Cornbread waffle bites: 15-minute irresistible bliss
I have to tell you about the absolute best thing to happen to my kitchen lately. You know how everyone fights over the crispy corner pieces of a pan of cornbread? Well I figured out how to make every single bite a corner piece. These cornbread waffle bites have become my go-to for every single game day and family brunch. There is something so satisfying about that crunch you get from the waffle iron combined with the warm comfort of classic cornbread. You are going to love how easy these are to whip up when you have a house full of hungry people and not a lot of time.
Why You Will Love These Cornbread Waffle Bites
The best part about this recipe is the texture. When you bake cornbread in a pan it stays soft on the sides but the waffle iron creates so much more surface area for everything to get golden and crispy. Every little square in the waffle pattern is a chance for more crunch. They are also the perfect size for appetizers. You can just set a big plate of them on the table and watch them disappear. They are great for kids because they are easy to hold and they are not as messy as a crumbly slice of traditional bread. Plus they cook way faster than a whole loaf in the oven.
Essential Ingredients for Cornbread Waffle Bites
You probably have most of this in your pantry already. You will need yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour for the base. I always use buttermilk because it adds a little bit of tang and keeps things moist. For sweetness I love using honey instead of plain sugar. One big tip is to make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you start because they mix into the batter much better that way. If you want to spice things up feel free to toss in some shredded cheddar cheese or even some diced jalapeños. I usually throw in a handful of both because more flavor is always better in my book.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cornbread Waffle Bites
First you want to whisk your dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix your buttermilk and honey and eggs. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Do not overdo it. You want to let the batter rest for about five minutes. This is a huge step because it lets the cornmeal hydrate so your waffles are not gritty. While that sits get your waffle iron nice and hot and grease it up well. Scoop small amounts of batter into the iron and close the lid. I usually use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform.
How to Prevent Sticking and Overcooking
Every waffle iron is a little bit different so you have to keep an eye on yours. The best way to tell they are done is to watch the steam. When the steam stops coming out of the sides they are usually ready to go. If you try to open it and it feels stuck just give it another minute. Use a silicone spatula to lift them out gently. This keeps you from scratching the non-stick coating on your iron and helps the bites stay in one piece instead of crumbling everywhere.
Pro Tips for the Best Cornbread Waffle Bites
If you want that perfect golden-brown color make sure your iron is fully heated before the first batch goes in. The biggest mistake people make is over-mixing the batter. You want to stir it just until the flour disappears. If you keep stirring you will end up with dense and tough bites instead of something light and airy. Trust me on this one and keep the mixing to a minimum. Also if you are making a big batch keep them in a warm oven on a wire rack so they stay crispy while you finish the rest.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cornbread Waffle Bites
There are so many ways to eat these. You can serve them alongside a big bowl of spicy chili for dipping. If you want something sweet just drizzle them with plenty of maple syrup and a little butter. My personal favorite is to top them with a scoop of pulled pork and some coleslaw to make tiny little sliders. They are so versatile that they work for breakfast or dinner or even just a midnight snack. You can even use them as a base for fried chicken to make mini chicken and waffles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cornbread Waffle Bites
- Can I freeze these for later? Yes you can. Just let them cool completely and put them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat them just pop them in the toaster to get that crunch back. They stay good for about a month in the freezer.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. You can just swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend and they will turn out just as delicious. Just make sure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free.
- What if I do not have buttermilk? No problem at all. You can make a quick version by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
Estimated Nutrition for Cornbread Waffle Bites
These numbers are just estimates based on standard ingredients for a single serving of three bites. You are looking at about 180 calories and 7 grams of fat. There are roughly 25 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein. Keep in mind that adding things like extra cheese or dipping them in honey butter will change these totals quite a bit. These are best enjoyed as a fun treat during your next gathering.
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Cornbread waffle bites: 15-minute irresistible bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
You make these cornbread bites with a waffle iron. They are crispy and soft. Serve them as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 0.25 cup butter
Instructions
- Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix milk, egg, and butter.
- Combine the ingredients.
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- Grease the iron.
- Pour batter into the iron.
- Cook for four minutes.
- Cut waffles into squares.
Notes
- Add jalapenos for spice.
- Serve with honey.
- Pair with chili.
- Store in a container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
Keywords: cornbread waffle bites, mini waffles, cornbread snacks, waffle appetizers
