Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are little bites of sweet and buttery corn goodness that melt in your mouth. These poppers are the perfect mix of golden cornbread with a…
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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are little bites of sweet and buttery corn goodness that melt in your mouth. These poppers are the perfect mix of golden cornbread with a soft, crumbly texture and a touch of honey that adds just the right amount of sweetness. The buttery flavor is classic Southern comfort food at its best, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
I love making these poppers whenever I want a snack that’s easy to share and impossible to stop eating. The honey butter glaze on top adds a shiny finish that makes them even more tempting. I usually bake a big batch and keep them warm in the oven, so they’re always ready to be grabbed. They’re great for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a treat alongside soup or chili.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these is fresh out of the oven with a little extra honey drizzled on top. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness—trust me, it’s a game changer! These cornbread poppers bring back memories of summer cookouts and cozy evenings with good food and even better company. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: Southern-style cornbread mix gives you that classic texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can use your favorite homemade cornbread recipe instead. Just make sure it’s firm enough to cut into bite-sized pieces.
Butter & Honey: Butter adds richness, while honey brings the perfect touch of sweetness. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Milk & Egg: Whole milk and egg help bind the batter and give a moist crumb. You can swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Spices & Garnish: Black pepper, red chili flakes, and garlic add subtle heat and depth. Adjust these to your spice preference, or skip the chili for a milder taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten the dish but can be left out if unavailable.
How Do I Get Crispy, Golden Poppers Without Them Falling Apart?
The biggest challenge is frying the cornbread pieces without them breaking or getting soggy. Here’s how I do it:
- Cool the cornbread completely: Letting it chill firms it up so it holds together better when frying.
- Optional coating: Brushing with melted butter and rolling in cornmeal or a light dusting of flour adds a crispy crust and helps prevent falling apart.
- Use the right oil temperature: Keeping the oil around 350°F is key. Too hot burns the outside before heating through; too cool makes them greasy and soft.
- Fry in batches: Don’t crowd the pan. This keeps oil temperature steady and allows even browning.
- Drain well: After frying, let poppers rest on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
With patience and these steps, your poppers will have a perfectly crisp outside and soft, tender inside. Finish with the honey butter glaze for the best flavor contrast!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size to bake and shape the cornbread evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for combining your batter and preparing the honey butter glaze.
- Deep skillet or heavy pot – ideal for frying the poppers evenly without crowding.
- Thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right temperature for crispy poppers.
- Slotted spoon – easy to lift fried poppers out while leaving oil behind.
- Small saucepan – for melting butter and warming the honey glaze smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cheddar or pepper jack cheese cubes inside poppers before frying for gooey, melty surprises.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or green chilies in the batter for a spicy kick that balances the honey sweetness.
- Fold cooked and crumbled bacon into the batter to add smoky, savory notes that contrast nicely.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey in the butter drizzle for a deeper, autumnal sweetness.
How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Southern-style cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread batter)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for frying)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for honey butter drizzle)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes or finely diced fresh red chili (optional)
- 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35-40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes mixing and baking the cornbread, plus cooling time before cutting into bite-sized poppers. Frying and preparing the honey butter glaze add another 15-20 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful snack to enjoy warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cornbread Batter:
In a mixing bowl, stir together the cornbread mix, whole milk, egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
2. Bake the Cornbread:
Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before handling.
3. Cut into Poppers:
Once cooled, cut the cornbread into 1 to 1.5-inch squares to make your poppers. If you like extra crunch, lightly brush each piece with melted butter and roll in fine cornmeal or flour.
4. Prepare Honey Butter Drizzle:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in honey, minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and red chili flakes if you want a bit of heat. Keep warm on low heat.
5. Fry the Poppers:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the cornbread poppers in batches, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the warm poppers on a serving plate, drizzle generously with the honey butter garlic glaze, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. For extra sweetness, offer some honey on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers warm and crispy!
Can I Use Homemade Cornbread Instead of a Mix?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade cornbread is firm and fully cooled before cutting into poppers to help them hold their shape while frying.
How Do I Store Leftover Cornbread Poppers?
Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet to keep them crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Poppers?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the poppers at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
Reduce or omit the red chili flakes and fresh chili for a milder popper. For more heat, add extra chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey butter glaze.
