Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a bite-sized treat that’s guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering: Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers! These golden little gems are crisp on the outside, fluffy and tender in the center, and finished with a swoon-worthy honey butter. Whether you’re treating your family to a fun weekend snack or surprising guests during a holiday, these poppers make every occasion feel warm, nostalgic, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers is easy and stress-free—each one plays a role in building the perfect bite! From the light crunch of cornmeal to the irresistible sweetness of honey, these kitchen staples combine to make an unforgettable appetizer or side.
- Yellow cornmeal: This brings that classic Southern texture and golden color to the poppers.
- All-purpose flour: Helps hold everything together, creating a fluffy, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the savory, buttery flavors.
- Baking powder: Gives the poppers their irresistible rise and pillowy texture.
- Salt: Just enough to brighten up and enhance all the flavors.
- Buttermilk: Contributes a gentle tang and exceptional moistness you’ll absolutely love.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the poppers and providing structure and richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds that signature comforting richness, making the interior oh-so-decadent.
- Honey: Brings a beautiful, floral sweetness to both the batter and the honey butter dip.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for honey butter): Whips up into a lush, creamy topping you’ll want to slather on everything.
- Honey (for honey butter): Melds with the butter to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory for dipping or spreading.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Gives the poppers their perfectly crisp, golden exterior.
How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures that all the leavening and sweetener are evenly distributed, creating a consistent texture and flavor in every single popper.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The honey and buttermilk lend moisture and subtle sweetness here, while the eggs bring everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Stir Together Gently
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t worry if you see a few lumps—overmixing can make your poppers dense instead of fluffy, so a light hand is your secret weapon!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Using the right temperature means your Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers cook up crisp, not greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Poppers
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop the batter into the hot oil in small batches. Fry each popper for 2–3 minutes per side, turning as needed, until they’re deeply golden and deliciously crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to drain.
Step 6: Make the Honey Butter
While the poppers are cooling slightly, beat the softened butter together with the honey until smooth and fluffy. This sweet, creamy concoction is the crowning touch that takes these poppers from tasty to totally irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers while they’re still warm, with generous dollops or swipes of honey butter on the side. Get ready for rave reviews and happy smiles all around!
How to Serve Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Garnishes
Top these beauties with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a quick dusting of smoked paprika, or a tiny drizzle of extra honey. Fresh chopped chives or a pinch of finely grated Parmesan can also add a charming, savory twist.
Side Dishes
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers pair perfectly alongside chili, stews, or grilled meats at a summer barbecue. For a deeply comforting meal, serve them with a cozy bowl of soup or your favorite Southern greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your poppers in a pretty basket lined with a cheerful napkin, or skewer a few on toothpicks for easy party snacking. For a playful appetizer platter, offer a trio of dips: honey butter, hot pepper jelly, and creamy pimento cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers can be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. The honey butter can be refrigerated separately for a week—just bring it to room temp before serving.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, poppers freeze like a dream! Simply lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months and are perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-fryer texture, arrange poppers on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them a bit chewy rather than delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in a quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and will still deliver a wonderful texture.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes until golden. They won’t get quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be fantastic and it’s a bit lighter for those who prefer less oil.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These options ensure your Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are crisp without any competing flavors from the oil.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the batter soon after mixing for optimal fluffiness and rise. If you need to prep in advance, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine just before frying.
How can I add a spicy kick?
Stir 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper directly into the batter. The spicy notes pair beautifully with the gentle sweetness of the honey butter for an extra layer of Southern charm.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to bring warmth and a little Southern magic to your table, give these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers a try. I think you’ll fall in love with their golden crunch, pillowy texture, and addictive sweet-salty finish. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones—they really are happiness in every bite!
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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 poppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful twist on classic cornbread, fried to golden perfection and served with a luscious honey butter. Perfect as appetizers or a side dish, these poppers are sweet, savory, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened, for honey butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for honey butter)
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey.
- Combine and Fry: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stir until just combined, then fry spoonfuls of batter in hot oil until golden brown.
- Make Honey Butter: Beat softened butter with honey until smooth. Serve with warm cornbread poppers.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- These poppers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
