Cornbread waffle bites smoked recipe – 25 min, 16 bites

This cornbread waffle bites smoked recipe makes 16 golden, crispy mini waffles topped with melty smoked gouda and a sweet drizzle of honey — all done in just 25 minutes using a mini waffle iron. I’ve made these for every party and brunch I’ve hosted in the past year and they’re always the first thing to disappear from the platter.

I first made these on a Saturday morning when I had friends coming over for brunch and wanted something different from the usual muffins and fruit. I mixed up the batter, heated my mini waffle iron, and had the first batch golden and topped with cheese within ten minutes. My best friend grabbed one, took a bite, and immediately said, “You have to give me this recipe before I leave today.”

What I love most is that contrast — the outside is crispy and golden from the waffle iron, and then you get the warm, smoky gouda melting on top with that sweet honey drizzle tying it all together. I’ve made cornbread plenty of ways, but pressing it into a waffle iron and topping it with smoked cheese is the only version my family gets excited about now.

Why you’ll love this cornbread waffle bites with smoked gouda and honey

• Golden and crispy in 25 minutes — The waffle iron gives each bite a crunchy outside while the inside stays soft and tender.
• Sweet and savory in every bite — Smoky gouda and honey on warm cornbread is a combination that’s hard to stop eating.
• Makes 16 perfect bites — The ideal amount for a brunch spread, party platter, or snacking with the family.
• So simple to make — I usually have the batter mixed in under 5 minutes with pantry staples I always keep on hand.
• My tested tip — I’ve found that adding the gouda right after pulling the waffles off the iron gives the best melt from the residual heat. If I want it even gooier, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 30 seconds — that’s the sweet spot.

Ingredients overview

The batter is a simple mix of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and a touch of sugar — it comes together fast and stays tender without overmixing. Smoked gouda gets sliced thin and placed on top while the waffles are still warm, and a drizzle of honey finishes them off. I tried using sharp cheddar once instead of the gouda and it tasted good, but the smoky flavor of the gouda is what makes these really special — I’d stick with it if you can find it.

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 oz smoked gouda, thinly sliced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• Cooking spray or oil for waffle iron

Directions

1. Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each section of the waffle iron to create mini waffles.
6. Cook until golden and crisp, following your waffle maker’s instructions.
7. Transfer waffles to a wire rack to cool slightly.
8. While still warm, top each mini waffle with a slice or pinch of smoked gouda.
9. Drizzle lightly with honey just before serving.
10. Optional: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese before drizzling with honey.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 16 bites
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 110 kcal

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the batter.
• Cheese swap: Try with sharp cheddar, brie, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Sweet addition: Add a dollop of fruit preserves or fig jam under the cheese.
• Herb infusion: Mix fresh thyme or chives into the batter for an earthy taste.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or reheat in a toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked waffle bites (without honey) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

How Do I Keep The Waffle Bites Crispy?

Let the bites cool on a wire rack after cooking to prevent sogginess. Reheat in the oven to revive the crisp texture.

Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the waffles a day ahead. Top with cheese and reheat before serving, then drizzle with honey.

What Type Of Waffle Maker Should I Use?

Any waffle maker works, but a mini waffle maker helps create perfect bite-sized portions.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

Yes, but freshly sliced or shredded smoked gouda melts better and has more flavor.

Is There A Vegan Version Of This Recipe?

Yes, use plant-based milk and cheese, egg replacer, and vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

Can I Add Toppings Besides Honey?

Absolutely. Try hot honey, maple syrup, or a savory chutney for different tastes.

Are These Freezer-Friendly?

Yes. Freeze them before adding honey and reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I Make This Without A Waffle Iron?

Yes. Use a griddle or skillet to make mini pancakes instead of waffles.

What’s The Best Way To Serve These?

Serve warm on a platter with a honey drizzle just before guests arrive.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Definitely. Double the ingredients to make 32 bites, perfect for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are an irresistible fusion of sweet and savory that’s ideal for parties, brunch, or a creative appetizer. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish is a must-try for any cheese or cornbread lover. Whether you’re entertaining or treating yourself, these waffle bites are sure to impress.

You might also love these sweet, savory, and honey-drizzled favorites

If you love the mix of sweet honey and savory comfort food, there’s so much more to try on the blog. For another cornbread treat, the Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are buttery, golden, and perfect for snacking. The Smoked Cajun Honey Butter Salmon brings bold smoky-sweet flavor to dinner. For more fun bite-sized snacks, try the Spicy Mexican Corn Bites or the Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites — both are crunchy and craveable. And when you’re in the mood for something sweet with honey, the Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is a gorgeous side dish.

Cornbread Waffle Bites With Smoked Gouda And Honey

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet and savory bite-sized cornbread waffles topped with creamy smoked gouda and drizzled with golden honey. Perfect for brunch or as an appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 oz smoked gouda, thinly sliced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• Cooking spray or oil for waffle iron

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Instructions

1. Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spoon small portions of batter into the waffle iron to create mini waffles (about 1 tablespoon each).
6. Cook according to waffle maker instructions until golden and crisp.
7. Remove waffles and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
8. While still warm, top each waffle bite with a small piece of smoked gouda.
9. Drizzle with honey just before serving.
10. Optional: briefly warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven to melt the cheese before drizzling with honey for an extra gooey bite.

Notes

• Use a mini waffle iron for best results.
• Smoked gouda can be substituted with any melty cheese you prefer.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Waffle Iron
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg