Dessert

Cornbread Waffle Bites: A Delicious Twist on a Southern Classic Recipe

Name: Cornbread Waffle Bites: A Delicious Twist on a Southern Classic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional); 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional); 1-2 tablespoons fresh herbs like chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

ByEthan Lark February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

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Introduction

Cornbread waffle bites are a fun and tasty twist on traditional Southern cornbread. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these bite-sized waffles make a perfect snack or side dish. They’re easy to customize with a touch of honey, jalapeños, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

The image shows a close-up of small square waffles stacked in layers. The waffles are golden brown with a light, crispy texture. Each waffle layer has a layer of glossy amber syrup dripping down, creating a shiny, sticky look. A woman's hand is pouring more syrup from above, adding shine and moisture. The background is a white marbled surface, making the warm colors of the waffles and syrup stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. If using sugar or honey, add it now.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and melted butter. Stir in jalapeños and herbs if you like a savory kick.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender waffle bites.
Step 5: Spoon batter into the preheated waffle iron in small amounts to create bite-sized waffles. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully remove the waffle bites and place on a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining batter.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add shredded cheese to the batter along with jalapeños and herbs.
To make it a little sweeter, drizzle the finished bites with honey or maple syrup before serving.
If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can bake the batter in mini muffin tins for a similar bite-sized treat.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer taste and tender crumb.

Storage

Allow the waffle bites to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed and crispy. Alternatively, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the cooled waffle bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of small golden waffles placed in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The waffles have a crisp texture with deep square pockets, and a layer of amber syrup is being poured over the top, glistening as it flows down. The waffles are arranged in a slightly messy pile, with syrup dripping down the sides, creating a warm and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the waffle bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the waffle bites ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving to restore their crispness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to maintain the right texture.