If there’s one thing Southerners know how to do, it’s cornbread. But today, we’re taking it to the next level with Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. These bite-sized delights are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfectly sweetened with a touch of honey. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a snack, or alongside a bowl of chili, these poppers are the perfect addition to any table.

What’s more, they’re quick to make, and their golden, buttery flavor will keep everyone coming back for more! Ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible poppers? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

1. Perfectly Bite-Sized: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or snacking on the go.
2. Sweet and Savory: The honey butter glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the buttery, slightly savory cornbread flavor.
3. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make these a breeze to whip up.
4. Versatile: Serve them as a side, appetizer, or snack—they go with everything from BBQ ribs to a bowl of soup!
5. Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist warm, buttery cornbread in bite-sized form?

What Do Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Taste Like?

Imagine the soft, slightly crumbly texture of traditional cornbread combined with the rich, golden sweetness of honey butter. Each popper is like a mini explosion of Southern comfort in your mouth. They’re perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and have just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors. These poppers are melt-in-your-mouth good!

Benefits of Making Cornbread Poppers

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: They’re quick, easy, and taste amazing.
• Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized shape and sweet glaze make them a hit with little ones.
• Customizable: Add cheese, jalapeños, or herbs to make them your own.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance and reheating when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cornbread Poppers:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey

Tools You’ll Need

• Mini muffin pan (for perfect popper shapes!)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spoon or small cookie scoop (for easy batter portioning)
• Pastry brush (for glazing with honey butter)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Milk: Use buttermilk for an extra tangy and tender crumb.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Cheesy Poppers: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme for a fragrant upgrade.

How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Prepare Your Mini Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the poppers tender.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan

Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

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

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the poppers are out of the oven and still warm, brush each one generously with the honey butter glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Serve with Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

These poppers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:

• Soups and Stews: Perfect with chili, beef stew, or creamy tomato soup.
• BBQ Favorites: Serve alongside ribs, pulled pork, or smoked chicken.
• Salads: A great side for a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw.
• Snacks and Appetizers: Put them on a charcuterie board or serve with dips like honey butter, spicy aioli, or even maple syrup for dunking!

Tips for Perfect Cornbread Poppers

• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid dense poppers.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Mini muffin pans can bake quickly, so check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
• Glaze Generously: The honey butter glaze is key to the poppers’ signature flavor, so don’t hold back!
• Serve Warm: These poppers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and buttery.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked poppers (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat and glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these without a mini muffin pan?
A: Yes! You can use a regular muffin pan to make larger cornbread muffins—just adjust the baking time to 15–18 minutes.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake the poppers right away, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance and combine them just before baking.

Q: Can I skip the sugar for a more savory popper?
A: Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the sugar if you prefer a more savory flavor.

Conclusion

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you want in a bite-sized treat: buttery, golden, and packed with sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll find yourself whipping them up for every occasion!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread or Maple Butter Skillet Cornbread for more delicious ways to enjoy cornbread. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest with your cornbread popper creations—I’d love to see them!

Approximate Nutrition (per popper):

Calories: 90 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 12g | Sugar: 4g