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Cornbread has long been a staple in American cuisine, cherished for its warm, comforting qualities and versatile nature. Originating from Native American cooking, cornbread has evolved into a beloved side dish, often accompanying hearty meals like chili, barbecues, and family gatherings. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture make it a favorite among many, but what if we could elevate this traditional dish into something even more delightful? Enter the Baked Honey Butter Cornbread Tenders—a delicious reimagining that merges the essence of cornbread with a sweet, buttery glaze that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Baked Honey Butter Cornbread Tenders

Discover a delicious twist on a classic comfort food with Baked Honey Butter Cornbread Tenders! This recipe takes the beloved cornbread and transforms it into fluffy, golden tenders drizzled with a sweet honey butter glaze. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these tenders are not just a side dish—they're a crowd-pleaser. Simple and accessible for bakers of all levels, enjoy the delightful flavors and comforting texture that will elevate any meal.
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Ingredients
  

For the Cornbread Tenders:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup honey

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for added warmth)

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly distributed and free of lumps.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and honey to the beaten egg. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until everything is just combined. It's important to avoid overmixing; a few lumps in the batter are completely fine.

          Cut into Tenders: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. With a sharp knife, score the surface of the batter into tender-shaped pieces, making them roughly 1 inch wide.

            Bake the Cornbread Tenders: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

              Prepare Honey Butter Glaze: While the cornbread is baking, prepare the honey butter glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using cinnamon, add that as well. Mix until the glaze is smooth and creamy.

                Glaze the Tenders: After baking, remove the cornbread tenders from the oven and immediately brush a generous layer of the honey butter glaze over the warm tenders to soak in all the sweet flavor.

                  Cool and Serve: Allow the tenders to cool for a few minutes in the baking dish. Once slightly cooled, cut along the scored lines into individual servings. Serve them warm, with extra honey butter on the side for drizzling.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4-6 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cornbread tenders on a rustic wooden board or a colorful serving platter. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pop of color, and serve with a small bowl of honey butter for an inviting presentation.