Cornbread Waffle Bites: A Delicious Twist on a Southern Classic Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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
- 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.
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, lightly greased if necessary to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
