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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

There’s nothing more comforting than the warm, golden aroma of freshly baked cornbread. But when you turn that classic favorite into bite-sized poppers topped with rich honey butter, you’ve got a recipe that’s truly irresistible. These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are fluffy, cheesy, slightly sweet, and the perfect balance of savory and buttery goodness. Whether you’re hosting friends, heading to a potluck, or just craving a cozy snack, these poppers will quickly become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Cornbread Poppers

  • Bite-Sized Perfection – Easy to grab and snack on, perfect for parties or family dinners.
  • Sweet + Savory Combo – The honey butter drizzle takes classic cornbread to the next level.
  • Colorful & Flavorful – Fresh corn, cheddar, and bell peppers make these poppers as pretty as they are tasty.
  • Quick & Simple – From mixing to baking, you’ll have these ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter

Add-Ins

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Honey Butter

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup softened unsalted butter

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro

Equipment Needed

  • Mini muffin tin or popper pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk + spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Toothpick (to test doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven

Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.

4. Combine Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps them light and fluffy.

5. Add Flavor

Fold in corn, bell pepper, and cheddar cheese.

6. Bake

Fill muffin cups about ⅔ full. Bake 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Make Honey Butter

Whip together softened butter and honey until smooth.

8. Serve

Cool slightly, drizzle with honey butter, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Corn – Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • Don’t Overmix – Keeps the texture light.
  • Change the Cheese – Try pepper jack or gouda for a fun twist.
  • Make Ahead – Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Cornbread Poppers

  • Chili – The ultimate pairing!
  • BBQ Meats – Pulled pork, brisket, or smoked chicken.
  • Fresh Salad – A crisp side balances the richness.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Store for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend.

Don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Jalapeños, zucchini, or green onions all work great.

Fun Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños.
  • Bacon Lover’s Dream – Stir in crumbled bacon.
  • Herby Flavor – Fresh rosemary or thyme adds depth.

Nutrition (per popper)

  • Calories: 95
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are everything you love about Southern cornbread in one bite-sized treat—soft, buttery, cheesy, and kissed with honey sweetness. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or centerpiece at your next party, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.