Description
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are irresistibly delicious mini cornbread bites, bursting with sweet corn, red bell pepper, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh herbs, they make a perfect savory-sweet snack or side dish with a tender crumb and a buttery, hearty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (to taste, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the batter, ensuring the poppers bake evenly and develop a perfect golden crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined, awakening the sweet aromas and creating a balanced dry base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, forming a rich and tender batter foundation.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry. Carefully fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined; a few lumps are fine to keep the poppers light and tender.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese. Gently fold in the sweet corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese, distributing them evenly for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Fill Molds. Grease mini muffin tins or popper molds and fill each cavity about three-quarters full, leaving space for the poppers to rise during baking.
- Bake the Poppers. Place the filled molds in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown, puffed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Finish and Garnish. Remove the poppers from the oven, immediately drizzle warm honey over each one for a sweet touch, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with yogurt and melted butter with coconut oil.
- Fresh corn kernels provide better texture and sweetness than frozen, though frozen works fine in a pinch.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor or mild for a subtler taste.
- The poppers are best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar to add a richer caramel note.
