Description
These Irresistible Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers combine the comforting flavors of classic cornbread with bursts of sweet corn, crunchy red bell peppers, and creamy cheddar cheese. Drizzled with a luscious honey butter and garnished with fresh herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect as a savory snack or a delightful side dish. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, they offer a moist, fluffy texture with a touch of Southern sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or popper pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk, eggs, and melted unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the batter light.
- Add Corn, Bell Pepper, and Cheese: Fold in the sweet corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the batter for texture and flavor bursts.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare Honey Butter Drizzle: While the poppers are baking, whisk together the softened unsalted butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy for a luscious drizzle.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked poppers cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Drizzle generously with the honey butter mixture and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to serve.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the poppers tender and light.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a milder or sharper cheese according to preference.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
