Golden, buttery, and irresistibly bite-sized, these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers bring the soul of Southern comfort straight to your table. Imagine the crisp exterior of a hush puppy meeting the tender, honey-kissed crumb of classic cornbread—each popper is a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Inspired by the American South’s love for cast-iron cooking, these little bites take a cue from street food culture, offering a fun, grab-and-go twist on a beloved staple. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard cookout, alongside a spicy gumbo, or as a snack with a drizzle of extra honey, they deliver that perfect balance of crunch and softness.
These poppers aren’t just about Southern charm—they also play well with bold, fresh flavors from across the globe. It’s proof that classic cornbread can transcend its roots, effortlessly blending with different cuisines while staying true to its down-home origins.
Whether you’re a lifelong cornbread fan or new to its charms, these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers promise big flavor in every little bite.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Crispy Meets Buttery Soft – The contrast between the crisp golden crust and the fluffy, honey-infused interior is pure textural magic. It’s like the best skillet cornbread, but even more fun to eat.
- Versatile and Globally Inspired – While deeply Southern at heart, these poppers hold their own with Mediterranean antipasti, smoky barbecue, or even spicy Indian chutneys. They’re endlessly adaptable.
- Restaurant-Level Simplicity – Using a quick batter technique and a cast-iron or deep-fry method, this recipe makes achieving perfectly crispy cornbread bites effortless, even for home cooks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them warm as a holiday side, a game-day snack, or even a quick breakfast with a slather of honey butter. They fit in anywhere.
- Unexpectedly Low-Key – Despite their indulgent flavor, they pair well with low-carb and keto-friendly salads, making them a great way to balance out a meal while keeping things delicious.
Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Equipment
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for honey butter
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or use silicone molds.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold in the sweet corn kernels and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While baking, mix softened butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Let the poppers cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
- Drizzle with the honey butter and garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Overmixing can make the poppers dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 150kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 30g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Prep Ahead: Measure and mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop ensures even portioning and prevents messy spills.
- No Buttermilk? No Problem: Make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Speed Up Honey Butter Mixing: Soften the butter faster by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds or letting it sit at room temperature while prepping the batter.
- Easy Cleanup: Use silicone muffin molds or parchment liners to prevent sticking and minimize scrubbing later.
