There’s something downright magical about a bite-sized treat that delivers big, bold Southern flavor in the tiniest package. That’s exactly what these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers do—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and kissed with a luscious honey butter glaze that makes them impossible to resist.
In my house, cornbread is a non-negotiable at any gathering. But let’s be honest—sometimes slicing into a whole loaf or waiting for a skillet to bake just doesn’t cut it.
That’s why these poppers are a game-changer. They deliver all the warm, buttery goodness of classic cornbread in a quick, poppable form. No forks, no mess—just pure, golden perfection.
And the best part? They pair beautifully with bold, comforting dishes like Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo and garlicky Southern Green Beans.
Whether you’re dunking them in a spicy stew or serving them alongside a Sunday feast, these poppers always find a way to shine. One bite, and you’ll get it.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
- They’re the perfect mix of sweet and savory: The honey butter glaze gives them just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the cornbread’s rich, buttery depth.
- They’re ridiculously easy to make: No fancy techniques—just mix, scoop, and bake! Even beginner bakers will nail these on the first try.
- They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family barbecue or a holiday dinner, these little poppers disappear faster than anything else on the table.
- They’re great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and warm them up throughout the week for an easy side or snack.
- That honey butter glaze? You’ll want to put it on everything. Trust me.
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Muffin tin or mini muffin pan
- Baking spray or liners
- Small saucepan (for the honey butter glaze)
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup milk 2%, whole, or buttermilk
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 tbsp. honey extra for drizzling
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels drained
Honey Butter Glaze:
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 4 tbsp. honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients (milk, melted butter, honey, and egg) and mix until just combined. Fold in sweet corn.
- Scoop batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare honey butter glaze by melting butter and stirring in honey.
- Brush warm poppers generously with the honey butter glaze.
- Serve warm and enjoy with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Southern Green Beans!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 120kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Variations for Next-Level Cornbread Poppers!
- Brown Butter Boost – Swap regular melted butter for nutty, aromatic brown butter to add a deep, caramelized richness to both the batter and the honey glaze. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Spicy-Sweet Kick – Stir in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that plays beautifully with the honey. Bonus points if you drizzle them with hot honey instead of regular!
- Cheddar & Chive Twist – If you love sweet-and-savory combos, add shredded sharp cheddar and fresh chives for a balance of bold cheesiness and fresh herbal notes.
- Maple Bourbon Glaze – Swap honey in the glaze for pure maple syrup and a splash of bourbon. The warmth of bourbon deepens the flavor and pairs perfectly with a Southern meal.
- Crispy Edges Hack – Love those irresistible crunchy edges? Bake them in a cast-iron mini muffin pan and brush the wells with butter before adding the batter. That crispy, golden crust is next level!
- Cornbread Fritter Style – Instead of baking, drop small scoops of batter into hot oil and fry until golden. Think hushpuppy meets cornbread popper—especially good with a side of honey butter for dipping!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
