These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized, sweet, and buttery treats that are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. With a soft, fluffy center and golden, crispy edges, these poppers deliver all the classic flavors of traditional cornbread in a fun, portable form. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or serve them alongside hearty soups and stews for a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or holiday feast, these poppers are always a hit.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a breeze.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey butter glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory cornbread.
- Kid-Friendly: These bite-sized delights are great for little hands and picky eaters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Butter
- Honey
Directions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Shape the Poppers: Using a spoon or small scoop, portion the batter into bite-sized rounds and gently shape them into balls.
- Cook the Poppers: Heat a skillet or deep fryer with oil. Fry the poppers in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey until smooth. Brush the glaze over the freshly fried poppers while they’re still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the poppers warm with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside your main course.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 20-25 poppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or chives for a savory note.
- Baked Poppers: For a healthier option, bake the poppers in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a crispy finish.
FAQs
What dipping sauces pair well with these cornbread poppers?
Honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli are great choices to enhance the flavor of the poppers.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry the poppers just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if desired, but it may slightly alter the texture.
How do I prevent the poppers from being too greasy?
Ensure your frying oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) to prevent the poppers from absorbing too much oil.
Can I freeze these poppers?
Yes, freeze the cooked poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.
Can I make these without honey?
You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey in the glaze or omit it entirely for a less sweet option.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are ideal for frying as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I make these poppers dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter as substitutes to make the recipe dairy-free.
How do I ensure the poppers cook evenly?
Fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking and crispness.
What can I serve alongside these poppers?
They pair beautifully with chili, BBQ dishes, or as a side to fried chicken or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delicious and versatile treat that combines the comfort of traditional cornbread with a fun and convenient twist. Perfect for any occasion, these poppers are sure to please kids and adults alike. Try them with your favorite variations and serve them with confidence at your next gathering!
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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Description
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized, golden morsels with a sweet and buttery flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and irresistibly drizzled with honey butter.
Ingredients
For the cornbread poppers:
- 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
For the honey butter glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the cornbread batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Heat the oil
- In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle and float to the surface.
Step 3: Fry the poppers
- Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry the poppers in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the poppers with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the honey butter glaze
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 5: Serve
- Drizzle the honey butter glaze over the warm cornbread poppers or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Baking option: If you prefer not to fry, bake the batter in a mini muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Add-ins: Customize with diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.