Name: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup honey; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 eggs

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that truly embodies comfort: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. These golden bites are a little crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and packed with just the right balance of sweet honey and rich buttery flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty chili, passing them around at a party, or sneaking a couple right off the baking tray (I won’t tell!), these poppers are always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll soon see why this is a staple in my kitchen, and I suspect it’s about to become one in yours!

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers is their simplicity—each ingredient adds something special, whether it’s texture, flavor, or moisture. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!

Cornmeal: The heart of any cornbread, cornmeal gives these poppers their classic texture and sunny color.
All-purpose flour: A touch of flour ensures the poppers hold together with a soft, fluffy crumb.
Sugar: A little sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the savory notes.
Baking powder: This is your leavening agent, making each bite puff up light and airy.
Salt: Even a small amount brightens and sharpens all the other flavors in the recipe.
Butter, melted: Melted butter adds irresistible richness and helps create that perfect tender crumb.
Honey: The star of the show—sweet, floral honey infuses every bite with warmth.
Buttermilk: The secret to tangy, moist cornbread that never feels dry or heavy.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give the poppers their lovely lift.

How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Tin

First things first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, generously grease a mini muffin tin to ensure your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers pop out effortlessly later on. Trust me, this step saves a lot of heartache (and stuck-on poppers) down the line!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. The key here is to create a thoroughly blended mixture—it keeps the leavening even, so every popper rises to the occasion. This bowl is the base of your popper magic!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and mix up the melted butter, honey, buttermilk, and eggs. Blend until everything looks smooth and unified. You’ll notice the honey and butter mingle to create the most divine, rich aroma—don’t be surprised if you feel like dipping a spoon in at this point!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients right over the dry mix. Now, gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—too much stirring, and your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers risk becoming dense instead of pillowy-soft. Just a few strokes until you see no dry streaks, and you’re good to go.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full. This ensures they’ll bake up with the perfect little domes. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack (or your plate, if you can’t wait). This short rest helps set the crumb and makes them easier to handle. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate treat!

How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Garnishes

For extra flair (and flavor), try brushing your freshly baked Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers with a bit more melted butter or a drizzle of honey right before serving. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives ups the color and adds a burst of freshness, while a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt really makes all the flavors pop!

Side Dishes

These poppers pair beautifully with just about anything! Classically, they’re brilliant alongside a steaming bowl of chili or as a side at a barbecue. They also elevate everyday weeknight meals—try them with roast chicken, creamy soups, or even a hearty salad for a satisfying crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, arrange your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers in a bread basket lined with a linen napkin, or skewer them on toothpicks for a playful party spin. For brunch, serve them stacked high on a cake stand with little cups of honey butter for dipping. However you bring them to the table, get ready for happy, sticky fingers and lots of smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any poppers left (good luck with that!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge for three to four days.

Freezing

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers freeze like a dream! Just arrange the cooled poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Pull out as many as you need for last-minute dinners or snack attacks.

Reheating

To perk up leftover poppers, a quick stint in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) works wonders. For a touch of crispness, warm them in a 325°F oven for about five minutes. Don’t forget to brush with extra melted butter or honey for a just-baked taste!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can swap in regular milk, but for that classic tang and tenderness, I recommend making a quick buttermilk substitute: just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes before using.

What’s the best way to melt the butter without overheating it?

The easiest method is to slice your butter into small pieces and melt it in the microwave in short 10-second bursts, stirring each time. You want it melted but not sizzling hot—that way, it mixes more comfortably with your eggs and honey.

Can I add extra ingredients like jalapeños or cheese?

Absolutely! Stir in up to half a cup of shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, or chopped cooked bacon to the batter for a flavor boost. These additions transform Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers into a fun, savory snack or appetizer.

Can I bake these as regular-sized muffins?

Definitely! The baking time will just be longer—about 18-20 minutes for standard muffins. Keep an eye out: you want golden tops and a toothpick that comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

How do I keep the poppers from sticking to the pan?

Generous greasing is your best friend! Even if your muffin tin is nonstick, use a baking spray or a dab of soft butter in each cup. It helps the poppers release easily and keeps their beautiful shape intact.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers as I am to share them with you! Give them a go—you’ll quickly see just how irresistible and versatile these little bites can be. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of fresh cornbread poppers coming out of the oven, and I promise, they’ll become a go-to treat in your home, too. Enjoy every last bite!

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 poppers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful twist on traditional cornbread. Sweetened with honey and made portable in mini muffin form, they are perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite chili or stew.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, honey, buttermilk, and eggs.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow cornbread poppers to cool slightly before serving.