Sweet & Savory Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
If you love Southern cornbread, you’ll adore these Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers! With a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, buttery center, these poppers are the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for fun and easy baking recipes, Southern bite recipes, or just things to do with cornbread, this recipe will become a household favorite. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite comfort food dishes!
What Are Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
These Southern honey butter cornbread poppers are bite-sized versions of classic Southern-style cornbread, infused with rich butter and a hint of sweet honey. They’re crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and absolutely addictive! Whether served with a drizzle of extra honey or alongside your favorite Southern comfort meals, these poppers are a delicious twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Poppers
To make these Southern style honey butter cornbread poppers, you’ll need:
For the Cornbread Poppers:
- Cornmeal: 1 cup (fine-ground for a smoother texture)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (for lightness)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (for a fluffy texture)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Egg: 1 large (helps bind the batter)
- Milk or Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (adds moisture)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (for natural sweetness)
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted (adds richness)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- Honey: 3 tablespoons
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted
- Cinnamon (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon (adds warmth and depth)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For these bread baking ideas, gather the following tools:
- Mixing Bowls – for combining ingredients
- Whisk or Spoon – for mixing batter
- Mini Muffin Pan or Cake Pop Maker – for shaping the poppers
- Pastry Brush – for brushing the honey butter glaze
- Cooling Rack – for even cooling
How to Make Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best Southern cornbread poppers:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and honey.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill the Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the mini muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: While the poppers are baking, mix the melted butter and honey in a small bowl.
- Glaze the Poppers: Once baked, brush each popper with the honey butter mixture while still warm.
- Cool & Serve: Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Tips for the Best Cornbread Poppers
- Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk: It adds extra moisture and a slight tangy flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep the poppers light and fluffy.
- Let Them Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This helps the honey butter soak in without making them soggy.
- Make Them Crispier: Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes if you like a crunchier exterior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Check at 12 minutes to avoid drying out the poppers.
- Using Too Much Flour: Too much flour can make the poppers dense instead of fluffy.
- Skipping the Honey Butter Glaze: It adds essential sweetness and moisture!
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These Southern style honey butter cornbread poppers pair perfectly with:
- Fried Chicken & BBQ Ribs: A great addition to any Southern bite recipes spread.
- Chili or Stew: A delicious way to soak up rich broths.
- Creamy Soups: Serve alongside creamy tomato soup or chowder.
- Honey Drizzle or Powdered Sugar: Turn them into a sweet treat by adding extra toppings!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
- Cheesy Cornbread Poppers: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a savory twist.
- Spicy Poppers: Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coated: Roll the warm poppers in cinnamon sugar for a dessert-like version.
- Maple Butter Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup in the glaze for a different sweetness.
FAQ About Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Can I make these without a mini muffin pan? Yes! Use a regular muffin pan and bake for 15-18 minutes instead.
- Can I use cornbread mix instead of homemade batter? Yes! Just adjust the milk and egg ratio as needed.
- How do I keep them from being too dry? Make sure not to overbake and always glaze them while warm.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter instead.
Conclusion
These Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect sweet and savory treat! Whether you’re serving them at a Southern-style dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or just making a fun bread baking idea, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Try this Southern honey butter cornbread poppers recipe today and enjoy a bite-sized twist on a classic! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends, and subscribe to our blog for more fun and easy baking recipes! 😊
PrintSweet & Savory Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini poppers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Infused with honey and butter, they’re the perfect bite-sized sweet and savory treat for Southern-style dinners, BBQs, or cozy gatherings. Serve them warm with extra honey butter glaze for a delightful twist!
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Poppers:
✅ 1 cup cornmeal (fine-ground for a smoother texture)
✅ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (adds lightness)
✅ 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the poppers rise)
✅ 1/2 teaspoon salt
✅ 1 large egg
✅ 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (adds moisture)
✅ 2 tablespoons honey (for natural sweetness)
✅ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for richness)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
✅ 3 tablespoons honey
✅ 3 tablespoons butter, melted
✅ 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3️⃣ Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and honey.
4️⃣ Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5️⃣ Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the mini muffin wells, filling each 3/4 full.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
7️⃣ Make the Honey Butter Glaze: While baking, mix melted butter, honey, and cinnamon (if using).
8️⃣ Glaze & Serve: Brush warm poppers with the honey butter glaze and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For Crispier Poppers: Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Moisture: It gives a richer flavor.
- Make It Cheesy: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar for a savory version.