Homemade Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe: Southern Magic

Crispy southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers blend comfort and excitement in every delightful bite.

Soft corn kernels peek through golden-brown crusts, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Buttermilk and honey create a delicate sweetness that dances across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable snack, passing down treasured techniques.

Each popper bursts with rich, buttery flavors that warm your soul.

Compact yet packed with southern charm, these little treats invite you to savor a taste of culinary tradition.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these cornbread poppers unique?

The sweet corn kernels and shredded cheddar cheese add extra flavor and texture, creating a delightful twist on traditional cornbread.

• Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a quick stir before filling the muffin tin.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture in the cornbread poppers. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Why Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Are Loved

• Burst with Southern Charm: Capture the heart of Southern cuisine with these bite-sized cornbread poppers that bring classic comfort food to your table in a playful, irresistible format.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding herbs, or experimenting with mix-ins to make these poppers uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Perfect Party Pleaser
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Create a delectable side dish in under 30 minutes, from mixing ingredients to pulling golden-brown poppers out of the oven, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks.

Ingredients Needed for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Cornmeal: A classic Southern ingredient that provides a rustic, grainy texture to the cornbread poppers.
• Flour: Helps to create a tender and light structure for the cornbread.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist texture in the poppers.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the batter.
• Melted Butter: Contributes a rich, buttery flavor and helps keep the poppers moist.

• Sugar: Balances the savory elements and adds a subtle sweetness to the cornbread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the poppers rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cornbread poppers.

• Sweet Corn Kernels, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Add texture, color, and a burst of flavor to the poppers.
• Honey, Softened Butter: Create a sweet and creamy honey butter for drizzling.
• Fresh Chives or Parsley: Provide a fresh, green garnish for visual appeal.

How to Make Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a mini muffin tin and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and looking uniform.

Step 3: Craft Wet Blend

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

Step 4: Marry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined.

Don’t go crazy mixing – some small lumps are totally okay!

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Sweet corn kernels
• Shredded cheddar cheese

This will give your poppers a gorgeous color and extra yumminess.

Step 6: Fill the Tin

Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise and get beautifully puffy.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the hot oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Do the toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 8: Whip Up Honey Butter

While poppers are baking, mix softened butter and honey in a small bowl.

Blend until creamy and dreamy.

Step 9: Serve and Delight

Let the poppers cool for a few minutes.

Drizzle with honey butter and sprinkle some chopped chives on top. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips That Make Cornbread Poppers Extra Special

• Swap buttermilk with regular milk and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a quick buttermilk substitute if you don't have the original ingredient on hand.
• Check cornbread poppers at 12 minutes to prevent over-browning, as mini muffins cook faster than traditional cornbread.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smoother batter mixing and more consistent texture in your poppers.
• Consider adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick if you want to elevate the flavor profile and add some heat.
• Store leftover poppers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for 3-5 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior and soft interior.

Variations to Customize Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Poppers: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cornbread Bites: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free alternative.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Poppers: Add diced jalapeños and extra sharp cheddar for a spicy, tangy kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Mexican-Inspired Cornbread Mini Muffins: Mix in chopped green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and top with a dollop of salsa for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

What Pairs Well with Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the cornbread and complements its buttery texture.
• Match with Smoked Pulled Pork: Create a delightful southern-style combo by serving these cornbread poppers alongside tender, smoky pulled pork for a hearty meal that celebrates classic comfort food flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Balance the sweet and rich cornbread with a zesty, crunchy coleslaw that adds a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the warm, cheesy poppers.
• Complement with Spicy Jalapeño Jam: Add a kick of heat and sweetness by pairing the poppers with a homemade or store-bought jalapeño jam that enhances the corn and cheese elements of the dish.

Proper Storage Tips for Cornbread Poppers

Store cooled poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.

Wrap individual poppers in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date to track storage time.

Warm refrigerated poppers at 350F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Spread on baking sheet for even warming and crispy edges.

Zap cold poppers for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed, avoiding overheating.

Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible Southern-style honey butter cornbread poppers blend savory comfort with sweet southern charm. Crispy golden bites deliver a delightful explosion of flavor that quickly becomes your new favorite party snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Wet and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup honey
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary tools, ensuring a mini muffin tin or silicone molds are ready for the cornbread poppers.
2. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the dry ingredients with a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. In a separate container, vigorously whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Create the batter by gently integrating the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated – avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
5. Delicately fold sweet corn kernels and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a balanced flavor profile.
6. Carefully distribute the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
7. Place the muffin tin in a preheated 400F (200C) oven and bake for 13-16 minutes, monitoring until the tops develop a golden-brown color and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
8. During baking, craft the honey butter by blending softened butter and honey until a creamy, luxurious spread forms.
9. Remove poppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly, then gently extract from the tin.
10. Finish by generously drizzling honey butter over the warm poppers and garnishing with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Customize texture by adjusting cornmeal to flour ratio for crunchier or softer poppers depending on personal preference.
• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating whole wheat flour or adding finely chopped spinach for extra vitamins and fiber.
• Elevate flavor profile by experimenting with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique taste combinations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 176
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg