These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you love about classic cornbread, packed into irresistibly bite-sized portions. Soft, golden, and lightly sweetened with honey, they’re brushed with a buttery glaze for the ultimate flavor boost. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they bring a touch of Southern charm to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Sweet and Savory: Honey adds a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the buttery richness.
• Bite-Sized Convenience: Great for entertaining or serving alongside your favorite meals.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: Add jalapeños, cheese, or spices for a personalized twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cornbread Poppers:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup honey
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Honey Butter:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey

How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Popper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, honey, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the poppers dense.

Step 2: Bake the Poppers

1. Fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and let the poppers cool for about 5 minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and honey until smooth and well combined.
2. While the poppers are still warm, brush them generously with the honey butter. The heat will help the glaze soak in, adding flavor and shine.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cornbread poppers warm, either as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with chili, soups, fried chicken, or barbecue dishes.

Helpful Tips

• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or 2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños to the batter.
• Cheesy Option: Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make Ahead: These poppers can be made a day in advance. Reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: ~24 poppers
• Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Notes

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or 2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the batter for extra flavor.
• Mini vs. Regular Muffin Tin: If using a regular muffin tin, bake for 15-18 minutes instead of 10-12 minutes.
• Make Ahead: Bake the poppers a day ahead and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving.
• Storage: Store poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Popper)

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these poppers gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Absolutely! Just increase the baking time to about 15-18 minutes for standard-sized muffins.

Related Recipes

If you love these cornbread poppers, try these next:

• Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes – Sweet, Fruity, and Lusciously Creamy!

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the ultimate combination of sweet, buttery, and comforting flavors. These bite-sized delights are quick to make, incredibly versatile, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’ll add a touch of Southern charm to your meal.

Time to dig in and enjoy the golden goodness!

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