Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting flavors and adorable bite-sized food (who isn’t?!), these Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are going to steal your heart—and your brunch table. They’re sweet, savory, perfectly crisp around the edges, and that buttery syrup? Just WAIT till you drizzle it on. Heaven!

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What Are Cornbread Waffle Bites?

Imagine all the tender, golden goodness of cornbread baked into mini waffle form—yes, they’re crispy, fluffy, and perfectly snackable. These bites are made in a mini waffle iron, making them ideal for parties, brunch spreads, or anytime you want something a little more exciting than the usual square.

Now pair them with a warm, buttery honey syrup that soaks into every ridge and crisp edge. It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s totally addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make with minimal prep—ready in under 30 minutes!
Kid-friendly and fun to eat. They disappear in minutes.
Great for brunch, snacks, or party trays.
Easily customizable—add cheddar, jalapeños, or corn!
The honey butter syrup is everything your sweet-savory heart craves.

What Do Cornbread Waffle Bites Taste Like?

They’re golden and crispy on the outside, warm and tender in the middle, with just the right balance of salty and sweet. The honey butter syrup brings a rich, melty sweetness that ties everything together—like cornbread and honey butter had a baby and turned it into waffles.

Benefits of This Recipe

Made from simple pantry ingredients
Naturally vegetarian
No frying or baking pans needed—your waffle maker does all the work
Can be made ahead and frozen for quick snacks later
Totally customizable with add-ins like herbs, spices, or cheese

Ingredients for Cornbread Waffle Bites

For the Cornbread Waffle Bites:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
1 tbsp sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
2 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil
Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, chopped scallions, or jalapeños

For the Honey Butter Syrup:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: tiny dash of cinnamon or vanilla

Tools You’ll Need

Mini waffle maker or regular waffle iron
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Small saucepan (for syrup)
Silicone spatula or tongs

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

I promised you flexible, and here’s proof!

No buttermilk? Use regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
Make it spicy: Stir chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the batter.
Gluten-free? Swap flour for a gluten-free 1:1 blend.
Make it cheesy: Add sharp cheddar or crumbled feta.
Add texture: Fold in corn kernels or crispy bacon bits.

How to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites

Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions.
In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients: egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Don’t overmix.
If using add-ins (cheese, jalapeños, etc.), fold them in now.
Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1–2 tbsp) into your waffle maker. Cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
Meanwhile, make the syrup: Melt butter and honey together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in salt and optional cinnamon/vanilla.
Serve warm, drizzled generously with honey butter syrup!

What to Serve with These Waffle Bites

These bites shine solo, but here’s how to make them brunch superstars:

Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links
Add to a brunch board with fruit, cheese, and spreads
Top with a poached egg and hot sauce
Serve as a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish with chili or roasted meats

Craving more sweet-and-savory inspiration? Here are some reader faves:

Collagen Brownie Bites – rich, fudgy, and packed with clean protein
Homemade Vanilla French Beignets – pillow-soft, sweet, and totally irresistible
Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting – fresh, tangy, and gorgeously frosted!

Tips for Perfect Waffle Bites

Don’t overfill the waffle maker—these puff a bit!
Use a light spray of oil between batches for crisp edges.
Keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the full batch.
Double the syrup—it’s THAT good.
Freeze leftovers in a single layer, then reheat in toaster or oven.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Toast in oven or air fryer for best results—microwave works in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a mini waffle maker?
Yes! Use a regular waffle maker and cut the waffles into bite-size squares once cooled.

Can I make them sweet instead of savory?
Totally! Add a little more sugar and skip the optional savory add-ins.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute in place of the all-purpose flour.

Can I use boxed cornbread mix?
You can, but the texture and crispness won’t be quite the same.

Final Thoughts on Cornbread Waffle Bites

These Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup are one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for brunch, holidays, or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner, they’re the kind of crowd-pleaser that brings everyone back for seconds. (And thirds.)

Looking for more comforting, flavor-packed bites?

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Tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to see your bite-sized creations!
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Nutritional Information (Per 2–3 Bites, Approx.)

Calories: 170
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg