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, buttermilk, and egg. Stir until smooth. If you are adding cheddar cheese and bacon, fold these ingredients into the batter now.

Step 2: Preheat the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 3: Cook the Waffle Bites

Pour a small amount of batter onto the waffle iron, just enough to cover the surface. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Butter Syrup

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the honey, maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cornbread waffles are done, remove them from the waffle iron and serve with a generous drizzle of honey butter syrup on top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Mix the cornbread batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense waffles.
Ensure the Waffle Iron is Preheated: For crispy edges, make sure the waffle iron is hot before adding the batter.
Don’t Skip the Honey Butter Syrup: The sweet and savory syrup is the key to this recipe’s irresistible flavor—don’t leave it out!
Customize the Waffle Bites: Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even different cheeses to suit your taste.

How to Serve

These cornbread waffle bites are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. For a breakfast treat, serve them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. For a savory brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs and sausage or bacon. You can also serve them as a side to barbecue dishes, where the slightly sweet cornbread complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cornbread waffle bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to maintain crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the waffle bites for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, place the waffles in a toaster or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps the waffles become fluffier.

2. Can I make these waffles without a waffle iron?

While the texture won’t be the same, you can cook the batter in a skillet to make cornbread pancakes instead.

3. How do I make these cornbread waffles sweeter?

Increase the amount of honey in the syrup or add a little sugar to the cornbread batter for extra sweetness.

4. Can I make this recipe without the cheese and bacon?

Yes, the cornbread waffles are delicious on their own, but feel free to omit these ingredients if you prefer a lighter version.

5. How long should I cook the waffle bites?

Cook the waffles for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

6. Can I use frozen cornbread mix?

Yes, just follow the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as written.

7. Can I use plant-based butter for the honey butter syrup?

Yes, plant-based butter works just as well in the syrup.

8. What can I serve these waffles with?

These waffles pair well with eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, or even barbecue dishes.

9. How do I make the waffles crispy?

Ensure the waffle iron is preheated and don’t overfill the batter, so the waffles cook evenly and get crispy.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more waffle bites for a larger crowd.

Conclusion

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a fun and delicious twist on traditional cornbread. With their crispy texture and flavorful drizzle of sweet syrup, they’re a hit at any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet breakfast treat, a savory brunch side, or as an accompaniment to a grilled feast, these waffle bites are sure to impress. The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the waffle iron, and enjoy these irresistible bites of comfort.