If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, then these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a must-try. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and drizzled with the most delicious honey butter—these little poppers are absolutely irresistible. Whether served as a side dish or snack, they’ll bring all the Southern charm to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory – The combination of cornbread and honey butter creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday feast, casual dinner, or game day, these poppers are perfect for every occasion.
- Easy to Make – Don’t be intimidated by how delicious they are; this recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up in no time.
- Mini-Sized Delight – These poppers are the ideal size for snacking, sharing, or adding to a buffet spread.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread recipe)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
(Find the full list of ingredients below)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Grease the Muffin Pan
Grease a mini muffin tin with butter to prevent the poppers from sticking. This will also help give them a slightly crispy outside. You can use a regular muffin tin if you don’t have a mini one, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the cornbread batter into each muffin cup, filling each about halfway. This will allow room for the poppers to puff up and get that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cornbread Poppers
Bake the cornbread poppers for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter
While the cornbread poppers are baking, combine the honey and softened butter in a small bowl. Stir them together until they’re smooth and well mixed.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the cornbread poppers are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the warm honey butter generously over the top of each popper. Serve them warm, and enjoy the perfect bite of Southern comfort!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tin – Fill the cups only halfway so the poppers have room to rise.
- For Extra Flavor – Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the honey butter for a unique twist.
- Make It Extra Sweet – If you like things on the sweeter side, you can brush the poppers with a bit of extra honey after serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheddar Cornbread Poppers – Add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist on this already delicious recipe.
- Spicy Honey Butter – Want a little kick? Stir in some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the honey butter for a spicy contrast to the sweet cornbread.
- Gluten-Free – Swap the regular cornbread mix for a gluten-free version if you’re avoiding gluten.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers pair wonderfully with:
- BBQ – Serve alongside some smoky, tangy BBQ ribs or pulled pork for a Southern feast.
- Soup or Chili – Perfect as a side with a hearty bowl of soup or chili, especially in colder weather.
- Grilled Chicken – They’re also great with grilled chicken for a simple, comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage – Store any leftover cornbread poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cornbread poppers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just drizzle the honey butter on top before serving.
2. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Absolutely! If you use a regular muffin tin, just be sure to bake for a few extra minutes.
3. Can I freeze the poppers?
Yes, you can freeze the poppers before drizzling with honey butter. Just freeze them in a single layer, and once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you want a more subtle sweetness, use less honey in the honey butter or drizzle a little bit over the poppers instead of soaking them.
Conclusion
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and oh-so-fluffy. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish for dinner or a snack to share with friends, these little poppers are sure to be a hit. Simple to make, full of flavor, and totally irresistible—what’s not to love? Happy baking!
PrintSouthern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers – A Sweet and Savory Treat!
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized golden delights with a sweet and savory twist. Soft, fluffy cornbread is infused with honey butter, making these little poppers the perfect side dish or snack. They’re great for family dinners, potlucks, or just whenever you’re craving a comfort food treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 poppers (adjust depending on the size of the muffin tin) 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, typically eggs, oil, and milk)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the cornbread mix package directions (usually 375°F).
- Prepare the cornbread batter by following the instructions on the box (mixing the dry ingredients with eggs, oil, and milk).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or a regular muffin tin.
- Spoon the cornbread batter into each muffin cup, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops of the cornbread poppers are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cornbread is baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in honey, salt, and garlic powder (if using) to create the honey butter.
- Once the cornbread poppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Drizzle the warm honey butter over the poppers and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can also brush the honey butter onto the poppers instead of drizzling.
- For a kick of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey butter.
- Serve these poppers as a side dish with fried chicken, BBQ, or even with a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cornbread popper
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg