Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Introduction
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful bite-sized treat that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re ideal as a snack or a side for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Extra melted butter and honey for brushing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and honey together until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove the poppers from the oven and immediately brush them with extra melted butter mixed with honey for a glossy, sweet finish.
- Step 8: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dry ingredients.
- Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a richer, tangier taste.
- Try adding finely chopped jalapeños or shredded cheese to the batter for a savory twist.
Storage
Store leftover cornbread poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular muffin pans instead of mini muffin pans?
Yes, you can use a regular muffin pan, but adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, as larger muffins take longer to bake.
Can I make these vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The texture may vary slightly.
PrintSouthern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are delightful mini muffins boasting a sweet and buttery flavor infused with honey. Perfect as a snack or a side, these bite-sized cornbread treats are moist on the inside with a golden crust on the outside, ideal for parties or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cornbread poppers 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined to ensure an even rise and balanced sweetness.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and honey until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Brush with Honey Butter: As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush the tops with extra honey butter (a mixture of melted butter and honey) to enhance the sweetness and add shine.
- Serve: Allow the cornbread poppers to cool slightly in the pan before removing. Serve warm as a delicious accompaniment or snack.
Notes
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure good rising.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and moister texture.
- For a spicier touch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- These can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk.
Keywords: cornbread poppers, honey butter cornbread, mini cornbread muffins, southern cornbread, sweet cornbread, party snacks
