If ever there was a snackable Southern treat guaranteed to steal the show, it’s these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. Each popper is golden outside, rich and tender within, cheesy by design, and finished with a lavish sweep of honey butter while still warm. From backyard barbecues to family movie nights, these little bites pack the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a whisper of spice—everything you love about cornbread, transported straight into party-perfect, two-bite form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering up the ingredients for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers couldn’t be easier, and each one shines a little light on what makes these poppers so irresistible. The simple base gets upgraded with flavorful real cheese and a drizzle of honey, while a touch of spice and creaminess come together for that signature Southern flair.
- Yellow cornmeal: This is the backbone of the recipe, providing that iconic crumbly texture and golden color.
- All-purpose flour: Helps balance the texture, keeping the poppers soft and springy instead of too dense.
- Baking powder: Adds just the right lift for airy, fluffy poppers.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a tender crumb and slight tang.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and keeps the poppers from tasting flat.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For a gentle hint of heat—use a little or a lot, depending on your crowd.
- Buttermilk: The secret to richness and moisture, plus it cuts the sweetness beautifully.
- Honey: Gives a touch of Southern sweetness and caramelizes in the oven for a gorgeous finish.
- Large eggs: Binds the batter and keeps everything moist.
- Unsalted butter, melted and divided: For flavor, for tenderness, and that irresistible honey butter glaze on top.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly throughout the poppers, offering bold, savory pockets in every bite.
- Jalapeño, finely diced (optional): Brightens things up with a fresh bite and more heat for the adventurous.
- Oil for greasing mini muffin pan or baking sheet: Ensures your poppers release easily, so not a crumb goes to waste.
How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by cranking your oven up to 400°F—hot enough to achieve that iconic golden cornbread top. Whether you’re using a mini muffin tin or forming little mounds on a baking sheet, be generous with greasing so every popper pops out clean.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cayenne (if using). This helps evenly distribute the leaveners and spices, and makes sure you don’t end up with a spicy surprise in just one bite!
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, honey, eggs, and half of your melted butter. This blend will infuse the batter with rich flavor and moisture while giving those poppers a subtle sweetness in every mouthful.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in the Good Stuff
Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the poppers tough, so stop as soon as there are no dry patches. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and diced jalapeño (if you’re feeling spicy)—you’ll see lovely flecks of color and cheese peeking through.
Step 5: Fill, Bake, and Brush with Honey Butter
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared mini muffin tin or onto your baking sheet. Aim for each popper to be about the same size so they bake evenly—about two bites apiece. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. While they bake, whisk together the remaining melted butter with an extra tablespoon of honey. As soon as the Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers emerge hot from the oven, lavish them with that honey butter for a glossy, drool-worthy finish.
How to Serve Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of extra cayenne over the warm Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers elevates every bite, while a scatter of thinly sliced green onions or cilantro adds color and freshness. You could even dust them lightly with smoked paprika for a sultry, aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
These poppers were practically made for dipping and dunking! Serve them with bowls of chili, creamy coleslaw, or tangy barbecue baked beans. For a feast, line them up next to fried chicken, collard greens, or a smoky pulled pork slider—every combo feels like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers high on a rustic wooden board, tuck them into baskets lined with colorful napkins, or offer them up in mason jars for a whimsical appetizer display. They’re adorable on a toothpick skewer, or as fun “mini” sliders with a dab of pimento cheese or bacon jam.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, slide any extra poppers into an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days at room temperature or in the refrigerator—just be sure to keep them well-sealed so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
To save for later, arrange the poppers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out just as many as you want for a quick, homemade treat whenever cravings hit—no need to thaw before reheating!
Reheating
For best results, warm the Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and lightly crisp outside. Give them a quick brush of more honey butter as they come out, and they’ll taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I make these poppers without a mini muffin pan?
Absolutely! Simply scoop spoonfuls of batter onto a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each mound, and bake as directed. They’ll spread a little more, but you’ll still get that perfect bite-sized magic.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, just mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and use it in the recipe—your Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers will turn out beautifully.
Can I add mix-ins like bacon or different cheeses?
Definitely! Stir in crumbled cooked bacon, pepper jack for extra heat, or bits of sweet corn for even more Southern flavor. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and fun to personalize.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake these poppers a day in advance. Just wait to brush with honey butter until you reheat and serve for optimal freshness and shine.
How can I make these poppers gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different, but all the cheesy, honeyed goodness will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about sharing a plate of fresh, golden Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers that brings out the best in any gathering. I can’t wait for you to taste how comforting, playful, and downright addictive these little bites can be. Trust me—once these poppers make an appearance, you’ll want to bring them to every celebration!
Print
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful twist on traditional cornbread, featuring a perfect balance of sweet honey, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of jalapeño heat. These poppers are easy to make and a great addition to any gathering or meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and divided
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- Oil for greasing mini muffin pan or baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin pan or baking sheet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, honey, eggs, and half of the melted butter.
- Combine Mixtures: Stir wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Fold in cheese and jalapeño if using.
- Bake: Spoon batter into mini muffin cups or onto baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare Honey Butter: Mix remaining melted butter with an extra tablespoon of honey. Brush warm poppers with honey butter.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Perfect as a party appetizer or side dish.
- Customize with bacon or pepper jack cheese for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
