These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the ultimate Southern comfort food, reimagined as irresistible bite-sized treats. Perfect for potlucks, holiday sides, or family dinners, these golden gems feature a tender crumb and a glistening, sweet glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You are going to adore these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers because they offer the perfect balance of savory cornmeal and sweet honey in a fun, snackable format. Unlike traditional loaves, these poppers have more surface area for that delicious glaze to soak into every nook and cranny. They are incredibly easy to whip up with simple pantry staples and are versatile enough to serve as a side dish for chili or a standalone snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup melted butter for glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey for glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a mini muffin tin with butter to ensure the poppers release easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, honey, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in the corn kernels until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin cups, filling each one about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden-brown.
- While the poppers are still warm, mix the additional melted butter and honey together to create the glaze.
- Brush the warm honey butter glaze over the poppers, allowing it to soak into the bread before serving.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, make sure your butter is melted but not piping hot when you add it to the egg and milk to avoid curdling. Another great trick is to chill your greased muffin tin for a few minutes before filling it; this helps create a slightly crispier edge on the poppers. Most importantly, apply the glaze while the poppers are still hot so the honey butter can penetrate the surface and keep them incredibly moist and flavorful.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to add a little heat, try folding in finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a savory twist, add a half-cup of sharp cheddar cheese or some crumbled crispy bacon to the batter before baking. If you need to make these gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend; the cornmeal provides enough structure to keep them delicious. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower or orange blossom, to change the flavor profile of the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect companion to a big bowl of spicy chili or a plate of smoky barbecue pulled pork. They also make a fantastic appetizer for game day or a sweet addition to a holiday brunch spread. For a true Southern experience, serve them alongside a tall glass of sweet tea or fresh lemonade. They are best enjoyed warm when the glaze is still glistening and the centers are soft.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, place the poppers in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months; for the best results, freeze them without the glaze. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes or use a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture. If you froze them unglazed, apply a fresh batch of honey butter glaze after reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a mini muffin tin with butter to ensure the poppers release easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.1 cup yellow cornmeal, 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, honey, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.0.5 cup milk, 0.25 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 large egg
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in the corn kernels until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.0.5 cup corn kernels
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin cups, filling each one about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden-brown.
- While the poppers are still warm, mix the additional melted butter and honey together to create the glaze.0.25 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons honey
- Brush the warm honey butter glaze over the poppers, allowing it to soak into the bread before serving.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use different types of corn?
Yes, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels. If you are using frozen corn, make sure to thaw and drain it first. For canned corn, ensure it is drained very well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can easily make these gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Since cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, the texture remains very similar to the original recipe.
Can I freeze these poppers?
Absolutely. These poppers freeze well for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze them without the glaze and then add a fresh honey butter glaze after you have reheated them.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to experiment by adding jalapeños for heat, shredded cheese for savory flavor, or even crispy bacon bits. You can also add herbs like chives or rosemary to the batter for a more gourmet feel.
Why use mini muffin tins?
Mini muffin tins are essential for creating the perfect bite-sized “popper” shape. The smaller size ensures a higher ratio of crispy edges to soft centers and allows the poppers to cook quickly and evenly.