Cornbread Waffles with Pulled Pork

A savory twist on brunch, these crispy cornbread waffles are topped with smoky pulled pork, a drizzle of honey and maple syrup with chives and shredded cheddar.

These cornbread waffles with pulled pork bring together the best of Southern comfort and bold barbecue flavor in one irresistible dish. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, the waffles are made with a blend of cornmeal and buttermilk, optionally studded with cheddar or green onions for extra depth. They’re piled with warm, smoky pulled pork, lightly glazed with BBQ sauce. A drizzle of honey and maple syrup ties it all together with sweetness, while fresh herbs like chives or cilantro add a bright, fresh finish. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a laid-back dinner.

Servings

2

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Cornbread Waffles (makes 2 waffles)
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar (optional, for subtle sweetness)
  • 1/2 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 5/8 cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or chopped green onions

For the Topping

  • 1 cup shredded smoked pork shoulder, warmed
  • Fried egg (optional but fantastic)
  • Honey and maple syrup, for drizzling
  • Chopped chives or cilantro, for garnish
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Waffles

  • Preheat your waffle iron.
  • In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Stir in optional cheese or scallions.
  • Lightly grease waffle iron. Pour batter in and cook until golden and crisp.

Warm the Pork

  • Reheat your smoked pork in a skillet with a touch of BBQ sauce or marinade until hot.

Assemble the Plate

  • Top each waffle with a pile of pork.
  • Add a fried egg if desired.
  • Drizzle generously with hot honey or maple syrup.
  • Garnish with chives or cilantro.
  • Garnish with shredded cheddar, if desired.

In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.

Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Stir in optional cheese or scallions.

Lightly grease waffle iron. Pour batter in and cook until golden and crisp.

Reheat your smoked pork in a skillet with a touch of BBQ sauce or marinade until hot.

Top each waffle with a pile of pork. Add a fried egg if desired. Drizzle generously with hot honey or maple syrup. Garnish with chives or cilantro. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.