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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- 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
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and honey until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- 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
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Step 6: Bake
- 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
- 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
- Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan for 2–3 minutes.
- 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
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense poppers. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk enhances the flavor and creates a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk and vinegar as mentioned.
- Customize: Add a handful of shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or crumbled bacon to the batter for a flavorful twist.
- 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!