Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Here’s a recipe for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, inspired by the image. These delightful mini cornbread bites are buttery, sweet, and perfect for snacking, serving as a side dish, or even as a party appetizer.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Poppers:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• A pinch of salt (optional, for balance)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and honey until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze

1. While the poppers are baking, combine the melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix well.

Step 8: Glaze the Poppers

1. Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan for 2–3 minutes.
2. Brush the tops generously with the honey butter glaze while they are still warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the cornbread poppers warm with extra honey butter on the side.
• Pair them with chili, barbecue dishes, fried chicken, or soup for a complete Southern-style meal.
• Sprinkle a touch of sea salt or chopped fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cornbread Poppers

1. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense poppers. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
2. Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk enhances the flavor and creates a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk and vinegar as mentioned.
3. Customize: Add a handful of shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or crumbled bacon to the batter for a flavorful twist.
4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to refresh their texture.

Conclusion

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. With their golden crust, soft and moist interior, and irresistible honey butter glaze, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear quickly. Try them out, and enjoy a little taste of the South at home!

Happy baking!