There’s something irresistible about a dish that combines smoky cheese, sweet honey, and the homestyle comfort of cornbread. Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are a golden, melt-in-your-mouth bite that’s equal parts sophisticated appetizer and nostalgic treat. The crispy edges of the waffles hug gooey bits of smoked Gouda, while a honey drizzle creates the perfect sweet-savory finish. Whether you serve them for brunch, as a party starter, or as an anytime snack, this playful twist on classic cornbread will have everyone asking for seconds!

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 is how each simple ingredient pulls its weight to create truly memorable flavor. From the rich melted cheese to the golden, buttery crumb of the waffles, there’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of special touches that make all the difference.

Cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread batter): The star of the show, providing a fluffy, slightly sweet, and crisp base for your waffle bites.
Smoked Gouda cheese, grated: This cheese adds a velvety texture and a hint of smoky complexity that takes the waffles up a notch.
Egg: Essential for binding the batter and creating a tender, cohesive waffle bite.
Milk: Keeps the batter moist and ensures the finished waffles are light, not dense.
Butter, melted: For richness and flavor, plus it helps keep the waffle bites from sticking.
Honey (for drizzling): Just a touch brings everything together with its floral sweetness.
Olive oil or non-stick spray (for greasing the waffle iron): Helps the bites pop out with those coveted crispy edges every single time!

How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Waffle Iron

Get your waffle iron nice and hot according to its instructions. This ensures you’ll get that golden, crispy exterior on each bite. Give it a good, even coating of olive oil or non-stick spray so your waffles slide out easily and keep their adorable bite-sized shapes.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cornbread Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whip up your cornbread batter using either a reliable store-bought mix or your cherished homemade recipe. Stir in the grated smoked Gouda at this stage—folding it in gently so every bite gets a little gooey, cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Waffle Iron Magic

Spoon the Gouda-laced cornbread batter into the preheated waffle iron. Aim to fill each section just halfway, since they’ll puff up as they cook. Close the lid and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, watching for a rich golden color and crispy edges.

Step 4: Cool and Plate

Once the waffles are golden and cooked through, carefully pop them out with a fork or tongs and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for a minute or so; this helps the cheese set and makes them easier to handle.

Step 5: Drizzle with Honey and Serve

Right before serving, give your cornbread waffle bites with smoked Gouda and honey a generous drizzle of honey. Serve them warm and watch your guests’ eyes light up with the first bite!

How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped chives, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a few delicate microgreens can make your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey as pretty as they are delicious. For extra visual appeal, add a pinch of flaky sea salt right on top of the honeyed waffles.

Side Dishes

Pair with a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette, a side of crispy bacon, or even a colorful fruit platter for a full brunch spread. The sweet-and-savory profile also plays well with spicy pickled jalapenos or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a cheerful platter, arrange atop wooden boards for rustic charm, or pop a mini waffle bite on a cocktail pick for bite-size finger food. Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey shine at brunch buffets or as cozy appetizers at your next get-together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before packing them up so they stay fresh and don’t turn soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, layer cooled waffle bites between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to three months—making them a snacking lifesaver whenever a craving strikes!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and re-crisped. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the bites might lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese besides smoked Gouda?

Absolutely! While smoked Gouda pairs beautifully with the honey and cornbread, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even creamy brie. Each cheese brings a unique twist to the waffle bites.

Do I need a mini waffle iron or will a standard one work?

You can use either type of waffle iron. A mini iron delivers perfect party-sized bites, but a standard waffle maker works just as well—simply cut the finished waffles into smaller sections for serving.

Is it possible to make these gluten free?

Definitely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free cornbread mix or recipe. Every other ingredient in Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey is naturally gluten free, so the adaptation is easy.

How do I prevent my waffle bites from sticking?

Be sure to grease your waffle iron thoroughly before cooking each batch. Using olive oil or a quality non-stick spray really helps, and don’t rush the cooking process—letting the waffles crisp up before removing them will keep them intact.

Can I mix the honey directly into the batter?

You can, but you’ll lose that wonderful, glossy drizzle on top. Mixing honey into the batter adds sweetness throughout, while drizzling keeps it as a show-stopping finish. For the best of both worlds, try both!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the charm and flavor punch of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey. They’re the kind of treat people remember and ask about long after the last bite. Give this recipe a try and see how quickly these easy, crowd-pleasing bites become your new favorite too!

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 12 waffle bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors in a fun bite-sized form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a party appetizer, these waffle bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Mix:

1 package cornbread mix or homemade cornbread batter

Smoked Gouda Cheese:

1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, grated

Egg Mixture:

1 egg

Milk Mixture:

1/2 cup milk

Butter Mixture:

1/4 cup butter, melted

Additional:

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

Instructions

Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, mix the cornbread batter with grated smoked Gouda cheese.
Cook Waffles: Spoon the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Drizzle with honey and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize these waffle bites by adding diced jalapenos or bacon to the batter for extra flavor.
Make sure not to overfill the waffle iron to prevent overflow.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle bite
Calories: 120
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Cornbread Waffle Bites, Smoked Gouda, Honey, Waffle Iron Recipe