Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Craving a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy bite-sized snack? These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the ultimate treat. With golden cornbread crusts, a soft, cheesy center, and a drizzle of honey butter on top, these poppers are perfect for parties, side dishes, or anytime you want a comforting Southern-style snack.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bite-Sized Goodness – Perfectly portioned for snacking or entertaining.
Sweet & Savory Combo – Rich honey butter meets cheesy cornbread.
Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
Customizable – Add heat, swap cheeses, or toss in extras like jalapeños.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cornbread Poppers:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup canned corn kernels (drained)
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped (optional)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spoon
• Mini muffin tin or cake pop mold
• Cooking spray or muffin liners
• Small saucepan (for honey butter)
• Pastry brush or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease a mini muffin tin or line with mini cupcake liners.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
Fold in shredded cheddar, corn, jalapeños, and green onions if using.

Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon batter into prepared mini muffin tins, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Stir in honey and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Brush warm poppers with honey butter or drizzle over the top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Optional: Sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt or extra chopped green onions for garnish.

Tips for Perfect Cornbread Poppers
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh buttermilk and eggs yield the best texture.
Don’t Overmix – Gently stir batter to keep poppers light and fluffy.
Spice It Up – Add a pinch of cayenne or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
Double the Batch – These disappear quickly—make extra for a crowd.
Serve Warm – They taste best right out of the oven with warm honey butter.

Serving Suggestions
Southern BBQ – A perfect side for ribs, brisket, or chicken.
Chili or Soup – Great for dunking into hearty stews.
Party Appetizer – Easy finger food for guests.
Brunch Platter – Add alongside eggs, fruit, and sausage for a full spread.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooled poppers in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.

Reheating:
Oven – Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in 10-second bursts until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make them without a mini muffin tin?
   Yes! Use a regular muffin tin for larger portions and increase baking time to 18–20 minutes.
2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before using.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely—bake and store, then reheat and glaze before serving.
4. What other cheeses work well?
   Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for variety.

Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food. With their golden crust, tender center, and sweet glaze, they bring together everything you love about Southern cooking in one irresistible bite. Easy to whip up and even easier to devour, they’re perfect for everything from casual snacks to festive gatherings.

Give them a try and watch them vanish from the plate!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American (Southern)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 poppers):
Calories: 170 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 200mg

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