Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sweet and savory Southern honey butter cornbread bites offer the perfect balance of flavors in a delightful, bite-sized form. They are crispy on the edges, soft on the inside, and infused with the rich sweetness of honey and the comforting taste of butter. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for a barbecue, a complement to a warm bowl of chili, or a standalone snack, these cornbread bites are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
Ingredients
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Sugar
- Butter
- Honey
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix it with honey, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Honey Butter: While the cornbread bites bake, mix softened butter with honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Brush and Serve: Once the bites are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the honey butter mixture for a rich, glossy finish.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the batter for a savory kick.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour and replace sugar with a natural sweetener.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar and use dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Servings: About 24 mini cornbread bites
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cornbread bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I make these cornbread bites extra moist?
Using buttermilk and honey ensures a moist texture. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini one?
Yes, but adjust the baking time to 15-18 minutes for larger muffins.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup or additional sugar.
What can I serve with these cornbread bites?
They pair well with chili, soups, barbecue dishes, or simply with more honey butter.
Can I make this batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake immediately after mixing, but you can store the batter in the fridge for up to an hour before baking.
How do I prevent my cornbread from being too dense?
Be sure not to overmix the batter and measure ingredients accurately.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
What’s the best way to brush on the honey butter?
Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the tops right after baking while they’re still warm.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use flax eggs, plant-based butter, and dairy-free milk with vinegar.
How do I get a crispy exterior?
Bake at a slightly higher temperature for the first few minutes before lowering it.
Conclusion
Sweet and savory Southern honey butter cornbread bites are a delightful addition to any meal or snack table. With their golden, crispy edges and soft, buttery interior, these bite-sized treats capture the best of traditional cornbread in a fun, easy-to-serve format. Whether you prefer them plain, cheesy, or spicy, this versatile recipe is bound to become a favorite. Try them out today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite!
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Sweet & Savory Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Bites
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: About 24 mini cornbread bites 1x
Description
These sweet and savory Southern honey butter cornbread bites are crispy on the edges, soft inside, and infused with rich honey and butter. Perfect as a side for barbecue, chili, or a tasty snack, they’re quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
-
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
-
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
Honey Butter Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt butter and mix with honey, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Stir well.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon batter into the muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Place in oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare Honey Butter: Mix softened butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
- Brush & Serve: Once baked, brush tops with honey butter while warm.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack.
- Spicy: Mix in diced jalapeños.
- Healthier: Use whole wheat flour and a natural sweetener.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar, and use dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Keywords: cornbread bites, honey butter cornbread, mini cornbread muffins, Southern cornbread, easy cornbread recipe
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