Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Short Description

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized delights bursting with the classic flavors of cornbread and sweet honey butter. These mini muffins are moist, slightly sweet, and perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bite-Sized and Portable: Perfect for parties, picnics, and holiday gatherings.

  • Classic Southern Flavor: Combines the rustic charm of cornbread with the richness of honey butter.

  • Quick and Easy: Made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

  • Customizable: Add cheese, jalapeños, or herbs to suit your taste.

  • Kid-Friendly: Sweet, soft, and perfectly portioned for little hands.

Ingredients

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

For the Cornbread Poppers:

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons honey

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, honey, and egg. Whisk until smooth.

  4. Combine and Fold:
    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the corn kernels.

  5. Fill Muffin Tins:
    Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

  6. Bake:
    Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. Make the Honey Butter Glaze:
    While the poppers are baking, whisk together the melted butter and honey in a small bowl.

  8. Glaze and Serve:
    Brush the honey butter generously over the warm poppers as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve warm, with extra glaze for dipping or drizzling.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 24 poppers

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Calories: 110 per popper

Variations

  • Cheesy Poppers: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the batter.

  • Spicy Twist: Fold in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

  • Herb-Infused: Add chopped chives or thyme for a savory touch.

  • Sweet Cornbread Bites: Increase honey and sugar slightly for a dessert-like version.

  • Mini Corn Dog Style: Add chopped cooked hot dogs for a fun, kid-friendly twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap in foil and store in a sealed freezer bag.

  • Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, just make sure it is well drained before folding into the batter.

How do I heat-treat the flour if I want to make a safe raw dough version?

This recipe is baked, so heat-treating flour isn’t necessary. Simply measure and use as instructed.

Can I make this recipe in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, increase the bake time to 18–20 minutes and fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.

Are these sweet or savory?

They strike a balance between sweet and savory, with a slightly sweet taste thanks to the honey and sugar.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches or use additional muffin pans.

What’s the best way to prevent sticking?

Grease the muffin tin well or use mini muffin liners for easy removal.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Can I substitute the honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, their sweet taste and small size make them very appealing to children.

What can I serve these with?

They pair well with chili, BBQ, fried chicken, or as part of a brunch spread.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful fusion of sweetness and Southern charm in a bite-sized format. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, these mini muffins make a perfect side or snack for any occasion. With their golden crust, tender crumb, and irresistible honey glaze, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 poppers
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized delights bursting with sweet corn flavor and topped with a luscious honey butter glaze. Perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or snack, these mini cornbread muffins are moist, buttery, and irresistibly sweet with a golden crust—ready in just 25 minutes!


Ingredients

For the Cornbread Poppers:

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons honey


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, honey, and egg.

  • Combine & Fold: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in corn kernels.

  • Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each about 3/4 full.

  • Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Make Glaze: Mix melted butter and honey until smooth.

  • Glaze Poppers: Brush honey butter over warm poppers right after baking.

  • Serve: Enjoy warm, with extra honey butter on the side.


Notes

  • For extra sweetness, increase the honey in the glaze.

  • Try with a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy twist.

  • Best served warm, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven.

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