Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers – Sweet, Buttery, and Irresistible

Some recipes just scream comfort food, and these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are no exception. They’re golden, slightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with just the right balance of sweet honey and rich buttery goodness. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, these bite-sized cornbread poppers bring a little Southern charm to any meal.

My Experience with Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

The first time I made these, I wanted something fun and bite-sized that captured the classic flavor of cornbread but with a little extra flair. I found that brushing the poppers with warm honey butter right out of the oven made all the difference. It gave them a glossy, caramelized finish and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Now, I always make extra because they disappear way too fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Sweet & Savory Perfection – The honey-butter glaze is the ultimate finishing touch.
✔️ Crispy Yet Fluffy – The perfect contrast of textures in every bite.
✔️ Bite-Sized & Fun – Easy to serve, great for parties or casual snacking.
✔️ Classic Southern Flavor – Cornmeal, butter, and honey bring authentic Southern charm.

How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Oil for frying (if deep-frying)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven or Oil: If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin pan. If frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Shape and Cook:
   • If Baking: Spoon batter into the mini muffin pan and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
   • If Frying: Scoop small portions of batter and carefully drop into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. Brush with Honey Butter: While still warm, brush poppers generously with the melted honey butter mixture.
7. Serve & Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cornbread Poppers

• For extra fluffiness, don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined.
• For a crispier texture, fry instead of baking.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the batter.
• For a cheesy twist, mix in shredded cheddar before baking or frying.

Recipes that may interest you : 
Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread – Soft, Fluffy & Slightly Sweet
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants – Easy butter, Cheesy Delight
How to Make Soggy Fried Crispy: tips for Perfect Crunch

What to Serve with Cornbread Poppers

These sweet and savory bites are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

• Chili or Soup – The perfect dunkable side.
• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork – A Southern meal made complete.
• Collard Greens or Mac & Cheese – Classic comfort food pairings.
• Honey Butter Drizzle – For an extra-sweet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake or fry them in advance and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but for the best texture, add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°Funtil warmed through.

Final Thoughts

These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are pure bite-sized happiness! Whether you’re serving them at a party, alongside a big bowl of chili, or just snacking straight from the pan, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try—I promise, you won’t stop at just one!

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

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• Author: Chef Billy

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Description

these Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are no exception. They’re golden, slightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with just the right balance of sweet honey and rich buttery goodness. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, these bite-sized cornbread poppers bring a little Southern charm to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Oil for frying (if deep-frying)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven or Oil: If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin pan. If frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Shape and Cook:
   • If Baking: Spoon batter into the mini muffin pan and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
   • If Frying: Scoop small portions of batter and carefully drop into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. Brush with Honey Butter: While still warm, brush poppers generously with the melted honey butter mixture.
7. Serve & Enjoy!

Notes

• For extra fluffiness, don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined.
• For a crispier texture, fry instead of baking.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the batter.
• For a cheesy twist, mix in shredded cheddar before baking or frying.

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Crispy Gochujang Tofu Korean Sweet, Spicy & Flavor-Packed Dish

Chef Billy

I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.