Description
Golden, crispy, and oozing with sweet honey butter, these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a bite-sized appetizer with a fluffy cornbread center and a swirl of honey butter inside. Perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice as substitute)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 tbsp (30ml) honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) honey (for filling)
- Pinch of salt (for filling)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for 2 inches in a saucepan, for frying)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 2 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt for the honey butter filling. Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and 2 tbsp honey until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined. The batter will be thick but scoopable.
- Scoop a tablespoon of batter, flatten slightly, add 1/2 teaspoon of chilled honey butter filling to the center, and pinch the batter closed around the filling to form a ball. Repeat until all batter is used (about 18–20 poppers).
- Pour oil into a deep saucepan or Dutch oven to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high to 350°F (175°C).
- To fry: Carefully drop 4–5 poppers at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning gently, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined rack.
- To bake or air fry: Place poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Spritz with oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- While the poppers are still warm, brush with extra honey butter (mix equal parts melted butter and honey, about 2 tbsp each). Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
For gluten-free poppers, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk. Chill the honey butter filling before shaping to prevent leaks. Don’t overmix the batter for fluffier poppers. Test one popper first to adjust seasoning or sweetness. Poppers can be baked or air fried for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cornbread poppers, honey butter, Southern appetizer, party snack, fried cornbread, air fryer, easy appetizer, comfort food, bite-sized, game day