Corn Bread Waffles

Ingredients

Whisk Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

Whisk to combine. The goal is even distribution so every bite hits the right flavor balance.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

1 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

¼ cup melted unsalted butter

Mix until smooth, but don’t go wild. You’re looking for harmony, not froth.

This is where people tend to overdo it. When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion. A few lumps are perfectly okay—overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery waffles.

Here’s What to Do:

Pour wet ingredients into the dry.

Stir slowly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

Stop when it just comes together.

Fold in the Stars: Cheese and Honey

Now the real fun begins. Gently fold in:

1 cup shredded smoked Gouda

2 tablespoons honey

You’ll immediately notice how the batter transforms—richer, slightly thicker, and fragrant with smoky and sweet undertones.

Directions

Into the Waffle Iron: Time to Sizzle

Preheat the Waffle Iron

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A hot surface ensures immediate sear and helps develop that crispy outer shell.

Grease It Well

Don’t skip this. Even non-stick surfaces benefit from a light coat of spray or butter, especially with sticky batters that include honey and cheese.

Scoop and Cook

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, place batter portions onto the iron. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on your iron’s intensity.

You’re looking for:

Golden-brown color

Light crisp around the edges

Slight puff in the center

If you’re unsure, do a test round with one scoop. This helps you calibrate timing without sacrificing a whole batch.

Cool for Crispness: Don’t Stack Too Soon

This might sound excessive, but how you cool these bites really matters.

Remove each bite with tongs or a spatula.

Place on a wire rack—not a plate.

Let them rest uncovered for 5–10 minutes.

Why? Because stacking hot waffles is a surefire way to steam away your crunch. And honestly, that texture is half the magic.

Final Flavor Tips

Before you dive in, consider how to elevate your bites even more:

Top with extra honey for contrast

Sprinkle chives for a savory pop

Pair with jalapeño jelly or chipotle aioli for heat

Add a small dollop of Greek yogurt for tang

To Reheat:

Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Air fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes

Toaster oven: Works well for small batches

Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay sacrificing crispiness. A Food Network guide suggests reheating baked goods in dry heat to maintain texture, and it holds true here too.

You can also make them in advance for events like Sunday brunch, tailgates, or even road trips. I’ve packed them for a weekend hike with friends, and they were still a hit after hours in a cooler—especially with a side of jalapeño jelly.

What’s the Best Cheese to Pair with Honey?

Smoked Gouda is stellar, obviously—but you’ve got options.

Other Pairings to Try:

Brie + honey = ultra-creamy, very French, very chic

Goat cheese + hot honey = tangy with a spicy kick

Blue cheese + honey = bold and surprisingly balanced