There’s something deeply nostalgic about the scent of cornbread baking in the oven. It takes me right back to childhood gatherings, warm summer evenings, and big family dinners where food was made with love and meant to be shared. These Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers were born from that same spirit. I wanted to create a recipe that was both comforting and crowd-pleasing—bite-sized, sweet-savory, buttery, and with just the right golden crunch.
These poppers are perfect when you’re hosting guests or preparing a picnic basket, and they’re a delightful surprise for brunch spreads. I’ve always loved traditional Southern cornbread for its rustic charm and subtle sweetness, but I wanted something more playful—something you could pop into your mouth in one bite, paired with a glaze of honey butter for an irresistible finish. After many batches, tweaks, and taste tests, I’ve landed on a recipe that’s both simple and delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love how these cornbread poppers balance buttery richness with the delicate sweetness of honey. They’re soft inside and slightly crisp on the outside, and each bite melts in your mouth. The honey butter glaze adds an indulgent shine and enhances their golden crust with a touch of sticky-sweet goodness.
These poppers aren’t just good—they’re addictively good. They disappear fast whenever I serve them. Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack, a unique side dish, or a finger food for gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Versatile
These poppers are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with soups and stews, enjoy them as a sweet-savory appetizer, or pair them with a protein like roasted chicken or turkey bacon for a satisfying meal. They also work beautifully on their own, served with extra honey butter for dipping. You can even fold in bits of cooked chicken ham or grated cheese for a savory twist.
Affordable
Another reason I love this recipe—it’s budget-friendly. With pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, and eggs, you can make a whole batch of poppers without breaking the bank. The ingredients are accessible, and the return is incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just for yourself, this is a recipe that delivers big flavor without a big cost.
Ingredients for the Recipe
To make these Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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Yellow cornmeal
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
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Eggs
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Buttermilk
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Unsalted butter (melted)
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Honey
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A little vegetable oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
HOW TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE
Step-by-step instructions for Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
These cornbread poppers come together quickly and bake up beautifully golden and soft inside. I like to make them in a mini muffin tin to achieve the perfect poppable size. The process is simple, and the results are consistently satisfying. Here’s how I do it from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray to ensure the poppers release easily once baked. This step helps create that perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like your poppers)
Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly so they’re evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together:
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk
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¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Whisk until smooth and well blended. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. This honey adds a subtle sweetness and enhances that classic Southern flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as the batter comes together and no dry streaks remain. The batter will be slightly thick, which is perfect for holding shape in the mini tins.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins
Spoon the batter evenly into the greased mini muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This allows the poppers to rise properly without spilling over the edges.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the tin in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are set and slightly golden. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a popper—it should come out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze
While the poppers are baking, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and whisk until smooth. Keep it warm on the stove.
Step 8: Glaze the Poppers
Once the poppers are out of the oven, let them cool for 2–3 minutes in the tin, then transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, brush each one generously with the honey butter glaze. The warmth helps the glaze soak in slightly, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Quick and Easy
One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From mixing to baking, the entire process takes under 30 minutes. No complex techniques, no waiting for dough to rise—just straightforward steps and reliable results. Perfect for busy days or last-minute hosting.
Customizable
These poppers are a perfect base for creativity. You can:
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Stir in chopped green onions or jalapeños for a bit of heat
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Add shredded cheddar for a cheesy bite
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Fold in cooked, crumbled turkey bacon or diced chicken ham for a protein boost
You can even sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the dry mix for extra depth of flavor. Whatever your taste, this recipe adapts easily.
Popular With Many People
Every time I serve these at a party, they’re the first to disappear. Kids love the slightly sweet flavor and mini size. Adults love the balance of crisp edges and soft centers. Whether you’re feeding a group or baking just for yourself, these poppers are guaranteed to bring people back for seconds.
PrintBEST RECIPE for Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread poppers
These Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are soft, buttery mini bites with a golden crust and a sweet honey butter glaze. Perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or pairing with hearty meals, they’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always a crowd favorite.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with vegetable oil or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and melted butter. Stir in the honey until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare the honey butter glaze: melt butter in a small pan over low heat, stir in honey, and whisk until smooth.
- Remove poppers from the oven. Let them cool slightly in the tin for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Brush each popper with warm honey butter glaze while still warm. Serve immediately or store once fully cooled.
Notes
Optional add-ins include chopped green onions, jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or diced chicken ham.
For added flavor, stir in a pinch of paprika or garlic powder with the dry ingredients.
Use a piping bag or spoon to cleanly portion batter into mini muffin cups.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Can I make these cornbread poppers in advance?
Yes, these poppers can be made ahead of time. After baking and glazing, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their warmth and texture.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini one?
Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Bake for 14–16 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind, the poppers will be larger, so you may want to serve fewer per portion.
How can I keep the poppers moist?
To keep the poppers moist, avoid overbaking and make sure to brush them with honey butter while they’re still warm. This step not only adds flavor but also helps lock in moisture. Storing them in an airtight container once cooled also helps maintain their softness.
Are these poppers gluten-free?
This recipe, as written, is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can easily substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with a few adjustments. Use a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice to replace buttermilk. For the butter, substitute with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Note that the flavor may vary slightly, but the texture remains soft and moist.