Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers: A Sweet and Savory Bite

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful twist on classic cornbread. These bite-sized treats are moist, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor, thanks to a drizzle of honey butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these poppers are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Below is a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to help you create the perfect Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers.

Ingredients

For the cornbread poppers:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

For the honey butter glaze:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp salt (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and honey until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the corn kernels.

Step 3: Bake the Poppers

Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the poppers cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and salt (if using) until smooth.
Brush the glaze over the warm poppers or drizzle it on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the poppers warm as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Variations

Spicy Poppers: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the batter for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Poppers: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese into the batter.
Herb-Infused: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter for a savory twist.

Cooking Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of extra honey butter for dipping.
Pair with chili, soup, or barbecue for a complete meal.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty flavor contrast.

Tips

Use a small cookie scoop to easily portion the batter into the muffin tin.
For a crispier edge, bake the poppers in a preheated cast-iron mini muffin pan.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings—these poppers disappear quickly!

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Baking Time:

10-12 minutes

Cooling Time:

5 minutes

Total Time:

About 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per popper, makes 24):

Calories: 90
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0.5g

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Can I freeze the poppers?
Yes, freeze them without the glaze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the glaze.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
You can use a regular muffin tin, but increase the baking time to 15-18 minutes.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delicious and versatile treat that combines the comforting flavors of cornbread with the sweetness of honey butter. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these bite-sized poppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!