Looking for the perfect bite-sized snack that’s both savory and satisfying? These Cornbread Poppers are exactly what you need! Picture fluffy, golden cornbread wrapped around a juicy, cheesy surprise. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for game day, parties, or just whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting. Trust me, these little poppers will have you hooked from the first bite.

Why You’ll Love Cornbread Poppers

Name: Cornbread Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy Cornbread Mix (or equivalent homemade cornbread batter); – 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed if frozen; – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; – 15 large jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded; – Optional: 1/2 cup cooked and diced bacon; – Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes; – Optional: 1/2 cup granulated sugar; – Optional: 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; – Optional: 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; – Optional: 1/3 cup cornmeal; – Optional: 2 teaspoons baking powder; – Optional: 1/2 cup milk; – Optional: 1/4 cup melted butter; – Optional: 2 tablespoons honey

These cornbread poppers are everything you love about cornbread, but in a fun, bite-sized form. Here’s why they’re a winner:

Cheesy & Flavorful: A gooey cheese center adds extra richness and flavor.
Crispy & Tender: The outside is perfectly crispy, while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Perfectly Portable: These little bites are great for parties or on-the-go snacks.
Quick & Easy: You’ll have these poppers ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or a crowd, everyone will love these poppers.

Ingredients in Cornbread Poppers

These cornbread poppers come together with simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cornbread Mix: The base of the poppers. A good cornbread mix will give you that authentic flavor and texture.
Eggs: Help bind everything together for the perfect consistency.
Milk: Adds moisture, keeping the poppers tender.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly inside the poppers, adding that gooey, cheesy center.
Cooked Sausage (optional): For a savory twist, add a bit of cooked sausage or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Oil (for frying): Helps achieve that crispy outer layer.
Chopped Green Onions (optional): Add a bit of freshness and a pop of color.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these cornbread poppers is easy, and the result is oh-so-satisfying:

Preheat & Prep: Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 375°F (190°C). Prepare a tray lined with paper towels for draining the poppers later.

Make the Cornbread Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, eggs, milk, and any optional ingredients (like sausage or onions). Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

Form the Poppers: Scoop a tablespoon of the batter and gently flatten it in your hand. Place a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese in the center, then fold the batter around the cheese to form a ball. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Fry the Poppers: Carefully drop the batter balls into the hot oil, cooking a few at a time. Fry for about 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Drain & Serve: Remove the poppers from the oil and place them on the prepared tray to drain. Let them cool for a minute, then serve hot.

Enjoy: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, hot sauce, or salsa) for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 150
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cornbread Poppers

These crispy little bites are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few sides and dips:

Serve with ranch dressing or honey butter for dipping.
Pair with a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the poppers.
These are also fantastic with a side of salsa for a little extra kick.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make these cornbread poppers even better:

Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until everything is combined to keep the poppers light and fluffy.
Experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a twist on the classic cheddar.
If you’re not into frying, you can bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Make them mini-sized for even more bite-sized goodness!

FAQ’s

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Can I use a homemade cornbread batter?
Of course! You can substitute your favorite homemade cornbread recipe for the mix.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

4. What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to add cooked chicken, ham, or even veggies like jalapeños for an extra kick!

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispy texture.

6. Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze the uncooked poppers on a tray, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. Fry them directly from the freezer when ready to serve.

7. How do I know when the poppers are done frying?
The poppers should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and test one for doneness.

8. Can I make these with just cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply skip the sausage and add more cheese.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.

10. Are these spicy?
Not unless you add spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot sausage. They are mild and cheesy on their own.

CONCLUSION

These Cornbread Poppers are a fun, flavorful snack that everyone will enjoy. Crispy on the outside and filled with cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or snacking during the game, these poppers are sure to become a favorite!

Cornbread Poppers

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 35min
Yield: 30 poppers
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized treats that combine the savory goodness of cornbread with various flavorful fillings. They are versatile and can be customized with ingredients like cheese, jalapeños, or honey butter, making them perfect for appetizers, snacks, or side dishes.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Prepare the cornbread batter according to the package instructions, adding the corn kernels and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If desired, fold in cooked bacon.

3. Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can also remove the white pith.

4. Spoon the cornbread batter into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but not overflowing. Place the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top of each filled jalapeño half.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread is firm and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. (Optional) While the poppers are baking, prepare a honey butter glaze by mixing melted butter and honey together. Brush this glaze over the warm poppers as soon as they come out of the oven for added sweetness and shine.

8. Serve warm, and enjoy!