If you’re searching for a bite-sized treat that packs a punch of Southern comfort, you’ll fall head over heels for these Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup! Imagine crisp, golden mini waffles—each one brimming with sweet corn flavor—dunked in a lusciously creamy honey butter syrup that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them at brunch, as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or as an afternoon snack, this dish is the ultimate blend of nostalgic flavors and modern fun. Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are utterly irresistible—and so easy that you’ll want to make them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup, every ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. The list is simple but absolutely essential—think pantry favorites coming together in the most delightful way to create a comforting Southern-inspired treat.
- Yellow Cornmeal: The foundation of classic cornbread flavor and that signature golden color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Adds fluffiness and structure to help the waffle bites hold their fun, bite-sized shape.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness that brings out the natural flavors of corn and honey.
- Baking Powder: Gives your waffles their lift and lovely pillowy centers.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and wakes up all the underlying flavors.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for a tender, cohesive bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, plus ensures a rich, tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): For rich flavor and that irresistible buttery finish.
- Corn Kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed): Little pops of sweetness and extra freshness in every bite.
- Nonstick Spray: The secret to releasing those golden bites from your waffle maker with ease.
- Unsalted Butter (for syrup): Creates a luscious base for the honey butter syrup.
- Honey: The main event in the syrup—smooth, floral, and perfectly sweet.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Just a splash makes the syrup extra creamy and dreamy.
- Pinch of Salt (for syrup): Enhances all the sweet, buttery notes of the syrup.
How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating up your waffle iron and give it a generous spritz with nonstick spray. This ensures that your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup come out perfectly golden and easy to pop right out—no sticking, no crumbling, just pure bite-sized perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix sets up the crisp texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor that make these bites so delightful.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. This simple step is key to a super tender, moist bite every time.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and give it a gentle stir—just enough to combine. Fold in the corn kernels for little bursts of flavor that make these bites truly special. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are perfectly fine and promise a tender crumb.
Step 5: Spoon and Cook
Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of batter into your mini waffle maker (or space small dollops around a standard waffle iron). Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until crisp and golden, repeating with remaining batter. Keep finished bites warm in a low oven if you want to serve them all at once.
Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Syrup
While your waffle bites cook, prepare the honey butter syrup. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the honey, cream, and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes. This syrup is velvety, rich, and ready for drizzling or dipping.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Serve those fluffy golden waffle bites piping hot, with the honey butter syrup drizzled over or offered on the side for plenty of dipping fun. These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are pure bliss at any gathering or cozy breakfast table.
How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup
Garnishes
Add a touch of pizzazz by sprinkling chopped fresh chives, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a dollop of whipped honey butter over your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup. These little extras make your platter pop with color and extra flavor!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup as part of a brunch spread, pair them with crispy bacon, spicy breakfast sausage, fresh fruit salad, or soft scrambled eggs for a complete, soul-warming meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the warm waffle bites high on a rustic wooden board with individual shot glasses of honey butter syrup for dipping. For an appetizer twist, skewer each bite with a cocktail pick and drizzle with syrup just before serving—watch them disappear in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before covering to maintain that lovely crisp edge.
Freezing
For long-term storage, arrange cooled waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to two months. Freeze the syrup separately in an airtight container.
Reheating
To bring Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup back to life, warm the bites in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Gently reheat the honey butter syrup in the microwave or on the stovetop until just pourable—then dunk away!
FAQs
Can I make these with gluten-free flour?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend for the regular flour. The texture will stay tender, and your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup will still taste deliciously classic.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries at all. Simply mix 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, and use that in place of buttermilk.
Do I need a mini waffle maker?
Mini waffle makers make bite-sized portions extra fun, but a standard waffle iron works beautifully! Just space small scoops of batter apart so the bites don’t run together.
Can I add mix-ins like cheese or jalapeño?
Absolutely! A handful of shredded sharp cheddar or diced jalapeño adds a zesty upgrade to the classic flavor of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup—just fold them in with the corn kernels for a subtle, spicy kick.
How far in advance can I make the syrup?
The honey butter syrup can be made up to three days ahead. Store it in the fridge and gently rewarm before serving; it will keep its velvety texture and irresistible sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup with family and friends—each bite is crisp, creamy, and full of warmth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser you’ll want in your regular rotation. Give it a try and see why everyone falls in love with these Southern-inspired bites!
Print
Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bites
- Category: Appetizer, Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a delightful twist on classic cornbread, served in bite-sized portions with a sweet and buttery syrup drizzle. Perfect for brunch, parties, or as a Southern-inspired appetizer.
Ingredients
For the waffle bites:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- Nonstick spray for waffle iron
For the honey butter syrup:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Lightly spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the waffle bites: Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter in another bowl. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, then fold in corn kernels.
- Cook the waffle bites: Spoon batter into the waffle maker, cook until golden brown. Keep warm if needed.
- Make the syrup: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in honey, cream, and salt. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Drizzle waffle bites with syrup or serve syrup on the side.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Great for brunch, parties, or as an appetizer.
- Top with whipped honey butter for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 waffle bites with syrup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
