CORNBREAD WAFFLE BITES WITH SMOKED GOUDA AND HONEY 
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread Waffle Batter:
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1¼ cups buttermilk (or 1¼ cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (halal-certified)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup cheese, shredded
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
For Serving:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup pure honey
Flaky sea s
alt (optional)
alt (optional)Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Prep waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high. Lightly brush with oil.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and oil. Mix well.
Make batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined (don’t overmix – a few lumps are fine). Gently fold in shredded cheese and chives if using.
Rest batter: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to soften.
Cook waffles: Pour ¼ cup batter onto preheated waffle iron for each section. Cook until golden brown and crisp on the outside, about 3-4 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
Make bite-sized: Once cooked, transfer waffles to a cutting board and cut into quarters or bite-sized pieces while still warm.
Keep warm: Place waffle bites on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep warm and crisp while cooking remaining batches.
Prepare serving platter: Arrange waffle bites on a serving dish or in a bowl.
Serve: Drizzle generously with melted butter and honey. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Make It Your Own!
Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick that contrasts with the honey
Mix 1 tbsp maple syrup into the melted butter for an extra layer of flavor
Sprinkle cooked waffle bites with halal-friendly bacon bits before serving
Try a savory version with chopped jalapeños and green onions in the batter
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Makes: approximately 30-36 bite-sized pieces
