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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Featured in Savory Side Dishes.

Mix cornmeal, flour, and cheese into a soft batter, bake into mini poppers, and drizzle with honey butter for a sweet and savory treat.
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Ranah
Updated on Sun, 09 Feb 2025 15:25:15 GMT
Southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers, golden and fluffy. Pin it
Southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers, golden and fluffy. | tastyblom.com

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers transform traditional cornbread into irresistible bite-sized morsels of comfort. Each popper delivers a perfect balance of sweet honey and rich butter in a golden-brown package that's crispy on the outside and tender within. The beauty of these little bites lies in how they elevate simple ingredients into something truly special, creating a versatile addition to any meal that's equally at home at a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering. The mini size makes them perfect for sharing, while their classic Southern flavors bring warmth and comfort to the table.

Having made these countless times, I've found that the secret lies in getting the batter consistency just right and not overbaking them.

Essential Ingredients

  • Cornmeal: Creates the perfect texture
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness
  • Fresh Butter: Creates rich flavor
  • Baking Powder: Ensures proper rise
  • Eggs: Bind everything together

Detailed Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  • Begin by preheating your oven to exactly 375°F - this precise temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust while maintaining a tender interior.
  • While the oven heats, prepare your mini muffin tin by thoroughly coating each cup with melted butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  • In a large bowl, whisk together your cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare Eggs
  • In a separate bowl, whisk your room temperature eggs until light and frothy - this incorporates air and helps create a lighter texture.
Step 4: Melt and Combine Butter and Honey
  • Melt your butter slowly over low heat until just liquid, then let it cool slightly before combining it with the honey.
  • Add the egg mixture to your honey-butter combination, whisking constantly to create a smooth, well-emulsified liquid.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
  • Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, then pour in your wet mixture.
  • Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together with gentle, sweeping motions. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain - overmixing is the enemy of tender cornbread.
  • The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to cake batter.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
  • Fill each muffin cup exactly 3/4 full using a small cookie scoop or spoon.
  • Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Step 7: Brush with Honey Butter
  • For the perfect finish, brush the tops with additional melted honey butter before baking.
Step 8: Bake
  • Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven and set a timer for 15 minutes.
  • Resist the urge to open the oven door during baking, as temperature fluctuations can affect the final texture.
Step 9: Cool
  • After removing from the oven, let the poppers cool in the pan for exactly five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • This brief resting period allows them to set up properly while preventing them from becoming soggy from trapped steam.
Golden Southern-style cornbread poppers, rich with honey butter, elegantly arranged on a rustic table with honey on the side. Pin it
Golden Southern-style cornbread poppers, rich with honey butter, elegantly arranged on a rustic table with honey on the side. | tastyblom.com

I particularly love how versatile these poppers are - they're equally delicious alongside chili or drizzled with extra honey for breakfast!

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside hearty chili or barbecue for a classic Southern meal. They also make wonderful breakfast treats with extra honey butter.

Make It Your Own

Add jalapeños for heat, or fold in cheese for a savory twist. Fresh corn kernels add wonderful texture and sweetness.

Storage Success

Keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore their crispy exterior.

Fluffy Southern-style cornbread poppers, infused with honey butter, presented on a wooden platter with a honey drizzle. Pin it
Fluffy Southern-style cornbread poppers, infused with honey butter, presented on a wooden platter with a honey drizzle. | tastyblom.com

Conclusion

After years of perfecting cornbread recipes, these Honey Butter Poppers stand out for their perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They prove that sometimes the best recipes are creative twists on classics. Each time I prepare these poppers, I'm reminded that good Southern cooking is about simple ingredients and careful technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly—just thaw and drain it before folding into the batter.
→ What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
→ What other cheeses can I use?
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese adds a unique twist for extra flavor.

Mini Honey Butter Cornbread Bites

Fluffy cornbread bites loaded with sweet corn and cheddar, drizzled with honey butter.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern

Yield: 24 Servings (24 mini poppers)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup cornmeal – gives the classic cornbread texture
02 1 cup all-purpose flour – helps create a fluffy and soft texture
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors
04 1 tablespoon baking powder – for lift and fluffiness
05 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors

→ Wet Ingredients

06 1 cup buttermilk – provides moisture and tang
07 2 large eggs – binds the ingredients together
08 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness to the batter

→ Add-Ins

09 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – adds texture and natural sweetness
10 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for color and cheesy goodness

→ Honey Butter Topping

11 1/4 cup honey – for drizzling over the poppers for a sweet finish
12 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – for the honey butter

→ Optional Garnish

13 Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use silicone molds for easy removal.

Step 02

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

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 04

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the poppers light and fluffy.

Step 05

Gently fold in the sweet corn kernels and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 06

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full for even baking.

Step 07

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 08

While the poppers are baking, prepare the honey butter by mixing the softened butter and honey together until creamy and smooth.

Step 09

Once the poppers are done, let them cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Drizzle generously with the honey butter and garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Use fresh or frozen corn kernels—just ensure frozen corn is thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.
  2. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
  3. For best results, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the poppers light and airy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mini muffin tin or silicone molds
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese).
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g