Description
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Snacks
Ingredients:
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
Steps:
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin pan.
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
Stir in milk, melted butter, and honey until combined.
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with batter.
Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden and puffed.
Brush with melted butter for extra flavor and enjoy!
Pair these cornbread bites with chili or soup for a hearty combo. What’s your favorite pairing?
#MiniCornbreadLove
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cornbread snacks every time.
- Prep and Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring jug, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved into the mixture.
- Combine Batters: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing leads to tough cornbread.
- Fill the Pan: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The snacks are done when the tops are golden, puffed, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Final Glaze: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the warm cornbread bites with a little extra melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bites are perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer. Serve them warm alongside a bowl of hearty chili, creamy potato soup, or a fresh garden salad. For a festive twist, offer them with honey butter, jalapeño jelly, or pimento cheese for dipping. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday buffet or game-day spread.
How-to Summary
In short: Whisk dry ingredients, mix in wet ingredients until just combined, portion into a greased mini muffin pan, and bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes. Finish with a brush of melted butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk? Absolutely. Substituting buttermilk will add a pleasant tang and make the crumb even more tender. No other adjustments are needed.
- How do I store leftover cornbread bites? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
- Can I make this in a regular muffin pan or skillet? Yes. For standard muffins, bake for 18-20 minutes. For a skillet, pour the batter into a preheated, greased 8-inch cast-iron skillet and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Is the sugar necessary? The sugar balances the cornmeal’s flavor. For a savory version, you can reduce it to 1 tablespoon, but eliminating it entirely may result in a bland product.
- Why did my cornbread bites turn out dry? The most common cause is overbaking. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. Overmixing the batter can also develop too much gluten, leading to a dry texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Stir until ingredients are just combined. Lumps are acceptable and prevent toughness.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly and promote a better rise.
- Not Preheating the Oven: A properly preheated oven is crucial for the initial “oven spring” that makes the bites light and puffy.
- Overfilling the Muffin Cups: Filling more than 3/4 full can cause the batter to overflow instead of creating a perfect domed top.
Conclusion
These Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Snacks are the epitome of easy, comforting baking. With their perfect balance of sweet honey and rich butter encased in a tender, golden crumb, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Mastering this simple recipe opens the door to countless variations and perfect pairings. Now that you have the complete guide, from detailed steps to expert tips, you’re ready to bake a batch that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
