If you are looking for a snack that’s bursting with comforting flavors and perfect for any time of day, the Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. These fluffy, golden cornbread bites have a delightful crisp exterior and a tender crumb, made even more irresistible with a drizzle of warm, luscious honey butter syrup that melts in your mouth. Whether you want something sweet, savory, or a little bit of both, this recipe offers an easy and fun way to enjoy cornbread in a whole new bite-sized form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple yet flavorful is key to this recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role—whether it’s to add moisture, texture, or that classic Southern touch that makes cornbread so beloved.
- 1 cup cornbread mix: The base that gives structure and that unmistakable corn flavor and crumb texture.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture that keeps the waffle bites tender inside.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into gooey pockets of flavor for a savory twist.
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): Adds a smoky, salty crunch that balances sweet and savory.
- 1/4 cup honey: The star of the syrup that gives the perfect sweet finish.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and depth to the honey butter syrup.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional): Adds complexity and richness to the syrup for extra flavor layers.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Maker
Start by heating your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that the cornbread bites cook evenly and develop a gorgeous golden crisp without sticking. It’s an easy step but super important for the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a bowl, combine the cornbread mix, buttermilk, and egg. Stir these together until everything is just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the waffle bites dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon (If Using)
This is where you can get creative. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the batter for extra savory notes. These optional ingredients elevate the dish, turning it into an indulgent bite with melty cheese and smoky bacon bits bursting through.
Step 4: Cook the Waffle Bites
Lightly grease your waffle iron to prevent sticking, then pour the batter on the hot plates. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the cornbread bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This quick step transforms the batter into small, perfectly shaped bites with a delightful crunch and moist interior.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Butter Syrup
While the waffles are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, maple syrup if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt. Warm everything through until the syrup is smooth and fragrant, ready to drizzle over the warm cornbread waffle bites.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Remove the cooked cornbread waffle bites from the maker and immediately drizzle with the warm honey butter syrup. The syrup seeps into every nook and cranny, creating an irresistible bite of sweet and savory goodness.
How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top if you want a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar can also be a lovely touch if you lean towards sweeter bites.
Side Dishes
Pair these cornbread waffle bites with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance richness. For brunch, crispy fried chicken or scrambled eggs make a perfect accompaniment that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bites in a mini cupcake tin for a fun presentation, or stack them with layers of honey butter syrup between for a waffle bites tower. You could even skewer them with fresh berries and a drizzle of syrup for an eye-catching appetizer plate at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cornbread waffle bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a make-ahead treat or quick grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the cooked waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the waffle bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful crispiness intact.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Use dairy-free butter for the syrup, and skip the cheese or try a non-dairy alternative. The texture and taste remain delightful.
Can I use regular waffle batter instead of cornbread mix?
While regular waffle batter works, the star of this recipe is the cornbread flavor and texture—which you get from the cornbread mix. Using a different batter will change the taste and may lose that distinctive cornbread charm.
Is there a way to make these into bigger waffles?
You can absolutely scale up the batter and cook them in a full-sized waffle maker, but keep in mind the syrup ratio may need to be increased to maintain that perfect sweet butter coating on every bite.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free cornbread mix. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients like bacon and syrup to ensure they are gluten-free. The texture and taste will be just as satisfying.
How long does the honey butter syrup keep?
The honey butter syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before drizzling to bring back its smooth, pourable consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe is a celebration of cozy flavors packed into an easy-to-make, bite-sized treat. Whether you are sharing with friends, serving breakfast or snacks, or simply indulging yourself, these bites deliver warmth and comfort in every mouthful. I can’t recommend giving this delightful recipe a try enough—it’s one of those small dishes that leaves a big impression!
Print
Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a delicious twist on classic cornbread, cooked in a waffle maker for a crispy exterior and tender interior. Enhanced with optional cheddar cheese and bacon, and served with a warm, sweet honey butter syrup, they make a perfect breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Waffle Bites
- 1 cup cornbread mix
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Honey Butter Syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the batter.
- Mix Batter: In a bowl, combine the cornbread mix, buttermilk, and egg. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon if using, mixing gently to incorporate these flavorful additions evenly throughout the batter.
- Cook Waffle Bites: Lightly grease the waffle maker to prevent sticking. Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and cook until the bites are golden brown and crisp, which takes about 3-4 minutes depending on your waffle maker.
- Prepare Honey Butter Syrup: While the waffle bites are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add honey, maple syrup if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until well combined and warmed through to create a smooth syrup.
- Serve: Remove the cornbread waffle bites from the waffle maker once cooked, drizzle generously with the warm honey butter syrup, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can omit the cheddar cheese and bacon to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Adjust the sweetness of the honey butter syrup by varying the amount of honey and maple syrup.
- Use a non-stick spray or brush the waffle maker with melted butter to avoid sticking.
- Serve with additional syrups or toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Ensure the waffle maker is properly preheated for even cooking and crispy texture.
