Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

 There’s something undeniably comforting about the taste of cornbread—warm, buttery, with just a hint of sweetness. Now imagine all that nostalgic flavor packed into a bite-sized, golden-fried popper. These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you love about classic cornbread, transformed into crispy, handheld delights.

Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or savory-sweet side dish, these poppers are guaranteed to disappear as fast as you can fry them.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
📈 Difficulty: Easy
🥄 Best Served With: Sweet honey butter or spicy dipping sauce

Why You’ll Love These Poppers

• Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside

• Naturally sweet and buttery with hints of honey

• Totally customizable with cheese, jalapeños, or herbs

• Made with pantry staples

• Great for parties, brunches, or cozy nights in

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Poppers:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tbsp honey

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Butter:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 pinch salt

Optional Additions

• Cheesy Twist: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño

• Herbal Touch: Add 1 tsp chopped rosemary or thyme

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

🔄 Tip: Batter should be thick but scoopable. Adjust with a splash of buttermilk if too dry.

2. Heat the Oil

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).

3. Shape the Poppers

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the batter. Roll gently into balls if needed.

4. Fry Until Golden

Carefully lower each ball into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5. Make the Honey Butter

In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the poppers warm with honey butter for dipping—or drizzle the butter over the top while they’re hot for a melty, indulgent finish.

Recipe Notes

• Small Batches Are Best: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it drops the oil temp and makes them greasy.

• Make Ahead: Fry ahead and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.

• Freezer Friendly: Freeze after frying and reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven.

Description

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers deliver a bite-sized experience bursting with rustic charm. Crispy edges give way to a moist, buttery center laced with subtle sweetness from the honey. Whether you serve them on a holiday platter or at your next BBQ, they’re destined to be devoured.