Name: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 3 tablespoons honey; Additional melted butter, for brushing; Sea salt, for topping

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There’s something deeply comforting about warm, golden cornbread fresh out of the oven—but shrink it down into bite-sized poppers and you’ve got a snack that’s nearly impossible to resist. These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers deliver the nostalgic flavor of classic Southern-style cornbread with a sweet, buttery twist and a soft, fluffy texture you’ll keep coming back for.

Perfect for holiday spreads, game-day gatherings, potlucks, or just cozying up at home, these mini cornbread bites are quick to make and even quicker to disappear. They strike the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and slightly salty—especially with that final brush of honey butter and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bite-sized goodness: Easy to pop in your mouth and perfect for sharing.
Southern flavor: Sweet honey, tender corn, and rich butter in every bite.
Crowd-pleasing snack: Works as an appetizer, side dish, or party treat.
No mixer needed: Simple ingredients, easy steps.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and reheat as needed.

Ingredients

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
3 tablespoons honey
Additional melted butter (for brushing)
Sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter has a few lumps.

Step 5: Add Corn and Honey
Gently fold in sweet corn kernels and 2 tablespoons of honey.

Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make Honey Butter
While they bake, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey with softened butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Finish with Butter and Sea Salt
As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.

Step 9: Serve Warm
Serve warm with extra honey butter on the side—if they last that long!

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
Cheesy poppers: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack.
Savory version: Omit the honey and sugar, and add chopped scallions or cooked bacon.
Maple twist: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet profile.
Regular muffin size: Use a standard muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes.

Heating & Storage

To Store:
Keep leftover poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5.

To Reheat:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

To Freeze:
Freeze cooled poppers in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes! Just bake for 18–20 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, just drain it well before folding it into the batter.

Is buttermilk necessary?

Buttermilk adds flavor and tenderness, but you can substitute with milk + a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely—these reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Are these sweet or savory?

They’re lightly sweet with a buttery, salty finish—the best of both worlds.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Do I need liners for the muffin tin?

Not if it’s well-greased, but liners make for easier cleanup and serving.

Can I skip the honey butter?

You can, but it adds so much flavor—it’s highly recommended.

Can I use a cornbread mix?

You could, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly from this homemade version.

What should I serve them with?

They’re great with chili, soups, BBQ, or as a party snack on their own.

Conclusion

These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a little bite of Southern comfort. Moist, tender, and just sweet enough, they bring everything you love about classic cornbread—only smaller, cuter, and ready for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday table or snacking on them warm from the oven, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.