Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey

Crispy, cheesy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated, these Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey check all the boxes. With a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, cheesy center, they’re the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet. Whether served as an appetizer, a brunch feature, or an afternoon snack, these little waffles are packed with flavor and charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, unique flavor combo: The smokiness of the Gouda plays beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the rustic cornmeal base.
Mini and mighty: Bite-sized makes them fun to eat and easy to serve, whether you’re hosting brunch or packing a lunchbox.
Quick and easy: No oven needed. Just plug in your mini waffle maker and you’re ready to go in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for any occasion: From party platters to meal prep, these savory-sweet waffle bites shine in any setting.
Customizable: Add jalapeños for a spicy twist, bacon for extra savory punch, or maple syrup instead of honey.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Batter

1 cup yellow cornmeal
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Mix-ins

1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese

To Finish

Honey, for drizzling
Extra fresh thyme, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron

Plug in your mini waffle maker and let it heat up to medium-high. Lightly grease it with oil spray or a brush of melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the fresh thyme if using—it adds a lovely herby note.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the shredded smoked Gouda cheese.

Step 5: Cook the Waffle Bites

Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of batter into your preheated mini waffle maker. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until each bite is golden, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or plate and repeat with remaining batter.

Step 6: Drizzle and Garnish

Serve warm, generously drizzled with honey and topped with a sprinkle of fresh thyme. The honey will melt into the warm waffles and contrast beautifully with the smoky cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Waffle Bites

Don’t overmix the batter—this can lead to dense bites.
Use high-quality smoked cheese for the best flavor payoff.
Let them cool slightly before drizzling with honey, so it doesn’t all run off.
Add-ins? Try bits of cooked bacon, green onions, or diced jalapeños for extra character.

Nutrition Info (per 3 bites, estimated)

Calories: 210
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 1g

How to Serve Them

These bites are perfect for a brunch board alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee. You can also:

Pack them in a lunchbox with a mini honey dipper
Serve them on a charcuterie-style tray with sliced meats and pickles
Pair with hot honey or a maple-butter dip

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Cook the bites and let them cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Toast in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Freeze: Yes, they freeze well! Layer with parchment paper in a freezer bag and reheat when needed.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese?
Yes! Smoked cheddar, fontina, or pepper jack are all great alternatives.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

What if I don’t have a mini waffle maker?
You can use a regular waffle iron, then cut the waffles into bite-sized pieces.

Final Thoughts

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Smoked Gouda and Honey are small but mighty. With just a few pantry staples, a waffle maker, and 30 minutes of your time, you’ll create something that tastes gourmet and looks impressive—yet is incredibly simple to make. Perfect for home cooks who want to serve up something special without stress. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy