Description

Cornbread Waffle Bites offer a delightful twist on the traditional Southern cornbread by transforming it into bite-sized waffles. These crispy, golden bites combine the rich flavors of cornmeal, melted butter, and optional hints of honey, jalapeños, and herbs, making them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Enjoy them warm for a satisfying crunch or store leftovers easily for reheating.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup milk
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Optional Add-ins

1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs like chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in honey or sugar, jalapeños, and herbs to infuse extra flavor.
Preheat the waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions until hot and ready to cook.
Cook the waffle bites: Spoon small portions of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron to create bite-sized waffles. Close the lid and cook until golden and crispy, typically about 3-5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
Cool the bites: Transfer the cooked waffle bites to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before storing or serving. This step helps them maintain their crispiness.
Store the waffle bites: Once cooled, place the waffle bites in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Reheat for serving: To reheat refrigerated waffle bites, pop them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, bake them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. For frozen bites, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Notes

Allow waffle bites to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Adjust the sweetness with honey or sugar according to your preference or dietary needs.
Jalapeños add a spicy kick, but you can omit them for a milder flavor.
Fresh herbs like chives or parsley enhance flavor and freshness.
Waffle iron sizes vary; adjust batter quantity to make bite-sized portions accordingly.
Frozen waffle bites reheat best in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: cornbread, waffle bites, southern recipe, snack, appetizer, jalapeño cornbread, quick bites