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Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the answer to every craving for sweet buttery cornbread in a bite-sized form. These little golden rounds deliver warm comfort at parties or as a surprise side for family dinners. Fluffy inside with a crisp honey-buttered exterior they never last long in my house.
The first time I made these my youngest ended up sneaking four from the tray before dinner was served and now they are a family tradition for movie nights.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: for structure and a soft crumb look for unbleached or organic if possible
- Yellow cornmeal: delivers classic cornbread flavor and crunch stone-ground gives best texture
- Sugar: brings balanced sweetness use organic for a cleaner taste
- Baking powder: ensures a lofty rise check that it is fresh for fluffiest results
- Salt: enhances flavor a fine sea salt gives even seasoning
- Milk: adds moisture and richness whole milk gives best tenderness
- Large eggs: bind everything together and help the poppers set use fresh eggs for best results
- Melted butter: infuses richness and helps brown the poppers choose high-quality unsalted butter
- Honey: gives the signature touch of sweetness local varietals often add more flavor
- Honey Butter Coating: melted butter and honey combine for a glossy flavorful finish do not skip this final step
How to Make It
- Make the Batter:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour yellow cornmeal sugar baking powder and salt thoroughly. This ensures every popper rises evenly and holds the right texture.
- Blend Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl mix together the milk eggs melted butter and honey until the mixture is smooth and unified. Well-mixed wet ingredients help the poppers bake up light and tender instead of dense.
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture using a spatula to gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing. The batter should appear thick but uniformly moistened with no remaining pockets of dry flour.
- Shape and Bake:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop even mounds of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep some space between each so they have room to rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until puffed and turning golden around the edges. Start checking at the 15 minute mark as oven times can vary.
- Prepare Honey Butter:
- While the poppers bake combine the melted butter and honey for the coating in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. This step can be made ahead but the coating spreads best when warm.
- Coat and Serve:
- As soon as the poppers are baked and still hot from the oven use a pastry brush to coat each round thoroughly with the honey butter mixture. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately for maximum softness and aroma.
The honey butter always reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table where no bread was ever served plain. My favorite part is watching everyone’s face light up after the first bite.
Flavor Boosters
Mix in minced jalapeño or fresh corn kernels for summer, a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for fall, or orange zest and spiced honey for winter holidays. The honey butter glaze keeps the crumb ultra moist even after cooling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a bowl of chili or creamy soup for a classic duo. Pile next to fried chicken or barbecue to soak up sauces or set out with toothpicks and extra honey butter for dipping at parties. They are perfect for brunch served with eggs and fruit.
Creative Twists
Swap in white cornmeal for delicacy, whole wheat flour for heartiness, maple syrup for a twist on sweetness, or non-dairy milk for dietary needs. Try baking them in mini muffin pans for perfect rounds, or freeze after baking for a handy snack anytime.
Let poppers cool completely before storing and reheat gently for best softness. Brushing with honey butter while hot lets every bite shine.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you prepare shrimp for this dish?
Begin by rinsing fresh shrimp under cold water and deveining them for optimal flavor and texture.
- → What temperature is best for roasting shrimp?
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to roast shrimp, ensuring they turn pink and remain juicy without overcooking.
- → Can I add spice to this dish?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes provides a subtle heat that enhances the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain freshness.
- → What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp?
Reheat briefly in a hot skillet to warm through without drying out or overcooking.