Ingredients
For the Cornbread Batter:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slightly sweeter cornbread)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth)
For Frying:
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for pan-frying, if preferred)
For the Honey Butter Drizzle:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder & baking soda
- Salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cornbread
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and pour in the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cornbread cool for 10 minutes, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
Step 3: Fry the Cornbread Poppers
For Deep Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the cornbread cubes into the hot oil in batches.
- Fry for 30-45 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
For Pan-Frying:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cornbread cubes, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Drizzle
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
- Stir in honey and mix until smooth.
- Drizzle warm honey butter over the fried cornbread poppers.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately while warm.
- Enjoy with extra honey butter, maple syrup, or a side of spicy dipping sauce.
Notes
Tips for the Best Cornbread Poppers
✔ Use Buttermilk – It makes the cornbread extra moist and tender.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – A few lumps are fine; overmixing makes it dense.
✔ Let the Cornbread Cool Before Frying – This helps it hold its shape when frying.
✔ Use a Thermometer for Frying – Keeping the oil at 350°F ensures a crispy, golden crust.
✔ Make Extra Honey Butter – Because you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!