If you’re in the mood for bite-sized comfort food with a Southern flair, then Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are about to become your new go-to treat. Imagine everything you love about classic cornbread—sweet corn flavor, golden crisp edges, buttery richness—all miniaturized into delightful waffle bites, then drizzled with a warm, velvety honey butter syrup. These are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a show-stealing party snack, or anytime you want to impress guests with something playful yet irresistible. Whether you serve them piled high or as a cheerful finger food, Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup deliver a sweet, savory bite that’s practically impossible to resist.

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how it transforms just a handful of pantry staples and fridge favorites into a dazzling treat. Each ingredient has a starring role, from creamy buttermilk for tang and tenderness, to sweet corn kernels that pop with flavor in every bite.

Yellow cornmeal: Gives these waffle bites their signature cornbread texture and golden color—don’t substitute with white cornmeal if you want that classic look!
All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal for a lighter, softer crumb that’s wonderfully fluffy.
Granulated sugar: Just a hint to lift the sweetness and enhance all those toasty edges.
Baking powder: Essential for fluff and lift, so your bites are never dense.
Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk to give extra tenderness and a gentle rise.
Salt: Don’t skip this! It sharpens flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
Buttermilk: The secret to tangy, moist bites. If you don’t have it, add a splash of vinegar to milk as a quick fix.
Large eggs: Binds everything together, adds richness, and helps the bites puff up beautifully.
Unsalted butter (melted): For lush flavor throughout every bite—plus more for the honey butter syrup.
Corn kernels (optional): For little bursts of sweetness and texture—fresh, frozen, or canned work well.
Cooking spray or oil: Keeps your mini waffles from sticking and ensures effortless release.
Honey: The heart of our syrup—use the best you can, for that floral sweetness.
Maple syrup: Adds depth and brings a silky, complex sweetness to the honey butter sauce.
Cinnamon (optional): A whisper of spice takes the honey butter syrup to cozy new heights.

How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Maker

Start by getting your mini waffle maker or standard waffle iron ready—let it heat until fully preheated, so you get those signature crisp edges right from the first batch. A hot waffle iron also helps each bite release perfectly, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it all a thorough mix so the leaveners are evenly dispersed; those tiny granules are crucial for fluffy, tender bites.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Properly mixing the wet ingredients before adding them to the dry prevents overmixing later (which means softer waffle bites!).

Step 4: Combine and Add Corn Kernels

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry about a few small lumps—they’ll work themselves out in the waffle iron. If you’re after extra texture and sweetness, fold in those corn kernels now.

Step 5: Cook the Waffle Bites

Spray your waffle maker with cooking spray or brush on a light layer of oil to prevent sticking. Drop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of batter into each well, depending on your waffle maker’s size. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bites are golden, crisp, and airy. Work in batches until you’ve used up all the batter.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Syrup

While the waffles are cooking, prepare the honey butter syrup. Combine the unsalted butter, honey, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until everything is melted and glossy—a pinch of cinnamon is delightful if you’re a fan of warm spice.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Pile up the freshly made Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup on a platter. Drizzle generously with the syrup, or serve it on the side for dunking. They’re best warm, fresh from the waffle maker, but always a crowd-pleaser no matter when you serve them.

How to Serve Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup

Garnishes

Top your Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh chopped chives, or even a little dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If you want to add a savory flourish, a small dollop of sour cream alongside the syrup adds a tasty contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these sunny bites with crispy bacon, fried chicken, or a pile of softly scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch. Creamy Southern grits or a simple fruit salad also pair beautifully, giving you a lovely mix of sweet, savory, and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful party platter, skewer the mini waffle bites on toothpicks with cubes of cheese or cherry tomatoes. You could also build bite-sized “waffle sliders” with thin slices of ham or fried chicken. A syrup dipping station lets everyone indulge their own way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the syrup in a separate jar so the waffles stay crisp until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer to a zipped freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to a month—perfect for prepping ahead for brunches and busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup by placing the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and warming in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. The toaster oven also does the trick, keeping them crisp on the outside and tender inside. Warm the syrup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture remains lovely, but be aware that some gluten-free blends may be a tad more delicate—handle with care when removing from the waffle maker.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, quickly make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk, letting it sit for five minutes. This gives the batter its trademark tang and ensures great lift.

Are the corn kernels necessary?

The corn kernels are optional, but they add wonderful pops of flavor and texture. Go with your preference, or try it both ways to see which you love more!

Can I use a standard waffle maker instead of a mini?

Of course! If you don’t have a mini waffle maker, use a traditional one and then cut the waffles into smaller bites after cooking. The recipe works beautifully either way, so use whatever waffle iron you have.

How do I prevent the waffle bites from sticking?

Be sure to thoroughly grease the waffle maker with oil or nonstick spray before each batch. Let the bites cook until they’re fully set and golden—most sticking happens when you try to remove waffles too soon!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup—the combination of fluffy, crisp cornbread and luscious syrup makes for the ultimate treat, any time of day. Whether you’re sharing them at brunch, serving at a gathering, or just sneaking a cozy snack, these little bites deliver big joy. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!

Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 mini waffle bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for brunch or as a party appetizer. The crispy waffle bites paired with the rich honey butter syrup make for a truly indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Waffle Bites:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup corn kernels (optional)
cooking spray or oil for greasing waffle maker

For the Honey Butter Syrup:

¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp maple syrup
pinch of cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Waffle Maker: Preheat a mini waffle maker or standard waffle iron.
Prepare the Waffle Batter: Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold in corn kernels.
Cook the Waffle Bites: Grease waffle iron, spoon batter into wells, and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
Make the Honey Butter Syrup: Melt butter, honey, and maple syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Add cinnamon if desired.
Serve: Drizzle warm waffle bites with honey butter syrup and enjoy!

Notes

You can make these ahead and reheat in the oven or toaster.
Try topping with fried chicken or crispy bacon for a savory twist.
Mini waffle makers make these bites fun and snackable, perfect for brunch or party appetizers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast or Appetizer
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired