Description
Southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a rich honey-butter glaze. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any Southern-style meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cornbread poppers:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the honey butter glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line a baking sheet for frying.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
-
Shape the Poppers
- Baking: Spoon batter into a greased mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Frying: Roll small portions of batter into balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
-
Bake or Fry
- Baking Method: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Frying Method: Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
-
Make the Honey Butter Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, and salt until smooth.
-
Coat and Serve
- Brush or drizzle warm cornbread poppers with the honey butter glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cheesy Cornbread Poppers: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños.
- Maple Butter Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Corn Kernel Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup whole corn kernels for texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (baking) / 6 minutes (frying)
- Category: appetizer, side dish,snack
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: southern
Keywords: Cornbread poppers, Southern cornbread, honey butter, bite-sized snacks, fried cornbread