There’s something truly magical about Southern cooking—it’s warm, comforting, and always made with love. And when it comes to classic Southern flavors, cornbread is right at the heart of it all. But today, we’re taking that traditional cornbread and turning it into something even more irresistible: Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers!
These little bites of golden goodness are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated with the perfect honey butter glaze. They’re like mini hush puppies, but with a touch of sweetness that makes them absolutely addictive. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish for a big family meal, or a snack to enjoy with friends, these poppers will disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch!
Why You’ll Love These Cornbread Poppers
- Crispy & Fluffy: The perfect balance of crunchy and soft textures.
- Sweet & Savory: The honey butter glaze adds a delightful touch of sweetness.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, fry, and glaze!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or just a cozy evening at home.
Now, let’s get started on making these little bites of Southern heaven!
Step 1: Make the Cornbread Batter
Before we get to frying, we need to make the perfect cornbread batter. The key here is not overmixing—you want the batter to be light so that the poppers turn out fluffy inside.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into these delicious cornbread poppers:
- Cornmeal & Flour: The base for a perfectly textured cornbread.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the poppers puff up while frying.
- Sugar & Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
- Buttermilk & Egg: Essential for moisture and a tender crumb.
- Butter: Adds richness and that classic cornbread flavor.
Mixing It Up
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
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In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients:
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
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Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to get the oil nice and hot. Since we’re frying, the right temperature is key—too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and the poppers will absorb too much oil and turn greasy.
How to Heat the Oil Properly
- Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Tip: Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy—this makes all the difference for perfectly fried poppers!
Step 3: Fry the Cornbread Poppers
Now that our batter is mixed and the oil is at the perfect temperature (350°F/175°C), it’s time to fry up these golden little beauties!
How to Fry Cornbread Poppers Perfectly
Frying might seem intimidating, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a few simple tips to make sure your cornbread poppers come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Scoop the Batter: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, carefully drop rounded portions of batter into the hot oil. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying too many at once will lower the oil temperature and make them greasy instead of crispy. Work in small batches.
- Turn Occasionally: Let the poppers fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them gently with a slotted spoon to ensure even browning. They should turn a deep golden brown when they’re ready.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether they’re fully cooked inside, remove one and cut it open—it should be light and fluffy with no raw batter in the middle.
- Drain Properly: Once done, transfer the poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Pro Tip: If your poppers are browning too quickly before they’re cooked through, lower the heat slightly and let the oil cool for a minute before continuing.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
Now, let’s talk about the magic that takes these poppers from delicious to absolutely irresistible—the honey butter glaze! This simple two-ingredient glaze is what gives the poppers that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
How to Make Honey Butter Glaze
- In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
That’s it! So easy, yet so delicious.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Now comes the best part—coating those warm, crispy poppers in that sweet, buttery goodness.
How to Glaze the Cornbread Poppers
- While the poppers are still warm, drizzle the honey butter glaze over them using a spoon.
- Or, if you want an extra indulgent touch, brush the glaze on using a pastry brush to coat each popper evenly.
- Serve immediately while they’re still warm and watch them disappear fast!
Serving Suggestions
These cornbread poppers are fantastic on their own, but if you really want to take them to the next level, try serving them with:
- Extra Honey Butter: A small dish on the side for dipping.
- Spicy Kick: A drizzle of hot honey or a side of jalapeño-infused butter.
- Savory Pairing: Serve alongside chili, barbecue, or fried chicken for the ultimate comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I know you’re probably already dreaming about your first (or third) batch of these delicious Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, but before you dive in, let’s tackle some common questions to make sure your poppers turn out perfect every time!
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! While frying gives them that crispy golden exterior, you can bake them in a mini muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. They won’t be as crunchy, but they’ll still be delicious!
2. How do I store leftovers?
If you actually have leftovers (which, let’s be real, is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the poppers right after making the batter, but if you need to prep ahead, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 4 hours. Just give it a quick stir before frying.
4. What’s the best oil for frying?
I recommend using a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as it burns too quickly.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, and you’re good to go.
6. How do I know the oil is the right temperature if I don’t have a thermometer?
A simple trick: drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top immediately, the oil is ready. If it sinks without much bubbling, it’s too cold; if it browns too quickly, it’s too hot.
7. What can I serve these with?
These poppers pair perfectly with chili, BBQ, fried chicken, collard greens, or even a simple honey butter dip. They’re also amazing on their own as a snack!
Final Thoughts: Give These a Try!
There’s just something about homemade cornbread that feels like a warm hug, and these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers take that comfort to a whole new level. Crispy, fluffy, sweet, and buttery—they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
Now, go grab that honey butter and enjoy every last bite! Happy cooking!
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SOUTHERN-STYLE HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD POPPERS
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
These crispy, golden cornbread poppers are packed with Southern charm! Lightly sweetened with honey and topped with a buttery glaze, they’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Poppers:
- 1 cup (130g) cornmeal
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cornbread Batter:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey. Mix well.
Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the poppers light and fluffy.
2️⃣ Heat the Oil:
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot.
Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
3️⃣ Fry the Poppers:
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil.
Fry in batches, turning occasionally, for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4️⃣ Make the Honey Butter Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5️⃣ Glaze and Serve:
Drizzle or brush the warm honey butter glaze over the cornbread poppers.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure crispy, golden poppers. If the oil is too hot, they will burn; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Crispier Poppers? Fry them slightly longer for a more golden-brown crust.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with whipped honey butter, maple syrup, or spicy jalapeño dip for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the batter for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
