If you’re looking for easy dinner party nibbles, elegant wedding canapés on a budget, or simply want to get a bit creative in the kitchen, these smoky pancetta waffle canapes are the perfect place to start. Perfectly blending sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in every bite, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Plus, they almost resemble a miniature breakfast – so cute!
What makes these waffle bites so special? It’s all about the unexpected combination of ingredients. By starting with simple, store-bought sugar waffles, you create the perfect base to hold crispy pancetta, creamy chipotle mayo, and tangy cornichons. Together, these elements transform into a sophisticated, bite-sized treat that feels fancy without being fussy.
Read on for the full recipe…
Method
Follow these steps to make our Smoky Pancetta Waffle Bites
Start by cutting your sugar waffles into bite size pieces, trying to keep the individual squares intact (as this holds your fillings!). Arrange the waffle squares onto your serving platter.
If your pancetta isn’t chopped already, start by dicing it into small cubes (no bigger than 1cm!). In a pan over medium to high heat, fry your chopped pancetta until the edges are crispy and slightly golden brown. Drain any excess fat, set aside and leave to cool.
In a small ramekin, add two teaspoons of smoky chipotle paste (we got ours from M&S) with six teaspoons of mayonnaise. Stir well to combine. Have a taste, and if it is slightly too spicy for you, you can add a teaspoon or so more of mayonnaise.
Now time for the fun part – the assembly! Start by adding half a teaspoon of your smoky chipotle mayonnaise to the inside of each waffle square. Top the mixture with a few squares of the crispy pancetta – as many as each waffle bite will hold. We managed to get 3-4 in each.
Finish your smoky pancetta waffle bites with a half a pickled cornichon for crunch and tang. We secured these with a small cocktail stick on top of each waffle, as this also allows guests to pick up the canapé easily. Enjoy!
How Far in Advance Can You Make Smoky Pancetta Waffle Bites?
Whilst our smoky pancetta waffle bites can be made a few hours ahead of your event, they shouldn’t be kept in the fridge for more than 3 hours. Not only will the sugar waffles go slightly soft, but the pancetta cubes may also lose their crunch.
If you want to get ahead, and save time on assembly, you can prep each of the components the day prior:
- Cut each waffle into squares
- Stir up the smoky chipotle mayonnaise
- Fry the pancetta squares
- Chop each cornichon in half
Store everything in airtight containers – most things are kept in the fridge, apart from the waffle squares, which can be kept in a cupboard. Simply assemble as per the instructions above just before your guests arrive!
Elegant Canape Ideas From Savery Grazing
We hope you adored these lovely pancetta waffle bites as much as we did! Whether you’re planning a chic party or simply indulging in some creative kitchen fun, these canapés will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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