If you love Southern comfort food and the magic of brunch, you’re absolutely going to swoon for Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup. Imagine golden, crispy-edged mini waffles with an irresistible cornbread flavor, each bite rich with sweet honey butter. It’s a playful take on classic cornbread, turning a familiar favorite into bite-sized delights perfect for sharing — (or keeping for yourself). Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a party appetizer, or just because, these adorable waffle bites will instantly become your go-to treat of the season!

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient has a small but essential role in creating the perfect texture, crumb, and flavor — from the signature cornmeal to the creamy buttermilk and the silky honey butter syrup on top.

Cornmeal: This is the star ingredient, delivering that signature southern cornbread flavor and a delicate crunch in every bite.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure and helps keep the waffles light and tender, balancing the cornmeal’s texture.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the cornbread flavors.
Baking powder: Leavens the batter for fluffiness, so every waffle bite is airy and not dense.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for the perfect rise and a subtle tang.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and makes the sweetness pop.
Buttermilk: Gives the batter a rich, tangy flavor while keeping the waffles moist and tender.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
Melted butter or vegetable oil: Ensures your waffle bites are rich and never dry, with a lovely golden crust.
Unsalted butter (for syrup): The base for your honey butter syrup, adding creaminess and sheen.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the syrup and brings floral undertones.
Maple syrup: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the honey butter syrup.
Pinch of salt (for syrup): A tiny bit balances and intensifies the sweetness of the syrup.

How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures a perfectly even crumb and a cornbread batter that comes together in a flash — no pesky lumps or surprises!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, briskly mix the buttermilk, eggs, and either melted butter or vegetable oil. This mixture is what gives Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup their richness and that satisfying, tender bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients over your dry mixture, then gently fold them together until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix — a lumpy batter here is actually a good thing and will give your waffle bites the most amazing texture.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep Your Waffle Maker

Now’s the time to fire up your mini waffle maker or standard waffle iron. Give it a light spray with oil if necessary to minimize sticking. The sizzle as the batter hits the grids is your culinary green light!

Step 5: Cook the Waffle Bites

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the batter into your hot waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bites are golden, crispy on the edges, and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter — your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 6: Whip Up the Honey Butter Syrup

While the waffle bites cook, combine unsalted butter, honey, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Stir gently over low heat until the butter melts and everything melds into a warm, dreamy syrup. Do yourself a favor and taste-test (for science, of course).

Step 7: Serve with Style

Pile the warm cornbread waffle bites onto a platter and drizzle generously with that golden honey butter syrup. Alternatively, serve it on the side for dipping — either way, you’re about to delight everyone at the table.

How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup

Garnishes

For a gorgeous presentation, top your platter of Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup with a final drizzle of syrup, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a bit of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color. A scatter of smoked paprika or cayenne can add intriguing heat as well!

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with crispy fried chicken, hearty chili, or a fresh, zesty salad. For a brunch spread, set them alongside scrambled eggs, sliced avocado, or fruit salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup into skewers for parties, stack them high with a toothpick for poppable appetizers, or serve them mini-sandwich style with pulled pork or pimento cheese tucked between two bites. The options for fun are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the honey butter syrup in a separate jar, also refrigerated.

Freezing

Freeze the fully cooled waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. The honey butter syrup can be frozen in an airtight container; just thaw in the fridge before using.

Reheating

To warm up, toast the waffle bites in a 350°F oven for about five minutes, or pop them in a toaster. Warm the honey butter syrup gently in a saucepan or microwave and drizzle over just before serving. The result is every bit as delicious as fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup in a regular-sized waffle iron?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a mini waffle maker, simply use a regular waffle iron and cut the waffles into quarters or squares for bite-sized pieces. The flavor and texture are just as fantastic.

What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?

Mix in shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, or even crumbled cooked bacon to the batter for a savory spin. A pinch of cayenne adds gentle heat that’s perfect with the honey butter syrup.

How do I keep Cornbread Waffle Bites crisp?

Let the finished bites cool on a wire rack so steam can escape and they stay crisp. Avoid stacking them while hot, as this can make them soft.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap it for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a binding agent for best results.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a hit at gatherings, and the recipe can be doubled or even tripled. Cook the bites in batches and keep them warm in a low oven until it’s time to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s crowd-pleasing, fun to eat, and guaranteed to bring smiles, Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup deliver every single time. They’re simple to make, irresistibly moreish, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or sharing with friends and family. Give them a try — your table (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 waffle bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a delightful twist on traditional cornbread. The crispy, golden waffle bites with a touch of sweetness from the honey butter syrup make for a perfect appetizer, breakfast treat, or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Waffle Bites:

1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

For the Honey Butter Syrup:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons maple syrup
pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Waffle Maker: Preheat a mini waffle maker or standard waffle iron.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Cook Waffle Bites: Lightly grease the waffle maker, spoon batter into the center, and cook according to the waffle maker’s instructions.
Make Honey Butter Syrup: In a saucepan, melt the butter, honey, maple syrup, and salt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Serve: Serve the warm waffle bites drizzled with honey butter syrup or with syrup on the side for dipping.

Notes

Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick, or mix in shredded cheese or chopped jalapeños for a savory version.
These waffle bites are versatile and make a great accompaniment to dishes like fried chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Appetizer
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: Southern American