Crispy Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Southern charm meets mouthwatering magic in these delectable honey butter cornbread poppers that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Crispy edges and soft centers create an irresistible texture you can’t resist.

Small bite-sized morsels pack incredible flavor into every single pop.

Our secret blend of cornmeal and buttermilk ensures each morsel melts perfectly in your mouth.

Drizzled honey butter adds a sweet, golden finish that elevates these little bites from ordinary to extraordinary.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delightful than these southern-inspired treats.

Serve them hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary excitement.

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Loved By Many

• Quick and Easy Cooking: These delightful poppers require minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a crowd-pleasing snack with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or casual parties where guests crave a bite-sized Southern classic that delivers big on flavor and texture.
• Deep-Fried Deliciousness: Experience the irresistible crunch of golden-brown poppers with a soft, tender interior that melts in your mouth, creating a satisfying contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients Required To Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Cornmeal: A classic Southern ingredient that provides a grainy texture and rich corn flavor to the poppers.
• Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and create a tender structure for the cornbread poppers.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory cornbread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the poppers rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cornbread poppers.

• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a moist, tender texture in the poppers.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the rich flavor and structure.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, buttery taste to the cornbread batter.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor to both the batter and glaze.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the cornbread poppers to achieve a crispy golden exterior.
• Butter, Honey, Salt: Combine to create a sweet and slightly salty glaze that coats the warm poppers.

How To Prepare Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until they are well blended and free of lumps.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they create a smooth, uniform liquid.

Step 3: Combine Batter

Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the poppers tough instead of light and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare Frying Station

Select a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot.

Pour vegetable oil about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F using a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature.

Step 5: Create Cornbread Poppers

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions of batter into hot oil. Fry the poppers in small batches, turning occasionally to ensure even golden-brown coloring.

Step 6: Drain Poppers

Remove poppers from oil using a slotted spoon. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and cool slightly.

Step 7: Craft Honey Butter Glaze

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Pinch of salt

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Generously drizzle or brush the warm honey butter glaze over the freshly fried cornbread poppers.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy for maximum deliciousness.

Tips To Improve Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain exact 350F oil temperature for perfectly crispy, golden-brown poppers without burning.
• Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure light, tender texture and avoid dense, tough cornbread poppers.
• Drop batter in small amounts and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain consistent oil temperature and even browning.
• Place fried poppers on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping them crisp and preventing greasiness.
• Drizzle honey butter glaze right before serving to preserve maximum flavor and maintain ideal temperature and crispness.

Flavorful Variations To Try On Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Poppers: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Use cornmeal that's certified gluten-free to ensure complete safety.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers: Add finely chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the batter for a zesty kick. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese to enhance the spicy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

Pairing Suggestions That Enhance Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Classic Southern-style sweet tea perfectly complements the golden, crispy cornbread poppers with its refreshing and sugary notes.

Serve these poppers alongside tender, smoky pulled pork for a quintessential Southern comfort food experience that balances crispy and rich flavors.

Cool, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet, and buttery cornbread poppers, creating a harmonious taste sensation.

A smooth bourbon cocktail like an Old Fashioned adds depth and warmth, echoing the sweet honey and buttery elements of the cornbread poppers.

Best Storage Practices For Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Store cooled poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Place poppers in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread poppers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Place poppers in air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What makes these cornbread poppers different from traditional cornbread?

These poppers are deep-fried instead of baked, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior with a sweet honey butter glaze that makes them more like a delightful snack or appetizer.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides more tanginess and helps create a tender texture, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil is precisely at 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately without burning.

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers bring comfort and nostalgia to your table with irresistible bite-sized delights. Golden morsels packed with sweet and savory flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds, promising a delectable experience that celebrates classic Southern cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (130 g) cornmeal
• 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg

Leavening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Honey Butter Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Whisk dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) thoroughly in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution.
2. In a separate bowl, blend buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a light texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense poppers.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, using a thermometer for precise temperature control.
5. Carefully drop batter into hot oil using a small cookie scoop, creating uniform round poppers.
6. Fry poppers in batches, rotating occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
7. Transfer fried poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and drain.
8. Prepare honey butter glaze by whisking melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until silky and well-blended.
9. While poppers are still warm, generously drizzle or brush with honey butter glaze for maximum flavor absorption.
10. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp exterior and tender, warm center of the cornbread poppers.

Notes

• Pick fresh, high-quality buttermilk for richer, tangier flavor that enhances the cornbread’s taste.
• Monitor oil temperature carefully to prevent burning or undercooking, ensuring golden-brown crispy exterior.
• Use a digital thermometer for precise oil temperature control during frying.
• Gluten-free alternative possible by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free cornmeal blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg