Quick & Sweet Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Sweet southern honey butter cornbread poppers bring comfort straight to your kitchen with a delightful twist.

These bite-sized treats pack incredible flavor into each crispy morsel.

Southern cooks understand the magic of transforming classic recipes into something extraordinary.

Small yet mighty, these poppers combine traditional cornbread with a luscious honey butter glaze that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges and soft centers create an irresistible texture that promises pure enjoyment.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with every single bite.

Whip up this simple recipe and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure delight.

Tasty Pairings For Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Pair with Sweet Southern Tea: Brew a classic sweet tea with a hint of mint to complement the honey butter cornbread poppers' sweetness. The crisp, refreshing beverage balances the rich, warm flavors of the cornbread perfectly.
• Match with Smoky Bourbon Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick bourbon-honey sauce that echoes the cornbread's sweetness while adding a sophisticated adult twist. The smoky bourbon notes enhance the buttery, golden texture of the poppers.
• Serve Alongside Pulled Pork: Create a classic Southern combo by pairing these cornbread poppers with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork. The light, fluffy cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory meat, making for an irresistible comfort food experience.
• Complement with Spicy Jalapeño Jam: Add a zesty kick with a homemade jalapeño jam that brings a touch of heat to the sweet and buttery cornbread poppers. The spicy-sweet combination offers a complex flavor profile that'll keep everyone reaching for more.

Creative Twists On Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers: Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a spicy, zesty kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Bacon and Chive Cornbread Bites: Fold crispy crumbled bacon and chopped fresh chives into the mix, creating a savory version that's perfect for brunch or game day snacking.
• Blueberry Honey Cornbread Mini Muffins: Gently stir in fresh or frozen blueberries for a sweet burst of fruity flavor that complements the honey beautifully.
• Herb-Infused Cornbread Poppers: Incorporate finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage to give these little bites an aromatic herbal dimension that elevates the classic recipe.

FAQs About Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• What makes these cornbread poppers different from traditional cornbread?

These poppers are mini-sized, bite-sized treats that pack all the classic cornbread flavor into a cute, portable format. The addition of honey gives them a subtle sweetness that sets them apart from regular cornbread.

• Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.

• Are these poppers gluten-free?

Unfortunately, no. The recipe uses both cornmeal and all-purpose flour, which contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, you’d need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.

• How do I prevent the poppers from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to generously grease the mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter. This will help the poppers release easily and maintain their perfect shape when you remove them from the pan.

Why Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Are Bite-Sized Bliss

• Savor Quick Bite-Sized Delights: These mini cornbread poppers are perfectly portioned for easy snacking, making them ideal for gatherings, parties, or quick nibbles throughout the day.
• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: With just 15 minutes of total preparation and baking time, this recipe delivers southern-style warmth without complex cooking skills or extensive kitchen experience.
• Craft Family-Friendly Treats: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet and buttery cornbread poppers, offering a versatile side dish or standalone snack that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Celebrate Honey-Infused Goodness: The combination of honey and butter creates a rich, moist texture that elevates traditional cornbread into a more decadent and memorable culinary experience.

What You Need For Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Cornmeal: A classic Southern staple that gives the poppers a rustic, grainy texture and authentic corn flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the poppers rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist texture in the cornbread poppers.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the rich, tender structure.
• Melted Butter: Brings richness and a smooth, golden flavor to the poppers.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a distinct Southern touch.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and complements the honey's sweetness.
• Nonstick Spray or Grease: Ensures easy removal of poppers from the mini muffin tin and prevents sticking.

How To Make Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab a mini muffin tin and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter. Set your oven to warm up at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, cohesive liquid.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin

Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each mini muffin cavity about three-quarters full with the batter. This ensures perfect, bite-sized poppers.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a popper – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Gently transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm for the most delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Tips To Keep Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Soft

• Customize Cornbread Sweetness: Adjust honey levels to match your taste preference, using less for a subtle sweetness or more for a richer flavor profile.
• Maximize Moisture Magic: Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure tender, soft poppers that maintain a delicate, light texture when baking.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk and use vegan butter to create a delicious dairy-free version of these delightful cornbread poppers.
• Perfect Pan Preparation: Use silicone mini muffin pans for easy removal and guaranteed non-stick performance without extra greasing.
• Temperature Precision: Let ingredients reach room temperature before mixing to help create a more uniform and smoother cornbread batter with consistent results.

Smart Storage Tips For Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Preserve these delightful Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers with care.
• Store cooled poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and tasty.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness, lasting up to 5 days – simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their warm, soft texture.
• Want to enjoy them later? Freeze the poppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and warm gently to bring back their irresistible homemade charm.

Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Honey-drizzled Southern honey butter cornbread poppers deliver a mouthwatering explosion of comfort and flavor. Crispy golden bites combine sweet and savory notes, inviting you to savor a classic Southern treat that melts deliciously in your mouth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coating a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by combining cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
3. In a separate vessel, whisk together melted butter, honey, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until the liquid mixture appears smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain a light texture and prevent overmixing, which can result in dense cornbread.
5. Carefully distribute the batter into the prepared mini muffin cavities, filling each compartment approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, monitoring the poppers until they develop a golden-brown exterior and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
7. Remove the cornbread poppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack, ensuring they maintain their delicate, tender structure.

Notes

• Use high-quality buttermilk for extra tangy and rich flavor that elevates the cornbread’s taste profile.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense poppers; stop stirring once ingredients are just combined for tender texture.
• Experiment with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, chopped jalapeños, or sharp cheddar cheese to customize the cornbread poppers for different taste preferences.
• Store leftover poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer preservation and quick reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg