Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of Southern-style cornbread fresh from the oven. Now imagine that rich, buttery goodness transformed into bite-sized poppers, each one packed with sweet honey flavor and a crispy golden crust.

this Recipe

I first made these cornbread poppers for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could plate them. The combination of fluffy cornbread, rich honey butter, and a slight crunch on the outside makes these an irresistible treat. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or just a snack, these poppers are sure to please.

Why You'll Love These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cornbread recipe. These Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you crave in a classic cornbread but in a fun, poppable size.

First off, they're incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a mini muffin tin, you can whip up a batch in no time.

They're also perfectly sweet and buttery. The honey butter glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, complementing the rich, slightly savory cornbread base.

Plus, these poppers are great for any occasion. Serve them alongside chili, barbecue, or fried chicken, or enjoy them as a standalone snack.

Finally, they store and reheat beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for parties or busy weeknights.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cornbread poppers lies in the combination of a few simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, moist texture and that signature Southern-style flavor.

Cornmeal is the star of the show. Opt for a finely ground yellow cornmeal for a smooth texture that still retains a bit of grit for that classic Southern feel.

Flour adds structure and lightness to the poppers. A blend of all-purpose flour with cornmeal ensures the poppers are tender and not too dense.

Buttermilk gives these poppers a slight tang and keeps them moist. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute with milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Honey provides the perfect touch of sweetness. Not only is it mixed into the batter, but it's also incorporated into the buttery glaze that coats each popper.

Butter is essential for that rich, indulgent flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the final dish.

How To Make These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Making these delicious cornbread poppers is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a mini muffin tin. This ensures your poppers come out golden brown and easy to remove.

In a large bowl, whisk together your cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients create the base of your cornbread batter.

In a separate bowl, mix together your buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and honey until well combined. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the poppers tough.

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the poppers bake, prepare the honey butter glaze by melting butter and stirring in honey. Once the poppers are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the honey butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy their sweet, buttery goodness.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), these cornbread poppers store wonderfully.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place the fully cooled poppers in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

For a savory twist, skip the honey glaze and add shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the batter.

If you're looking for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

For extra moisture and richness, try swapping out half of the butter for sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter.

No buttermilk? No problem! You can make a quick substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

No matter how you make them, these Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bound to become a new favorite. Enjoy experimenting and making them your own!

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