Sweet, buttery, and golden brown—these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are bite-sized snacks bursting with Southern charm. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, prepping for a holiday dinner, or just craving something comforting and crave-worthy, these mini cornbread bites hit the spot. Each popper is soft in the center with a crisp edge, topped with a silky glaze of melted honey butter that soaks right in while still hot. Best of all? They come together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples you probably already have.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy: Done in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfectly portioned: Bite-sized for parties, lunchboxes, or snacking.
- Sweet and savory combo: Buttery cornbread meets honey glaze for an irresistible finish.
- No mixer needed: Just mix, scoop, and bake.
- Southern-inspired comfort: Classic flavors in a fun, modern format.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal: The base of the classic cornbread texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For structure and softness.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds sweetness that pairs perfectly with honey.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the poppers rise and stay fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances out the sweet flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: For moisture and a slight tang. Substitute with milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice if needed.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the texture light and moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together.
Honey Butter Glaze
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter: Rich and velvety for brushing.
- 2 tbsp honey: Natural sweetness that shines.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the glaze’s buttery finish.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil, and egg until fully combined.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop into pan: Spoon batter evenly into the mini muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While baking, mix melted butter, honey, and salt in a small bowl.
- Glaze the poppers: Brush the hot poppers generously with honey butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve warm: Let them sit for 2–3 minutes and serve while still warm and fragrant.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until the batter is combined to avoid dense poppers.
- Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized poppers that bake uniformly.
- Make ahead: Bake and freeze, then reheat and glaze just before serving.
- Add mix-ins: Try cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped jalapeños for a savory twist.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free: Use almond milk with lemon juice for buttermilk, and vegan butter for the glaze.
- Spicy version: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dry mix.
- Mini loaf option: Use a mini loaf pan for slightly larger portions; bake 15–18 minutes instead.
Serving Suggestions
- With chili or soup: Perfect dipped in a bowl of warm chili or tomato soup.
- Party platter: Serve with dips like whipped honey butter, pimento cheese, or ranch.
- Holiday table: Great as a Thanksgiving or Easter side dish.
- Breakfast bite: Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a sweet-savory breakfast combo.
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze poppers (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. Brush with fresh honey butter after warming.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these poppers without a mini muffin pan?
Yes! Use a regular muffin tin, but increase the baking time to 15–18 minutes and fill each cup about halfway.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches or use two muffin pans.
Do these taste like traditional cornbread?
Yes, but with a slightly sweeter, more tender texture—plus the honey butter glaze makes them extra indulgent.
Closing Thoughts + Call to Action
These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the ultimate quick comfort snack—easy to make, fun to eat, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck, serving them with soup, or enjoying a few with coffee on a lazy afternoon, they’re bound to become a household favorite. If you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a review below, save it on Pinterest, and check out our other Southern-inspired snacks to keep the cozy vibes going!