Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a perfectly poppable twist on classic Southern flavors, Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup will become your new brunch obsession. Each fluffy, golden waffle bite packs all the soul of cornbread into a crisp, bite-sized treat, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Paired with a decadent honey butter syrup that drizzles down every nook and cranny, these irresistible morsels combine sweet, buttery richness with that fabulously nostalgic cornbread flavor. Whether you’re planning a big family brunch or need a showstopping party snack, this playful recipe is sure to win everyone over with its irresistible charm and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup couldn’t be simpler, and it all starts with a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient is handpicked for its role in delivering the best flavor, tender texture, and those crisp, perfectly golden edges everyone loves.
- Yellow Cornmeal: The heart and soul of cornbread flavor, lending a gorgeous gold color and signature crunch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightens the batter, making the bites tender without sacrificing their cornmeal character.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness that highlights the corn and balances the buttery richness.
- Baking Powder: Fluffs up each bite and ensures sky-high waffle pockets for the syrup.
- Baking Soda: Works with the buttermilk to give a light texture and just a hint of tang.
- Salt: Brightens flavors, keeping the sweetness in check and making every ingredient sing.
- Buttermilk: Adds unmatched tenderness and lift, plus that classic Southern tang.
- Milk: Blends perfectly with the buttermilk for just the right consistency.
- Large Egg: Holds everything together and keeps your waffle bites moist.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Richness and flavor in every single bite.
- Nonstick Spray or Oil: Absolutely essential for a crisp, golden exterior and easy waffle removal.
- Honey: For the syrup, it’s pure liquid gold—sweet and floral, a natural pairing with cornbread.
- More Unsalted Butter (for syrup): Turns the honey into a velvety, pourable topping.
- Maple Syrup (optional): Adds a deeper sweetness and hint of caramel to the honey butter syrup.
- Pinch of Salt (for syrup): Rounds out the flavors so each drizzle is perfectly balanced.
How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your waffle iron to preheat and give it a generous mist of nonstick spray or a light brush of oil. You want it fully heated so your waffle bites cook up crisp and golden on the outside, with tender, fluffy centers. This is the secret to creating bites that hold up beautifully under a drizzle of honey butter syrup without turning soggy!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step makes sure all your leaveners and seasonings are distributed evenly, which means every bite tastes just as delicious as the last.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl and beat together the buttermilk, milk, egg, and melted butter until you have a smooth, creamy blend. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and flavor, all ready to mingle with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine to Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can make the waffle bites tough, while a quick stir keeps them soft and tender.
Step 5: Cook the Waffle Bites
Spoon small dollops of batter onto the preheated waffle iron, aiming for bite-sized portions (a heaping tablespoon works well). Close the lid and cook according to your machine’s instructions, until each bite is deeply golden and just crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter, taking care not to overcrowd.
Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Syrup
While your waffle bites cook, make the honey butter syrup: melt butter gently in a small saucepan, then stir in honey, a splash of maple syrup if you like, and a pinch of salt. Warm until smooth and velvety, stirring occasionally—don’t let it boil! When finished, you’ll have a luscious syrup that’s tailor-made for pouring over your warm, toasty cornbread waffle bites.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the freshly cooked waffle bites on a platter and serve right away, drizzling generously with the warm honey butter syrup. The combination of crisp edges, tender interiors, and that dreamy syrup will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup
Garnishes
For an extra festive finish, sprinkle your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup with a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of finely chopped pecans, or a bit of fresh minced chive for a pop of color and subtle savoriness. Even a little zest of lemon or orange brings a bright counterpoint to the honeyed richness.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweet and savory with sides like creamy scrambled eggs, peppery breakfast sausage, or a crisp, tangy fruit salad. These bites pair beautifully with classic Southern brunch staples, from smoky bacon to a zesty black bean salad, keeping things both comforting and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup onto toothpicks for a fun, grab-and-go appetizer, or layer them in jars with berries and extra syrup for eye-catching brunch parfaits. For parties, set up a DIY mini waffle bar with hearty and sweet toppings so everyone can build their own creation—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stash your leftover Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for sneaky breakfast bites or easy snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
Freeze any extra waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. This keeps them from sticking together, so you can grab just a portion or two as needed. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To refresh that just-cooked crunch, warm the bites in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, but the toaster oven brings back that irresistible crispness.
FAQs
Can I make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep and cook the bites a day ahead, then reheat quickly just before serving. The honey butter syrup also reheats beautifully—just give it a quick stir as you warm it up.
What’s the best way to get perfectly bite-sized waffles?
For uniformly portioned bites, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the batter. Leave space between each dollop on your waffle iron, and don’t overfill to avoid merging waffles.
Can I add cheese or spices to the batter?
Definitely! Try stirring in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for flavor twists. These customizations play beautifully with the sweet honey butter syrup.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds that classic tang and tenderness, but if you don’t have it, you can make a quick substitute: mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes, then use as directed.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring it’s one that performs well in baked goods, and your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup will still turn out light and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something playful, warm, and absolutely brimming with sweet Southern hospitality, these Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are sure to hit the spot. Give this recipe a whirl and share it with friends or family; it’s the perfect way to turn any morning into a brunch to remember. Enjoy every golden, syrup-drizzled bite!
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Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 waffle bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a delightful twist on traditional cornbread, perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack. The crispy waffles drizzled with warm honey butter syrup are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
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Cornbread Waffle Bites:
1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), nonstick spray or oil for waffle iron
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Honey Butter Syrup:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional), pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just moistened.
- Cook Waffles: Spoon batter into the waffle iron to make bite-sized waffles. Cook until golden and crisp.
- Make Honey Butter Syrup: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in honey, maple syrup, and salt. Warm until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm waffle bites with honey butter syrup and enjoy!
Notes
- These waffle bites are perfect for brunch or as a sweet-savory side dish.
- Try adding cinnamon or shredded cheese to the batter for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 waffle bites with syrup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
