Name: Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup buttermilk; ¼ cup melted unsalted butter; 1 large egg; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons honey

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 22 minutes, these cornbread poppers are simple to make.
Perfectly Sweet & Savory – A balance of rich, buttery cornbread with a sweet honey glaze.
Great for Any Occasion – Serve as an appetizer, snack, or alongside chili, barbecue, or fried chicken.
Bite-Sized & Shareable – Their small size makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cornbread Poppers:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
1 large egg
¼ cup honey

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp honey

Directions

Prepare the Batter:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and honey until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Poppers:

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze:

While the poppers are baking, whisk together the melted butter and honey in a small bowl.

Glaze the Poppers:

Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
Brush each popper generously with the honey butter glaze while still warm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. These poppers pair perfectly with a bowl of chili, barbecue dishes, or fried chicken.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 24 poppers
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: 110 kcal per popper

Variations

Spicy Honey Butter Poppers – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey for a kick.
Cheesy Cornbread Poppers – Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
Savory Herb Poppers – Add finely chopped green onions or fresh herbs for a delicious savory variation.
Maple Glaze Alternative – Swap honey for maple syrup in the glaze for a richer sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness. If substituting, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?

Yes, you can bake them in a regular muffin tin, but increase the baking time to 15–18 minutes.

3. How do I make these poppers extra moist?

Avoid overbaking, and ensure the batter isn’t too dry. Adding an extra tablespoon of honey can help retain moisture.

4. What can I serve these with?

They’re great with chili, soups, barbecue, fried chicken, or as a sweet breakfast treat.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

6. How do I prevent the poppers from sticking?

Grease the muffin tin well or use mini cupcake liners for easy removal.

7. Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?

Yes, but yellow cornmeal provides a more traditional Southern cornbread flavor.

8. How do I get a crispier crust?

Bake for an extra 2 minutes or broil for 1 minute at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

9. Can I use store-bought honey butter?

Yes, but homemade honey butter glaze gives the best fresh flavor.

10. What’s the best way to reheat them?

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and golden brown goodness. Whether served as a side, snack, or appetizer, these mini bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make a batch today and enjoy the comforting flavors of Southern cornbread in a fun, bite-sized form