If your idea of snack heaven is a blend of comfort food with a gourmet twist, you’ll fall in love at the first bite with Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey. These adorable little waffles bring together the nostalgic flavors of golden cornbread, the rich melt of smoked Gouda, and a final flourish of sweet honey. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a show-stopping appetizer, or just upgrading snack time, this recipe turns a few simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, creating layers of flavor that surprise and delight with every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:

Cornbread Mix (or Homemade Cornbread Batter): This is your fluffy, golden foundation; either boxed or from scratch, it sets the stage for everything else.
Smoked Gouda Cheese, Grated: This gives a melty richness and gentle smoky flavor that elevates each morsel above your average waffle.
Egg: Egg brings structure and ensures your waffles are sturdy enough to pick up, dip, or load up with toppings.
Milk: Helps bind the batter and adds a lovely moist texture, so the bites aren’t too dry.
Butter, Melted: Adds a depth of flavor and richness, as well as helping the waffles crisp up in the iron.
Honey (for drizzling): The secret to the sweet-salty magic; it’s that final touch that makes guests swoon.
Olive Oil or Non-Stick Spray (for greasing): Ensures your waffle bites slide right out of the waffle iron, golden and gorgeous.

How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Step 1: Fire Up the Waffle Iron

To kick things off, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions. You want it nice and hot so the batter cooks evenly and develops a golden, crispy finish. Give the grids a light brush of olive oil or a quick spray with non-stick so your mini waffles don’t stick. This will make removing them a breeze and keep the pieces looking picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavor-Packed Batter

Next, prepare your cornbread batter in a medium bowl. If you’re using a box mix, just follow those instructions—otherwise, whip up your favorite homemade blend. The magic happens when you add the grated smoked Gouda: fold it gently into the mix, ensuring each bite is dotted with cheesy, smoky goodness. The aroma at this point is already going to make you hungry!

Step 3: Waffle Time

Spoon the batter into the preheated waffle iron, being careful to fill each section only halfway. This leaves room for the batter to expand and for the cheese to bubble without making a mess. Close the lid and let your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re puffed, crispy at the edges, and deeply golden brown.

Step 4: Plate With Care

When the waffle bites are done, gently lift them from the iron and set them on a serving platter. They’ll be warm, a little crisp, and beautifully flecked with bits of melted Gouda. Let them cool just enough that they’re safe to handle, but serve them while they’re still warm for the best experience.

Step 5: Drizzle and Enjoy!

This is where the magic of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey really shines. Right before serving, give each bite a generous drizzle of honey—let it sink into all the little crevices. The sweetness brings all the flavors together, making these bites completely irresistible. Serve immediately for maximum pleasure!

How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped chives or parsley across the tops right after drizzling with honey. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add flair and a tiny kick. If you want to get truly decadent, a few curls of extra smoked Gouda never hurt anyone.

Side Dishes

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey pair beautifully with fresh salads—think crisp greens with citrus vinaigrette—or alongside a comforting bowl of chili. For brunch, they buddy up well with crispy bacon or tangy fruit preserves. They’re flexible enough for any spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by stacking the waffle bites in a mini-tower, skewering them with cocktail picks for easy party snacks. You can even cut them into quarters and serve as tiny canapés, topped with a dab of crème fraîche or a sliver of jalapeño for an extra wow factor. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have a few Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey left over, pop them into an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready to reheat for an instant snack or side.

Freezing

These waffle bites freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zipper bag or container. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive leftover or frozen Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey, pop them into a toaster oven or regular oven until heated through and re-crisped—usually 5-8 minutes at 350°F does the trick. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that delightful crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of smoked Gouda?

Absolutely! While the smoky flavor of Gouda is iconic here, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even Gruyère would all give delicious results. Choose your favorite for your own twist on Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free cornbread mix or baking blend, these waffle bites can be made completely gluten-free. Double-check your mix and all added ingredients to ensure they’re safe for your needs.

Can I make mini versions for parties?

Definitely! Use a mini waffle maker or simply spoon smaller amounts of batter into your regular iron. Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey make perfect finger food for gatherings.

What’s the best way to keep them warm for a crowd?

Keep finished waffle bites in a low oven (200°F) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This holds them at just the right temperature and texture until you’re ready to serve everyone.

Could I add extra mix-ins to the batter?

For sure! Try folding in chopped scallions, cooked bacon bits, or diced jalapeños if you want to customize your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey. Adjust to your taste and let your creativity shine.

Final Thoughts

With their cozy texture, smoky cheese, and kiss of honey, Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are truly a game-changer for any table. I hope you’ll give them a try and discover just how easy and satisfying these bites can be, whether served for brunch, a weeknight treat, or your next big gathering. Happy cooking!

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 waffle bites
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors in a fun bite-sized form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty snack, these waffle bites are easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Cornbread Waffle Bites:

Cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread batter)
Smoked Gouda cheese, grated
Egg
Milk
Butter, melted

For Serving:

Honey (for drizzling)
Olive oil or non-stick spray (for greasing the waffle iron)

Instructions

Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the package instructions (or use your favorite homemade cornbread recipe). Add the grated smoked Gouda cheese to the batter and mix well.
Cook the Waffle Bites: Spoon the cornbread batter into the preheated waffle iron, filling each section about halfway. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Carefully remove the waffle bites from the waffle iron and set them on a serving plate. Drizzle with honey just before serving to add a touch of sweetness to the savory waffles. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

These waffle bites are best served fresh and warm.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding herbs or spices to the cornbread batter.
Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor variations.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Method: Waffle
Cuisine: American