Name: Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter; 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

I’m excited to share these bite‑sized Southern‑style cornbread poppers that combine the classic comfort of cornbread with a sweet honey butter drizzle. Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or pairing with your favorite soups and barbecues! Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these poppers are perfectly bite‑sized—ideal for parties or quick snacking. Packing savory and sweet together, they feature cheesy cornbread with vibrant bursts of corn and red bell pepper, finished with a buttery honey drizzle. They come together in just over 30 minutes from start to finish, so I can whip them up anytime I need a crowd‑pleasing treat.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all‑purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

Add‑Ins

1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Honey Butter

1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Garnish

Fresh parsley or cilantro

directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or popper pan.
In a large bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense poppers.
Fold in corn, red bell pepper, and cheddar cheese for added texture and flavor.
Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about two‑thirds full. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
While baking, whisk together softened butter and honey until creamy.
Let poppers cool a bit in pan, then remove and drizzle with honey butter. Garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 24 mini poppers (using a standard 24‑cup mini muffin tin).
Active prep time: ~15 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: around 35 minutes

Variations

I enjoy customizing these with different flavors:

Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add 1/4 cup diced jalapeños to the batter.
Herb Infusion: Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar for a flavor change.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them (up to 2 months) in a freezer bag. To reheat, I warm them in a 300 °F oven for 5–7 minutes—just enough to bring back that fresh‑from‑the‑oven taste.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! I substitute all‑purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free baking blend and keep everything else the same.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

I simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that as a buttermilk substitute.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! I’ve tried adding chopped green onions, zucchini, or even a bit of spinach. They all work beautifully.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes—prepare and bake them in advance, then store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 300 °F for about 5 minutes.

How can I make the honey butter fluffier?

I recommend using a hand mixer to whip the honey and butter together—it creates a lighter, more luxurious texture.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll enjoy these Southern‑Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers as much as I do. They’re a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether paired with chili, barbecue, or enjoyed solo, they’re sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation!