Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe | Sweet & Savory Bites

I have to admit, making these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers was pure joy! From mixing the batter to brushing on that warm honey butter glaze, every step felt like a cozy Southern tradition.

The moment I bit into the first golden popper, I knew these would become a staple at my family gatherings. They’re sweet, buttery, and perfectly bite-sized—just irresistible. If you love fun, homemade treats like these, you might also enjoy trying the Healthy Reese’s Eggs Recipe for another sweet delight.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these sweet and savory bites. Each ingredient is chosen for the best flavor and texture.

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal – gives a classic cornbread texture. Use stone-ground for a more authentic flavor.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – keeps the poppers tender. Sifting ensures no lumps.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – adds just the right sweetness. You can adjust slightly if you like it sweeter.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – ensures a light, fluffy rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors.
• ½ cup milk – whole milk works best for richness.
• ¼ cup melted butter – adds moistness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey – for natural sweetness and depth.
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients and gives richness.
• ½ cup corn kernels – fresh or thawed frozen adds texture and bursts of sweetness.
• ¼ cup melted butter for glaze – creates the signature honey butter finish.
• 2 tablespoons honey for glaze – drizzled over poppers for sweetness.

Note: several servings

Variations

Mix it up! You can easily tweak this recipe:

• Use dairy-free milk and margarine for a vegan version.
• Swap sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Add chopped jalapeños or shredded cheddar for a savory twist.
• Sprinkle herbs like rosemary or chives for an aromatic upgrade.

If you’re a fan of unique dessert combinations, the Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe is another great bake to add to your list.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to get these poppers on your table:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Mini muffin tin – forms the perfect bite-sized poppers.
• Mixing bowls – one for wet and one for dry ingredients.
• Whisk – blends ingredients smoothly.
• Spoon or small scoop – fills the tins evenly.
• Pastry brush – applies the honey butter glaze.

How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe?

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 375°F and greasing a mini muffin tin. I like to butter it generously; it helps poppers release easily and gives a golden edge.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them first ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together milk, melted butter, honey, and egg in another bowl. I always make sure everything is smooth before adding to dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. Finally, stir in the corn kernels.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. I watch closely to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

While baking, melt butter slowly and whisk in honey with a pinch of salt. This glaze is what makes these poppers irresistible.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the warm glaze over each popper. Serve immediately while the glaze is glossy and the poppers are soft.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own experience, a few small tweaks make a big difference:

• I like chilling the greased muffin tin briefly—it helps the batter not stick.
• Using fresh corn kernels gives a sweet crunch that frozen can’t fully match.
• Don’t overmix; it keeps poppers tender, not dense.
• Brush glaze generously while poppers are hot for full flavor absorption.

How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe?

These are perfect as finger foods! I like serving them on a rustic platter with a drizzle of extra honey on top. Pair with BBQ, chili, or a glass of sweet tea for a Southern-inspired presentation. Garnish with chopped herbs or a light sprinkle of coarse sugar for a sparkle.

Nutritional Information

Each popper is a bite of indulgence:

• Calories: ~110 per popper
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 5g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing: Freeze unglazed poppers in a single layer for up to 3 months. Add glaze after reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why these poppers are my go-to treat:

• Bite-sized convenience – easy to serve at parties or family meals.
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory – the honey butter glaze is magical.
• Customizable – add cheese, jalapeños, or herbs to suit any palate.
• Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Freezer-friendly – make ahead batches to enjoy anytime.

These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are more than just a recipe—they’re little golden bites of joy that bring warmth and smiles to any table.

Ash Tyrrell

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

I have to admit, making these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe was pure joy! From mixing the batter to brushing on that warm honey butter glaze, every step felt like a cozy Southern tradition. The moment I bit into the first golden popper, I knew these would become a staple at my family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal – gives a classic cornbread texture. Use stone-ground for a more authentic flavor.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – keeps the poppers tender. Sifting ensures no lumps.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – adds just the right sweetness. You can adjust slightly if you like it sweeter.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – ensures a light fluffy rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors.
• ½ cup milk – whole milk works best for richness.
• ¼ cup melted butter – adds moistness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey – for natural sweetness and depth.
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients and gives richness.
• ½ cup corn kernels – fresh or thawed frozen adds texture and bursts of sweetness.
• ¼ cup melted butter for glaze – creates the signature honey butter finish.
• 2 tablespoons honey for glaze – drizzled over poppers for sweetness.

Method

 

1. Start by heating your oven to 375°F and greasing a mini muffin tin. I like to butter it generously; it helps poppers release easily and gives a golden edge.
2. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them first ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Whisk together milk, melted butter, honey, and egg in another bowl. I always make sure everything is smooth before adding to dry ingredients.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. Finally, stir in the corn kernels.
5. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. I watch closely to prevent overbaking.
6. While baking, melt butter slowly and whisk in honey with a pinch of salt. This glaze is what makes these poppers irresistible.
7. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the warm glaze over each popper. Serve immediately while the glaze is glossy and the poppers are soft.

Notes

• I like chilling the greased muffin tin briefly—it helps the batter not stick.
• Using fresh corn kernels gives a sweet crunch that frozen can’t fully match.
• Don’t overmix; it keeps poppers tender, not dense.
• Brush glaze generously while poppers are hot for full flavor absorption.