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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Fried cornbread poppers with a crispy exterior and fluffy center, brushed with honey butter for a sweet finish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 poppers
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cornbread Batter
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal Fine-ground for smoother texture; medium-ground for more bite.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk Full-fat for best flavor and texture.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Should be slightly cooled.
  • 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels Fresh or drained canned; optional but recommended.
For the Honey Butter
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons honey Use good quality honey for best results.
  • a pinch flaky sea salt Optional; enhances sweet and salty flavor.
For Frying
  • enough vegetable oil Use to fill your pot or skillet to a depth of approximately 5cm.

Method
 

Make the Cornbread Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just mixed.
  3. If using corn kernels, gently fold them in. The batter should be thick, resembling cookie dough.
Heat the Oil
  1. Pour oil into a pot to a depth of 5cm. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Fry the Poppers in Batches
  1. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil, frying no more than 6-8 at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
  2. Remove and place on a wire rack over paper towels for draining.
Make and Apply the Honey Butter
  1. Combine melted butter and honey in a small bowl and whisk until combined. Brush generously over warm cornbread poppers immediately after frying.

Notes

Serve immediately for best results. Re-crisp in an oven if needed.