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

Introduction

Cornbread waffle bites offer a delightful twist on a Southern classic, combining the comforting flavors of cornbread with the crispy texture of waffles. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or appetizers, and can be customized with a variety of add-ins for extra flavor.

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)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the milk, melted butter, and honey or sugar if using.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in jalapeños and herbs if desired.
5. Step 5: Spoon the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using about 2 tablespoons per bite, and close the lid.
6. Step 6: Cook the waffle bites until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the waffle bites and let them cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon more honey or sugar to the batter.
• Try adding corn kernels or cheddar cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like chives or thyme to complement the jalapeños.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bites light and tender.

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 through and crispy again. Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 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 them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these waffle bites gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the waffle bites fresh for optimal texture, but you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, stirring gently before cooking.

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

Print Recipe

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5 from 122 reviews

Cornbread Waffle Bites offer a delightful Southern twist on classic cornbread by cooking it in a waffle iron for crispy edges and a soft, fluffy inside. These versatile bites can be flavored with jalapeños and herbs for an added kick, served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, and are easy to store and reheat for convenient enjoyment.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 waffle bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

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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
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)

Optional Flavorings

• 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley), chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and honey or sugar if using. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in jalapeños and herbs if desired.
2. Preheat the Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, lightly greased if necessary to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the Waffle Bites: Spoon the batter onto the preheated waffle iron in small portions to create bite-sized waffles. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, approximately 3-5 minutes per batch depending on your waffle iron.
4. Cool the Waffle Bites: Remove the waffle bites from the iron and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before storing or serving. This helps retain their crisp texture.
5. Store the Waffle Bites: Place the cooled waffle bites in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
6. Reheat the Waffle Bites: To reheat refrigerated waffle bites, toast them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp. Alternatively, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. For frozen waffle bites, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffle bites tender.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeños and herbs based on your spice and flavor preference.
• Use a waffle iron that makes small to medium-sized waffles for perfect bite-sized portions.
• Allow the waffle bites to cool completely before storing to preserve crispness.
• Freezing in a single layer prevents them from sticking together.

Keywords: cornbread waffle bites, southern cornbread, waffle iron recipes, savory snack, jalapeño cornbread bites, easy appetizer