Description
These Irresistible Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with bursts of corn, red bell pepper, and cheddar cheese. Light, fluffy, and baked to golden perfection, they are ideal bite-sized treats drizzled with a luscious honey butter glaze and garnished with fresh herbs for a charming touch.
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
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Honey Butter Drizzle & Garnish
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or popper pan to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined for a uniform base.
- Blend wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain light texture.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the sweet corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling doneness.
- Prepare honey butter drizzle: While the poppers are baking, mix the softened butter with honey until smooth and creamy to create a rich glaze.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the baked poppers to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Drizzle each popper with the honey butter mixture and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the poppers light and fluffy.
- Use a mini muffin or popper pan to achieve the ideal bite-sized shape.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a mild or sharp variety depending on your taste preference.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, but leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven.
