Why Make This Southern Honey Butter Cornbread
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. This delightful cornbread captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking while delivering a modern twist. With its moist texture and the richness of honey and butter, it’s no surprise this recipe has become a favorite at family gatherings, holidays, and even casual get-togethers. It not only complements savory dishes like fried chicken and collard greens but also stands wonderfully on its own as a snack or breakfast treat. Plus, the hint of cayenne pepper adds just a touch of warmth, making every bite exciting!
How to Make Southern Honey Butter Cornbread
Making Southern Honey Butter Cornbread is quick and easy, even for novice bakers. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious batch of bite-sized cornbread ready in no time. The process involves simple mixing and baking, allowing the flavors to shine through. And if you want to impress your friends and family, serving these golden, drizzle-topped delights will surely do the trick!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Additional honey for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or softened butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and honey until smooth and uniform.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold melted butter into the batter. If desired, add cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
- Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, mix remaining melted butter with extra honey until smooth for drizzling.
- Remove the tin from the oven and cool poppers for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin.
- Drizzle warm poppers with honey butter before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Southern Honey Butter Cornbread (1 muffin) contains approximately:
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Serve Southern Honey Butter Cornbread
Serve these delightful honey butter cornbread poppers warm, drizzled with a little extra honey butter on top. They make an excellent complement to hearty main dishes like BBQ ribs or a warm bowl of chili. Consider serving them as appetizers at parties or alongside a creamy soup for a comforting meal. These mini muffins are also delightful as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee.
How to Store Southern Honey Butter Cornbread
Leftover Southern Honey Butter Cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a crisp finish.
Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Honey Butter Cornbread
- Be Careful Not to Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread, which isn’t the texture you want.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rising.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Sweetness Preference: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Cornbread: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Herbed Version: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or rosemary for a fragrant addition.
- Sweet Variants: Stir in chopped fruits like blueberries or cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
2. Is it necessary to add cayenne pepper?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to skip it. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount based on your heat tolerance.
3. How can I make these cornbread muffins ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before baking. Alternatively, bake them and store in an airtight container, then reheat as needed.
Conclusion
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread is a delightful addition to any meal. Its sweet, buttery flavor and soft texture will please everyone at your table. Beyond being easy to make, this recipe allows for various simple adaptations, making it versatile for all occasions. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience! Let us know how it turned out for you, and don’t forget to add your favorite twist. Happy baking!
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or softened butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and honey until smooth and uniform.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold melted butter into the batter. If desired, add cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
- Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, mix remaining melted butter with extra honey until smooth for drizzling.
- Remove the tin from the oven and cool poppers for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin.
- Drizzle warm poppers with honey butter before serving.