Description
Delight in these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers—crispy, golden bites of sweet and savory cornbread fried to perfection and brushed with a luscious honey butter glaze. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for gatherings, these poppers combine classic Southern flavors with a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough for 2–3 inches in the skillet or pot)
Honey Butter Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if using. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy pot, pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2–3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a kitchen thermometer to monitor temperature accurately for safe frying.
- Fry the Poppers: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 2–3 minutes, turning the poppers occasionally to achieve an even golden brown color and ensure they are cooked through.
- Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried poppers from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and crisp up.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter and honey together over low heat until smooth and combined. Brush or drizzle the warm glaze generously over the freshly fried cornbread poppers to add a shiny, sweet finish.
- Serve: Serve your golden honey butter cornbread poppers warm as a side dish alongside chili, fried chicken, or barbecue, or enjoy them as a savory appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add finely chopped jalapeño to the batter before frying.
- The poppers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Keep an eye on oil temperature to prevent the poppers from becoming greasy or undercooked.
- Use a slotted spoon to drain excess oil for a crispier texture.
- Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a delicious savory dimension.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
