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Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 poppers 1x

Description

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful and easy-to-make snack featuring crispy, golden-fried cornbread bites paired with a luscious honey butter spread. These poppers combine the hearty texture of stone-ground cornmeal with the sweet and moist flavors of creamed corn and honey, fried to perfection for a comforting treat perfect for gatherings or a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground preferred)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 cup creamed corn (optional)

Honey Butter

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup honey (local honey preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, about 3-4 inches deep in pot

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
  2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, and melted butter that has cooled slightly to avoid cooking the egg.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light. If you choose to use creamed corn, fold it in carefully at this stage to maintain texture.
  4. Rest the Batter (Optional): Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes to let the cornmeal hydrate, improving texture.
  5. Cream the Butter for Honey Butter: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
  6. Add the Honey: Gradually drizzle the honey into the creamed butter while continuing to mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
  7. Add Cinnamon and Salt (Optional): For additional warmth and depth of flavor, blend in ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt evenly into the honey butter.
  8. Chill Honey Butter (Optional): Place the honey butter in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to spread later.
  9. Prepare Frying Oil: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a deep pot to a depth of 3-4 inches and heat over medium heat using a deep-fry thermometer until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  10. Test Oil Temperature: If you lack a thermometer, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden brown within 2-3 minutes, indicating the oil is ready.
  11. Drop the Batter: Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
  12. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the cornbread poppers for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the poppers and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  14. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, maintaining the oil temperature between 350-375°F to ensure consistent frying results.
  15. Serve Warm: Serve the cornbread poppers immediately after frying while they are still warm and crispy.
  16. Top with Honey Butter: Generously spread the prepared honey butter over the warm cornbread poppers to add rich sweetness and moisture.
  17. Optional Garnishes: For an enhanced presentation and flavor, garnish with flaky sea salt, drizzle extra honey, or dust with powdered sugar.
  18. Enjoy! Savor the tasty and comforting honey butter cornbread poppers as a perfect snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Resting the batter is optional but helps improve the texture by hydrating the cornmeal fully.
  • Creamed corn adds moisture and natural sweetness but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Maintain oil temperature carefully to avoid greasy or undercooked poppers.
  • Use local honey for the best flavor in the honey butter.
  • Honey butter can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pot to ensure even cooking and proper crispiness.
  • Leftover poppers can be reheated in an oven for best texture retention.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: cornbread poppers, honey butter, fried cornbread, southern snack, honey cornbread bites, easy appetizer, fried snacks

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/honey-butter-cornbread-poppers-recipe/