Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized treat you didn’t know you needed! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or just a fun snack, these little golden nuggets bring all the classic flavors of cornbread in a poppable, dippable form.
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Imagine the warm, buttery goodness of cornbread, but in a crispy, bite-sized ball. Pair them with a zesty dip, and you’ve got a snack that disappears in minutes! Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch.
Why You’ll Love Cornbread Poppers
Bite-Sized & Fun:
Perfect for snacking, dipping, and sharing.
Crispy & Fluffy:
Golden brown on the outside, soft and airy on the inside.
Quick & Easy:
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—ready in no time!
Customizable:
Add cheese, jalapeños, or bacon for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser:
A hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners.
Ingredients in Cornbread Poppers
Cornmeal: The key to that classic cornbread texture.
Flour: Helps create a light and fluffy interior.
Baking Powder: Adds the perfect lift.
Sugar: Just a touch for balance.
Buttermilk: Keeps them moist and flavorful.
Egg: Helps bind everything together.
Butter: For richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cheese (optional): A cheesy surprise inside makes them extra delicious!
Jalapeños (optional): For a spicy kick.
Oil: For frying to crispy perfection.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
Customize (Optional):
Fold in shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Shape the Poppers:
Scoop out small portions of the batter and roll them into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes.
Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F.
Fry Until Golden:
Carefully drop the poppers into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Drain & Serve:
Transfer the poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Enjoy with Your Favorite Dips!
Serve warm with honey butter, ranch, or spicy aioli.
How to Serve Cornbread Poppers
- With Honey Butter: Sweet and savory perfection.
- Dipped in Ranch: Classic and delicious.
- Paired with Chili: The ultimate comfort food combo.
- As a Side Dish: Great with BBQ, fried chicken, or grilled meats.
- With a Spicy Kick: Try a jalapeño or chipotle dip!
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Makes shaping easier and helps poppers hold their shape.
- Don’t Overmix: Keeps them light and fluffy.
- Test the Oil: Drop a small piece of batter—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Bake Instead: If you prefer, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden brown.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q2: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Use a mini muffin pan for easy baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze after frying, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Q5: What other mix-ins work well?
Try crumbled bacon, green onions, or shredded cheddar.
Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q7: What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the best results.
Q8: Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Q9: How can I prevent them from getting greasy?
Drain well on paper towels and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q10: What’s the best dip for cornbread poppers?
Honey butter, ranch, chipotle mayo, or a tangy BBQ sauce!
Final Thoughts
Cornbread Poppers are a game-changer—crispy, fluffy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making them for a party, a side dish, or just a fun snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Print
Cornbread Poppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
These Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized snack with a lightly sweet, buttery flavor. Soft and moist, they’re topped with a delicious honey butter glaze for extra indulgence. Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack!
Ingredients
For the poppers:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 cup cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup creamed corn
- 1 stick butter, melted
For the honey butter glaze:
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, cornmeal, flour, and baking powder. Set aside.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine eggs, creamed corn, and melted butter.
-
Combine Batter:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
-
Bake:
- Use a small ice cream scoop to fill each mini muffin cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and honey.
- If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
-
Glaze and Serve:
- Transfer poppers to a wire rack.
- Brush warm poppers with honey butter glaze.
- Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Try serving with whipped honey butter for an extra treat!
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg