Description
Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are crispy, golden fried bites bursting with sweet corn and cheddar, finished with a luscious honey butter glaze. Quick to make and perfect for appetizers or snacks, these Southern-inspired treats balance savory, sweet, and buttery flavors for an irresistible party favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Frying
- Oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)
Honey Butter Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey together until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the corn kernels and shredded cheddar cheese if using, being careful not to overmix.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry the Poppers: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning each popper after 2–3 minutes, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried cornbread poppers from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: While the poppers are still warm, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey until combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter glaze over the poppers generously. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal crispness and flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- For a savory twist, add chopped jalapeños or green onions to the batter.
- Ensure oil is at the correct temperature for frying to avoid greasy poppers.
- Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice melty texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
