Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized treat with a crisp golden crust and a soft, fluffy center. Lightly sweetened with honey and sugar, these poppers combine classic cornbread flavors with a hint of buttery richness. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re great for dipping, drizzling with more honey, or enjoying on their own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bite-Sized & Fun: Easy to eat, serve, and share.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The perfect mix of honey, butter, and cornmeal.
• Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside: Bakes up with a golden crust and soft texture.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Versatile: Great as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated:

• 2 eggs

Condiments:

• ¼ cup honey

Baking & Spices:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sugar

Dairy:

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in buttermilk, melted butter, and honey.
4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm with extra honey or butter.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 poppers
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Cornbread Poppers: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Maple Butter Glaze: Drizzle with a mix of melted butter and maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Corn Kernels: Fold in ½ cup of corn kernels for added texture.
• Cinnamon Honey Butter: Serve with whipped butter mixed with cinnamon and honey.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! Substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

How do I prevent my cornbread poppers from being dry?

Avoid overbaking and make sure to use enough butter and buttermilk for moisture.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes! Just increase the baking time to about 15-18 minutes.

What’s the best way to serve these poppers?

They’re great with butter, honey, or served alongside chili or soup.

Can I use a cornbread mix instead?

You can, but homemade gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I make these without sugar?

Yes, but they will be less sweet. You can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Are these poppers gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Can I add bacon to the recipe?

Absolutely! Crumbled cooked bacon makes a delicious addition.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes or brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

Can I serve these with dipping sauces?

Yes! Try honey butter, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo for dipping.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy classic cornbread flavors in bite-sized form. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re quick to make and always a hit. Try them warm with a drizzle of honey and enjoy!

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