Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you love about classic Southern cornbread, shrunk into bite-sized delights that explode with flavor in every nibble. Sweetened with honey, infused with creamy butter, and baked to golden perfection, these poppers are crispy on the outside, moist and fluffy on the inside. Perfect as party appetizers, holiday snacks, or just a comforting weekend treat, they combine the rustic charm of cornbread with a hint of indulgent sweetness.
Cornbread has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, but turning them into poppable snacks transforms the traditional into something both convenient and fun. Whether served alongside chili, dipped in spicy sauces, or simply enjoyed warm with more honey butter on top, these cornbread poppers will become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Batter:
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
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1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
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1 large egg (room temperature)
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1/4 cup honey
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1/2 cup creamed corn (optional, for added moisture and texture)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
-
3 tbsp honey
-
Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins (for savory variation):
-
1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
-
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
2 tbsp chopped cooked bacon
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini paper liners. This ensures your poppers pop right out without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using). This dry mix creates the base structure for your poppers.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and honey until smooth and well-combined. The honey brings that signature Southern sweetness while the buttermilk keeps things tender.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—do not overmix. If using, fold in creamed corn and optional add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or bacon for added flavor and texture.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft inside.
Step 6: Make Honey Butter Glaze
While the poppers are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey and a pinch of salt. Mix well and remove from heat.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush each one generously with the warm honey butter glaze. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to soak in.
Variation
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the batter.
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Savory Style: Add bacon bits and cheddar cheese for a savory, breakfast-style bite.
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Herbed Cornbread: Mix in chopped chives or thyme for a sophisticated twist.
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Stuffed Surprise: Insert a small cube of cream cheese or pimento cheese into the center of each popper before baking.
Cooking Note
Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix more evenly and ensures consistent baking. For best results, use fresh baking powder and do not overmix, as this can result in dense poppers instead of light and fluffy bites.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side of whipped honey butter or spicy aioli.
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Pair with chili or soup for a hearty meal.
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Add to a Southern-style appetizer platter with deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes.
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Great for brunches, potlucks, game days, and family gatherings.
Tips
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Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized poppers.
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Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
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Make in advance and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes before serving.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Avoid overfilling the muffin tins—they’ll rise more than you expect.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Popper – approx.)
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Calories: 75
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Protein: 1.5g
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Sodium: 95mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I fry these instead of baking?
While traditionally baked, you can deep-fry spoonfuls of batter like hushpuppies. Be sure to adjust the consistency so it’s scoopable but not too thin.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice, and use vegan butter alternatives.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds. Brushing with fresh honey butter after reheating revives their flavor.
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds tang and moisture, but if unavailable, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Conclusion
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a true celebration of comfort food, bite-sized and bursting with flavor. They marry the sweetness of honey with the rustic charm of Southern cornbread and the irresistible richness of butter. Whether you stick with the classic version or customize them with savory or spicy add-ins, these poppers will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re perfect for entertaining, snacking, or adding a delightful twist to your dinner table.
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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you love about classic Southern cornbread, shrunk into bite-sized delights that explode with flavor in every nibble. Sweetened with honey, infused with creamy butter, and baked to golden perfection, these poppers are crispy on the outside, moist and fluffy on the inside. Perfect as party appetizers, holiday snacks, or just a comforting weekend treat, they combine the rustic charm of cornbread with a hint of indulgent sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Batter:
-
1 cup yellow cornmeal
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
-
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
-
1 large egg (room temperature)
-
1/4 cup honey
-
1/2 cup creamed corn (optional, for added moisture and texture)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter
-
3 tbsp honey
-
Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins (for savory variation):
-
1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
-
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
2 tbsp chopped cooked bacon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini paper liners. This ensures your poppers pop right out without sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using). This dry mix creates the base structure for your poppers.
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and honey until smooth and well-combined. The honey brings that signature Southern sweetness while the buttermilk keeps things tender.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—do not overmix. If using, fold in creamed corn and optional add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or bacon for added flavor and texture.
Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft inside.
While the poppers are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey and a pinch of salt. Mix well and remove from heat.
As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush each one generously with the warm honey butter glaze. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to soak in.
Notes
Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix more evenly and ensures consistent baking. For best results, use fresh baking powder and do not overmix, as this can result in dense poppers instead of light and fluffy bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes