Heavenly Golden Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe Just for You

Golden honey butter cornbread poppers sparkle with southern charm and irresistible flavor.

These bite-sized morsels combine the rich warmth of cornbread with a sweet, creamy twist.

Crispy edges give way to tender, moist centers that melt in your mouth.

Each golden popper delivers a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

Small enough to be a snack, yet satisfying enough to steal the show at any gathering.

The subtle hint of honey adds a delightful touch of sweetness that elevates these little bites from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve with Chili or on Appetizer Trays

• Sweet Tea Companion: Serve these crispy cornbread poppers alongside a chilled glass of traditional Southern sweet tea for an authentic, refreshing pairing that captures classic Southern comfort.
• Dipping Delights: Create a variety of dipping sauces like spicy jalapeño jam, tangy barbecue sauce, or smooth ranch dressing to complement the poppers' golden, crispy exterior and enhance their flavor profile.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform these poppers into a brunch showstopper by serving them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of extra honey butter for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast spread that celebrates Southern culinary traditions.
• Appetizer Adventure: Present these bite-sized treats on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs like chives or parsley sprinkled on top, making them an irresistible starter for gatherings or game day celebrations.

Store Cornbread Popper Leftovers

• Let cornbread poppers rest on wire cooling racks to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain crispy texture.
• Store cooled poppers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm poppers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave which can make them soggy.
• Freeze unglazed poppers in single layers inside freezer bags for up to one month, thawing at room temperature and reheating before serving with fresh honey butter glaze.

FAQs

• What makes these cornbread poppers different from traditional cornbread?

These poppers are deep-fried bite-sized versions of cornbread, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior that’s more fun and portable than traditional sliced cornbread.

• Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

While best served fresh and warm, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying. Just let the batter come to room temperature before cooking.

• Do I need special equipment to make these poppers?

You’ll need a deep skillet or saucepan, a thermometer is helpful but not mandatory, and a slotted spoon for removing the poppers from hot oil. A small cookie scoop makes portioning easier.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender texture and adds subtle tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 4

Cornbread Popper Ingredient Breakdown

• Cornmeal: Provides the classic southern corn flavor and creates a crispy, golden texture that defines these poppers.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a tender, light interior for the poppers.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory corn notes.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the poppers rise and become fluffy with a light, airy structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps with browning and adds lift to the batter.
• Salt: Enhances and highlights all the other flavors in the recipe.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides richness to the batter.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, soft texture in the poppers.
• Melted Butter: Contributes a rich, deep flavor and helps keep the poppers moist.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates the perfect frying environment for crispy, golden poppers.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, luxurious base for the glaze.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the cornbread poppers.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the honey butter.

Tools for Making Honey Butter Popper Bites

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Deep skillet or saucepan: Needed for frying poppers evenly and safely.
• Slotted spoon: Great for removing poppers from hot oil without excess grease.
• Cookie scoop or teaspoon: Helps create uniform, bite-sized poppers.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing honey butter glaze.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried poppers.
• Thermometer (optional): Ensures precise oil temperature for perfect frying.

Bake Mini Cornbread Balls with Big Flavor

• Create Batter Base

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt into a smooth mixture.

• Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk egg, buttermilk, and melted butter until perfectly combined and creamy.

• Combine Batter

Slowly fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffy texture.

• Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350F. Check temperature by dropping small batter bit – it should sizzle and float instantly.

• Fry Cornbread Poppers

Drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, cooking in batches without overcrowding. Rotate poppers to ensure even golden-brown coloring, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

• Drain and Prepare Glaze

Remove poppers with slotted spoon onto paper towels. Quickly whip melted butter, honey, and salt into silky smooth glaze.

• Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle warm honey butter over crispy poppers or serve as a dipping sauce. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Savory Notes

• Use a wooden chopstick or wooden spoon handle to test oil temperature – if small bubbles form around it, the oil is ready for frying.
• Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes before frying to help cornbread poppers achieve a lighter, fluffier interior with a crispy golden exterior.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly poppers.
• Bake poppers in a mini muffin tin at 375F for 12-15 minutes instead of deep-frying, using cooking spray to reduce oil content while maintaining a crispy texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, jalapeño peppers, or shredded cheddar cheese to add exciting flavor variations to the basic cornbread popper recipe.

Golden Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Chefs adore Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that blends sweet and savory flavors. Crispy exterior and tender interior make these bite-sized morsels irresistible for gatherings and comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, blending into a uniform powder with consistent texture.
2. Liquid Element Integration: Whisk egg, buttermilk, and melted butter in a separate container until completely emulsified, creating a smooth, cohesive liquid mixture.
3. Batter Formation: Delicately incorporate wet ingredients into dry components, stirring minimally to maintain a light texture – tolerating slight lumps for optimal consistency.
4. Oil Preparation and Temperature Calibration: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350F, verifying readiness through a quick batter test that immediately sizzles and rises.
5. Frying Technique: Carefully drop batter dollops into hot oil using a cookie scoop, ensuring adequate spacing between poppers and maintaining consistent oil temperature.
6. Cooking and Color Development: Rotate poppers during frying to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior, cooking thoroughly for 2-3 minutes per batch, monitoring color and texture.
7. Drainage and Preliminary Finishing: Rescue poppers onto absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to dissipate while preserving their crisp, delicate exterior.
8. Honey Butter Glaze Creation: Whisk melted butter with honey and a whisper of salt until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency that complements the cornbread’s texture.
9. Final Presentation: Lavish warm poppers with honey butter drizzle or serve glaze alongside as a decadent dipping sauce, ensuring immediate consumption for peak gustatory experience.

Notes

• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350F heat to ensure crispy, golden-brown poppers without burning or undercooking.
• Minimal Batter Mixing: Stir wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent gluten development, keeping cornbread poppers tender and light.
• Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to remove extra oil, preserving the poppers’ delicate crunch and preventing sogginess.
• Honey Butter Balance: Whisk honey and butter thoroughly for a smooth, glossy glaze that complements the savory cornbread without overwhelming sweetness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg