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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Featured in Savory Side Dishes.

Quick and easy mini cornbread poppers with corn, cheese, and honey butter. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ranah
Updated on Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:44:05 GMT
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Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers | lifesugar.co

These honey butter cornbread poppers transform traditional cornbread into irresistible, perfectly portioned bites. Golden, fluffy, and kissed with honey, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

I discovered this recipe while trying to make cornbread more appealing for gatherings. The mini size and extra honey drizzle turned a classic into something guests couldn't stop eating.

Essential Ingredients

  • Yellow cornmeal: Creates signature texture and flavor
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness
  • Baking powder: Ensures proper rise
  • Fresh eggs: Bind and create richness
  • Quality butter: Essential for flavor and texture
  • Local honey: Adds distinct sweetness
  • Whole milk: Creates perfect moisture

Step-by-Step Creation

Preheat oven to 375°F

Mix dry ingredients until well combined

Whisk wet ingredients separately

Combine gently - don't overmix

Fill muffin tins 3/4 full

Bake until golden (15-20 minutes)

Drizzle with warm honey

Professional Tips

Check oven temperature accuracy

Rotate pan halfway through baking

Use light-colored muffin tins

Fill cups using ice cream scoop for uniformity

Troubleshooting

If dense: Overmixed batter

If dry: Overbaked or too much flour

If not browning: Oven too cool

If sticking: Insufficient greasing

Creative Variations

Jalapeño-Cheese: Add diced peppers and cheddar

Bacon-Maple: Crumbled bacon, maple instead of honey

Brown Butter: Use browned butter for nutty flavor

Herb-Garlic: Add fresh herbs, reduce sugar

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe Pin it
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe | lifesugar.co

Storage Secrets

Cool completely before storing

Freeze in airtight container up to 3 months

Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes

Store honey butter separately

Final Tips

Test doneness at minimum baking time

Serve warm for best texture

Drizzle honey while still warm

Make extra - they disappear quickly

These poppers have become my go-to potluck contribution. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and tender cornbread creates something truly special.

Perfect Texture Control

Measure flour by weight (120g per cup)

Sift cornmeal for finer texture

Rest batter 10 minutes before baking

Tap pan to remove air bubbles

Temperature Mastery

Butter should be melted but not hot

Eggs at exactly room temperature

Milk slightly warmed (95°F)

Honey warmed for better incorporation

Advanced Variations

Brown Sugar Streusel Top:Mix butter, flour, brown sugar

Add pecans

Sprinkle before baking

Cornbread Madeleines:Use madeleine pan

Brush molds with honey butter

Create crispy edges

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Easy Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers | lifesugar.co

Professional Serving Ideas

Compound Butters:Honey-lavender

Maple-cinnamon

Chili-lime

Dipping Sauces:Honey butter sauce

Spicy maple glaze

Bourbon caramel

Batch Scaling

Double recipe: Add 1/4 tsp extra baking powder

Mini muffins: Reduce bake time to 12-15 minutes

Large muffins: Increase to 22-25 minutes

Sheet pan: Bake 25-30 minutes

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Mini cornbread bites filled with sweet corn and cheddar cheese, finished with a drizzle of honey butter.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern

Yield: 24 Servings (24 mini poppers)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup cornmeal
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 1 cup buttermilk
07 2 large eggs
08 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Mix-ins

09 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
10 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Topping

11 1/4 cup honey
12 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 04

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Fold in corn and cheese.

Step 05

Fill mini muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 06

Make honey butter by mixing softened butter and honey. Drizzle over warm poppers and garnish.

Notes

  1. Can use frozen corn if fresh isn't available
  2. Other cheese varieties can be substituted
  3. Keeps at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated up to 4 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese, buttermilk)
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g