The smell of warm cornbread and sweet honey butter makes these little poppers so cozy and inviting. They’re soft inside, with golden edges that melt in your mouth.
I baked these Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a family get-together, and they disappeared fast. Everyone loved how easy they were to grab and enjoy with a little drizzle of honey.
If you’re looking for a simple bite that feels warm and Southern, this recipe is perfect. Let’s bake up a batch of these sweet, buttery poppers that taste like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reader Favorite: As one home cook shared, “These disappeared faster than I could make them!”
- Perfectly Sweet and Savory: The balance of cornmeal texture with honey sweetness creates the ideal Southern comfort food.
- Easy to Make: Ready in just 45 minutes with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Great for Crowds: Makes 18 poppers, perfect for feeding a family or bringing to gatherings.
- Freezer Friendly: Make ahead and reheat for instant comfort food anytime.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 18 cornbread poppers—enough for 6-8 people as a side dish. Want more? Double the recipe and use two muffin tins.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress experienced cooks too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- 18-cup mini muffin tin
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream scoop or spoon for portioning
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients for Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
These Southern-style poppers are made with pantry staples that create the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The cornmeal gives them that classic gritty texture, while buttermilk adds tang and tenderness. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these golden beauties together:
For the Cornbread Poppers:
- 1 cup cornmeal: Use medium-ground cornmeal for the best texture and authentic Southern taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender crumb when mixed with cornmeal
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives these poppers their light, fluffy rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- 1 cup buttermilk: The tangy flavor makes these poppers extra tender and moist
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and keeps the poppers soft
- 1/4 cup honey: Natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the butter
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds richness
Variations for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Add Corn Kernels: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen corn for extra texture and sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a Southern kick.
- Cheese Please: Fold in 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Herb Garden: Mix in fresh chives, rosemary, or thyme for an herby twist.
- Make Them Mini: Use a 24-cup mini muffin tin for even smaller bite-sized treats.
How to Make Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease your 18-cup mini muffin tin really well with butter or cooking spray. This step is super important so your poppers come out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well so you get even flavor in every popper.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, honey, and eggs until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and well combined.
4. Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon just until combined. Do not overmix – a few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes tough cornbread.
5. Fill and Bake
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the poppers cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack. Serve warm for the best taste.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
These versatile poppers work great with many different meals:
- With BBQ: Perfect alongside pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken for that authentic Southern experience.
- Soup and Stew: Dunk them in chili, vegetable soup, or beef stew for a comforting meal.
- Holiday Tables: Serve warm at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
- Breakfast Treat: Split and toast them, then spread with butter and jam for a sweet morning treat.
- Potluck Perfect: Easy to transport and always a crowd favorite at community events.
Storing Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore warmth.
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature for better mixing and fluffier results.
- Do Not Overmix: Stir just until ingredients come together. Lumpy batter makes tender poppers.
- Test Your Oven: Every oven is different. Start checking at 18 minutes and adjust time as needed.
- Grease Well: These poppers can stick, so make sure every cup is well greased.
- Serve Warm: Cornbread tastes best when served warm. Reheat leftovers for the best experience.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 185mg |
| Total Carbs | 21g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 5% DV |
Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 poppers 1x
- Category: Side Dish / Bread / Southern Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140g) cornmeal (medium-ground)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Generously grease an 18-cup mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, honey, and eggs until smooth and well blended.
- Make Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined – do not overmix. Batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Fill and Bake: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake 18-20 minutes until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let poppers cool in pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers FAQs
A: Buttermilk gives the best tangy flavor and tender texture, but you can substitute with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
A: Usually from overmixing the batter. Stir just until ingredients come together – lumps are okay.
A: Yes! Bake them, cool completely, then store covered. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
A: Use a regular muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes. You will get about 12 larger cornbread muffins.
Conclusion
These Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers bring the comfort of traditional Southern cooking right to your table. With their golden color, tender crumb, and perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy buttermilk, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are serving them at a holiday dinner or just want a special side for weeknight meals, these little bites of heaven deliver big flavor every time.
The simple ingredients come together to create something truly special – cornbread that is both familiar and exciting, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks who want to add a little Southern charm to their meals.
