Description
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are irresistibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with the sweet richness of honey butter. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these bite-sized fried cornbread balls capture classic Southern flavors with a delightful twist of honey glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Rest Batter: Cover the batter and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornmeal to hydrate properly.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), preparing for frying the poppers safely and evenly.
- Form and Fry Poppers: Using a tablespoon or mini ice cream scoop, drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil carefully, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding which can lower the oil temperature.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry the cornbread poppers for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping with a slotted spoon or spatula to ensure even golden browning.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the poppers from oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, preserving their crispiness.
- Prepare Honey Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with extra honey to taste, stirring until well blended for a delicious glaze.
- Serve: Serve the warm cornbread poppers with the honey butter glaze drizzled on top or on the side for dipping, enhancing the sweet and buttery flavor profile.
Notes
- Make sure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to ensure even frying and prevent greasy poppers.
- Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to maintain proper oil temperature and crispy texture.
- Letting the batter rest enhances the moisture absorption, resulting in a softer interior.
- Adjust honey in the glaze to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use a slotted spoon for easy flipping and removal of poppers from the hot oil.
