Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

I’m thrilled to present this inventive recipe for Cornbread Waffle Bites—with smoky gouda and a honey drip, every bite feels like the perfect mix of comfort and flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how these waffle bites deliver crispy edges and a tender, cheesy center in under 30 minutes. The smoked gouda adds a rich, savory twist, while the honey drizzle balances it with light sweetness. They’re perfect for brunch, snacks, or surprise appetizers—and always disappear fast

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 Tbsp lemon juice)

• 2 Tbsp melted butter

• 1 large egg

• ¾–1 cup shredded smoked gouda (plus extra for topping)

• Cooking spray or melted butter (for waffle iron)

• Honey, for drizzling

Directions

1. I preheat my waffle iron and grease it well so the bites release easily

2. In a bowl, I whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, I whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter, then pour it into the dry mix—stirring just until combined.

4. I gently fold in the shredded smoked gouda.

5. I scoop about 2 Tbsp of batter per waffle pocket, close the iron, and cook until golden and crisp (about 3–4 minutes)

6. I transfer the bites to a wire rack to stay crisp.

7. I sprinkle extra gouda on top and briefly bake them at 350 °F until the cheese melts (3–5 minutes).

8. I finish with a warm honey drizzle—and fresh thyme if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 8–12 bites

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: ~20 minutes

• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Swap smoked gouda for cheddar, pepper jack, or feta for a different flavor.

• Stir in diced jalapeños or chili flakes for heat.

• Fold in herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary to brighten the taste.

• Go gluten-free by using a 1:1 GF flour blend.

Storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container on the countertop for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4. To restore crispiness, I reheat them in a 350 °F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes—no microwave, please!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely—I prepare the batter in the fridge overnight or cook the waffle bites ahead and crisp them right before serving.

Can I use a regular waffle iron instead of minis?

Yes! You can use a full-size waffle iron and slice the larger waffles into smaller squares afterward.

How do I prevent soggy waffle bites?

Letting them cool on a wire rack prevents steam from softening them—this step makes all the difference.

Is smoked gouda necessary?

Not at all. You can substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese to mix things up.

Can I freeze them?

Definitely. I flash-freeze them flat, then transfer to a freezer bag. They reheat beautifully in an air fryer or toaster oven.

Conclusion

These Cornbread Waffle Bites deliver a winning combo of crunchy, cheesy, and sweet in snackable form. They’re easy, customizable, and always impress guests. I love how quickly they come together—and how quickly they disappear. I hope they become a favorite in my kitchen—and yours too!

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