Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized comfort food! These golden, fluffy cornbread bites are kissed with just the right amount of honey sweetness and finished with a luscious honey butter glaze. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or even as a side dish for your favorite Southern meals, these poppers are irresistibly moist and bursting with flavor. Serve them warm and watch them disappear in minutes!
Easy Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a miniature take on classic cornbread. With their crispy golden edges and soft, tender centers, every bite delivers a burst of rich, buttery flavor complemented by a drizzle of sweet honey butter. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side, they’re quick to make and utterly addictive. Pair them with chili, barbecue, or enjoy them on their own for a delightful Southern treat!
Why Our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Are the Best
Our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized bursts of flavor! Made with sweet honey and topped with a buttery glaze, they’re moist, fluffy, and have just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients Notes for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Each ingredient in these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers plays an important role in delivering that signature flavor and texture:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal: The star of the recipe, giving the poppers their classic cornbread flavor and texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal for a tender, fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the poppers puff up beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the cornbread base.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang for a tender crumb.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness to the batter.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the batter and gives it a subtle honey flavor.
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Creates a rich base for the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness and shine.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- Whisk or fork
- Mini muffin pan
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
- Basting brush (for applying the honey butter glaze)
How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are simple to whip up and ready in no time!
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure the poppers don’t stick.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup granulated sugar until evenly combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup buttermilk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons honey until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.
6. Bake
Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the poppers are baking, melt ¼ cup butter in a small bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons honey and a pinch of salt until smooth.
8. Glaze the Poppers
Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack and brush the tops generously with the honey butter glaze while they’re still warm.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the poppers warm, with extra honey butter on the side if desired. Enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
How to Store Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Store leftover Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also freeze the poppers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat before serving.
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Variations
These poppers are so versatile! Here are a few ways to change things up:
- Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cheddar Cornbread Poppers: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
- Herbed Cornbread Poppers: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary for an herby flavor.
- Sweet Corn Poppers: Mix in ½ cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.
What to Serve with Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
These poppers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:
- Chili or Soup: Perfect for dunking into a hearty bowl of chili or creamy soup.
- Barbecue: Serve alongside smoked ribs, pulled pork, or brisket for a true Southern feast.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh garden or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Honey Butter Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra honey butter on the side for dipping.
Top Tips for Perfect Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined—overmixing can make the poppers dense.
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender texture. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.
- Grease the Pan Well: Ensure your mini muffin pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Glaze While Warm: Brush the honey butter on the poppers while they’re still warm so it soaks in and enhances the flavor.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, you can use a regular muffin pan and adjust the baking time to 15-18 minutes.
- Double the honey butter glaze if you want extra for dipping or drizzling.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Trisha Yearwood: “Cornbread is all about balance. Adding honey gives it that sweet edge that’s irresistible in Southern cooking.”
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Always brush warm baked goods with butter—it’s a quick way to enhance flavor and make them extra special.”
- Alton Brown: “Using fresh, high-quality cornmeal makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of your cornbread.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but buttermilk adds tang and moisture. If using regular milk, consider adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the effect of buttermilk.
2. Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can bake the poppers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven before serving for the best flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.
5. How do I keep them moist?
The honey butter glaze helps keep the poppers moist. Store them in an airtight container to retain their softness.
Get ready to savor these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, a little taste of the South in every bite!
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 2 teaspoons baking powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 cup milk
- – 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- – 2 tablespoons honey
- – 1 large egg
- – 1/2 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned, drained
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- – 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- – 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, honey, and egg until well combined.
- Mix Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the corn kernels gently.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Honey Butter Glaze: While the poppers are baking, mix the melted butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze Poppers: Brush the warm cornbread poppers with the honey butter glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra honey butter for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For a savory twist, add shredded cheddar cheese or diced jalapeños to the batter.
- If you prefer a spicier glaze, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the honey butter.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
