Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are golden, bite-sized delights with a crisp edge and a soft, buttery center. Infused with sweet honey and slathered in rich honey butter, these mini cornbread bites are the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for any Southern-inspired meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yellow cornmealall-purpose flourbaking powdersaltgranulated sugarhoneyeggmilkunsalted butter (melted)butter (for honey butter)additional honey (for honey butter)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and honey until smooth.

Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

While baking, mix softened butter with honey to create the honey butter.

Remove poppers from oven and let cool slightly before brushing generously with honey butter.

Serve warm with extra honey butter on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 mini poppers.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 10–12 minutesTotal time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

Add diced jalapeños or shredded cheddar for a spicy-savory twist.

Use buttermilk instead of milk for a tangier flavor.

Stir in corn kernels for added texture.

Top with crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch.

Make full-sized muffins if preferred—just adjust baking time.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake in advance and warm just before serving.

Can I freeze the poppers?

Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Can I use a cornbread mix?

Yes, but homemade gives you better control over flavor and texture.

Do I need to use a mini muffin tin?

It’s ideal for poppers, but you can also use a regular muffin tin—just extend baking time.

What type of honey is best?

Use mild, light honey for a smooth, sweet flavor.

Can I skip the sugar?

Yes, reduce or omit for a less sweet version, but the honey butter will still shine.

Can I make these spicy?

Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat.

Do they pair well with chili?

Yes, they’re a perfect match for chili, BBQ, or fried chicken.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the ultimate blend of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness in a compact, crave-worthy bite. Whether served at a potluck, alongside a bowl of chili, or as a fun appetizer, these poppers bring warm, Southern comfort to any table.