Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Their bite-sized nature and rich honey butter glaze make them irresistible to both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with add-ins like jalapeños or cheese for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cornbread Poppers:

• yellow cornmeal
• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• milk
• unsalted butter, melted
• honey
• large egg
• corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• unsalted butter, melted
• honey

Directions

To Make the Cornbread Poppers:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, honey, and egg until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Fold in the corn kernels.
5. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

To Make the Honey Butter Glaze:

7. Whisk melted butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Brush the glaze over the warm poppers immediately after baking.

To Serve:

9. Serve warm with extra honey butter for dipping or drizzling.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 24 poppers
• Calories: 110 kcal per popper

Variations

• Cheesy Poppers: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the batter.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate chopped chives or parsley for a savory twist.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute honey with maple syrup in the glaze for a different sweetness profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze the poppers (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

How do I prevent the poppers from sticking to the pan?

Grease the muffin tin thoroughly or use non-stick cooking spray for easy release.

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?

Yes, but adjust the baking time to 18–20 minutes, as regular muffins take longer to cook.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What type of cornmeal is best for this recipe?

Use fine or medium-grind yellow cornmeal for a smooth texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare them a day ahead and reheat before serving.

How do I keep the poppers moist?

Avoid overmixing the batter and brush with extra honey butter glaze for added moisture.

Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s well-drained before adding to the batter.

What other glazes can I try?

Experiment with savory glazes like garlic butter or spicy honey.

Are these poppers suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough muffin tins or bake in batches.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether served as a standalone snack or a complementary side, these golden bites shine at every occasion. Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time!

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