Description
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful appetizer combining the comforting flavors of classic cornbread with a sweet honey butter finish. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, studded with cheddar cheese and a hint of jalapeño for a mild kick, these fried bite-sized treats make for a perfect snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow 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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for brushing)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the buttermilk, honey, egg, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the cornbread light and tender.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños if you are using them, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Fry Poppers: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the poppers are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked poppers using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Finish with Honey Butter: While the poppers are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and drizzle with extra honey if desired for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the poppers immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can bake these poppers in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for 10–12 minutes as a healthier alternative.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your spice preference or omit them for a milder flavor.
- Serve with extra honey butter or a spicy dipping sauce to enhance flavor.
