If you love the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors of Southern comfort food but want a bite-sized twist perfect for entertaining or snacking, Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are about to become your new weakness! Each bite delivers a delightful crunch and golden color from classic cornbread, deeply savory notes from smoked Gouda, and a delicate finish of honey for that irresistible sweet touch. Whether you serve them as a novel appetizer or a memorable brunch treat, these waffle bites pack a punch of flavor and will have everyone grabbing for seconds (and thirds).

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of pantry staples and a few star ingredients to bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to life. Each one plays a specific role, ensuring the Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are tender, flavorful, and perfectly crisp.

Cornmeal: Provides the golden color and signature, rustic texture of true Southern cornbread.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure and lightness to balance the coziness of the cornmeal.
Sugar: Just a hint, enhancing flavor and giving subtle sweetness without overpowering.
Baking powder: Makes the waffle bites puff up with that gorgeous, airy interior.
Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk to tenderize and lift the batter.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and highlighting the cheese.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the bites moist; feel free to use whole milk with a splash of vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
Large egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive, fluffy texture.
Unsalted butter, melted: Lends a subtle richness and that unmistakable buttery flavor.
Smoked Gouda cheese, shredded: The smoky kick and creamy melt are what make these bites truly addictive.
Honey: Blends into the batter for gentle sweetness and is perfect for drizzling on top.
Nonstick spray or melted butter: Keeps the waffle bites from sticking and helps achieve crisp edges.

How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron

Begin by heating up your mini waffle maker or standard waffle iron. A preheated iron ensures each Cornbread Waffle Bite comes out perfectly golden and crisp, so don’t rush this step. Lightly grease the iron with nonstick spray or a swipe of melted butter for easy release and extra flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these thoroughly guarantees no clumps and creates a consistent flavor base for your waffle bites.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until the mixture is nicely combined and smooth. This step gives the batter its tender crumb and rich flavor, ensuring every bite is as moist as can be.

Step 4: Combine and Add Flavor

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry—gently stir until just mixed. Overmixing can make the bites tough, so a light hand is key! Now, here’s the magic: fold in the shredded smoked Gouda and that silky honey. The batter should be laced with cheesy ribbons and just a trace of sweetness.

Step 5: Waffle Time

Scoop small portions of batter into the hot, greased waffle iron. If you’re using a mini waffle maker, aim for heaping tablespoons; for a full-size iron, work in smaller batches or the center section. Close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the bites are puffed and deeply golden. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the finished Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey to a platter while still warm. Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle a bit more smoked Gouda on top, and watch as people flock to your table. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but don’t be surprised if none are left for later!

How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just about looks; it lifts the flavor to another level. Finish your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey with generous drizzles of warm honey, shower them with extra shredded Gouda, or even add a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color and a whisper of oniony freshness. Your party platter will look (and taste) irresistible.

Side Dishes

Round out your serving with fresh, crisp salads, a bowl of spiced nuts, or seasonal fruit for a gorgeous contrast of textures and flavors. These waffle bites make a fabulous sidekick to a hearty chili, creamy soups, or even a savory brunch spread with eggs and roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the appetizer tray! Stack a couple of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey and skewer with a toothpick for easy grab-and-go party snacks. For a brunch buffet, serve them atop little puddles of honey or arrange them with fresh thyme sprigs. Or, let kids dunk them in extra honey on the side for interactive snacking fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If—by some miracle—you have any Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey left, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay tasty and soft, ready for a quick snack or a future brunch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that just-made crispness, reheat Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The honey caramelizes slightly, and the edges turn perfectly crisp—just like fresh! Avoid the microwave if you want to retain their irresistible texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of smoked Gouda?

Absolutely! While smoked Gouda gives a luxurious, smoky depth, sharp cheddar or even pepper jack work beautifully for a more classic or spicy twist. Grate the cheese yourself for best melt and flavor.

Can I make these without a mini waffle maker?

Yes! If you have a standard waffle iron, simply pour the batter into small sections or dollop onto the center and break into bites after cooking. The cooking time stays roughly the same, just be sure not to overfill the iron.

What makes these bites vegetarian?

This recipe contains no meat or meat-based products, making Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey a tasty vegetarian option for parties, brunches, or even a light dinner alongside other sides.

How can I make them spicier?

For a subtle kick, swap half the smoked Gouda for pepper jack cheese. You can also stir in a pinch of cayenne, finely chopped jalapeños, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce right into the batter.

Do these work for meal prepping or packed lunches?

Definitely! Pack Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey in lunchboxes (with a little honey on the side for dipping) and watch them disappear. They taste great at room temperature as well, making them snack-friendly and portable.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching a tray of these golden Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey vanish in minutes. With their bold flavors and playful presentation, they’ll quickly become your go-to for potlucks, picnics, and cozy nights at home. I hope you fall in love with this recipe as much as I have—don’t wait to give them a try and make your next gathering a little more memorable!

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 18–20 mini waffle bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are a delightful fusion of southern flavors in a bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cheesy and sweet notes, these waffle bites make for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
nonstick spray or melted butter for waffle iron

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Instructions

Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat a mini waffle maker or standard waffle iron.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in smoked Gouda and honey.
Cook Waffles: Grease waffle iron, pour batter to make mini waffles, or small sections for full-sized iron. Cook until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve: Serve warm with honey drizzle and extra smoked Gouda if desired.

Notes

You can substitute smoked Gouda with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier twist.
To make ahead, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired