These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cornbread with the sweetness of honey butter. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or even as a cozy side dish, these mini poppers are fluffy, cheesy, and irresistibly tasty. With the warmth of fresh corn and a drizzle of honey butter, they stand out in any setting.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients
- Add-ins
- Honey Butter Topping
- Garnish (optional)
- How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Add Sweet Corn and Cheese
- Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Prepare Honey Butter
- Step 9: Cool and Serve
- How to Serve Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- As an Appetizer
- At Breakfast
- For Game Day
- As a Side Dish
- With Salads
- How to Perfect Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Best Side Dishes for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Reheating Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
- How can I customize my Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
- Are these poppers suitable for meal prep?
- Can I make these cornbread poppers gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet corn and cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from prep to table, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or a delicious side dish for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Perfect for parties or gatherings; everyone loves these mini bites!
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños or spices for added flair.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing your Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini muffin tin: Essential for creating perfectly shaped poppers that bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures that your batter is smooth and well-mixed, which is key to fluffy poppers.
Ingredients
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are irresistibly fluffy, perfectly sweet, and loaded with fresh corn and cheddar cheese. Drizzled with creamy honey butter, these mini cornbread bites make the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal.
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 unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Honey Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley
How to Make Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use silicone molds for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted unsalted butter until smooth.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Step 5: Add Sweet Corn and Cheese
Gently fold in:
1. The sweet corn kernels and
2. The shredded cheddar cheese. This adds both texture and flavor.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin:
1. Fill each cup about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for:
– 12-15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Step 8: Prepare Honey Butter
While baking:
1. Mix together the softened unsalted butter and honey until creamy.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked:
1. Let poppers cool slightly before removing from the tin.
2. Drizzle with honey butter and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired! Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers!
How to Serve Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
These delightful Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a cozy snack, these mini cornbread bites will impress everyone.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with a drizzle of honey butter for an irresistible start to any meal.
- Pair them with a spicy dipping sauce to complement their sweetness and add some heat.
At Breakfast
- Enjoy them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty morning spread.
- Top with a dollop of cream cheese and fresh fruit for a sweet breakfast treat.
For Game Day
- Present them on a large platter during your next game day gathering.
- Offer different dips, such as ranch or salsa, to cater to your guests’ tastes.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken or ribs for a classic Southern meal.
- Pair with chili or stew, where the sweetness of the poppers balances savory flavors.
With Salads
- Crunchy greens topped with these poppers make for an exciting salad.
- Add them to your favorite coleslaw recipe for extra texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
To achieve the best results with your Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and quality cheddar cheese enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the poppers light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding jalapeños or different cheeses for unique twists on the recipe.
- Serve immediately: These poppers are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven.
- Store correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Pairing side dishes with your Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.
- Collard Greens: A classic Southern dish that adds earthy flavors and nutrients.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken pairs beautifully with sweet cornbread poppers.
- BBQ Ribs: The rich flavors of BBQ ribs contrast nicely with sweet cornbread bites.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad enhances the corn flavor while adding crunch.
- Deviled Eggs: These creamy bites provide a delightful rich texture alongside the poppers.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit, making it an excellent companion.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies offer balance with their smoky flavors against the sweetness of the poppers.
- Southern Slaw: A tangy slaw can cut through the richness of both dishes, offering freshness on the plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers can be a rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls to keep in mind.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense poppers. Stir until just combined for a fluffy texture.
- Skipping the buttermilk – Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have any, make a substitute with milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
- Not preheating the oven – Baking in an unheated oven can affect rise and texture. Always preheat to 400°F (200°C) before starting.
- Ignoring the baking time – Overbaking can result in dry poppers. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
- Neglecting to grease the muffin tin – A well-greased tin prevents sticking. Use cooking spray or butter generously to ensure easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow poppers to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat one at a time on high for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are mini cornbread bites that are fluffy, sweet, and filled with corn and cheddar cheese, drizzled with honey butter.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly! Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding it to your batter.
How can I customize my Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
You can add spices like jalapeño for heat or mix in different cheeses such as pepper jack for added flavor.
Are these poppers suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They store well in the fridge and freezer, making them great for meal prep or snacks throughout the week.
Can I make these cornbread poppers gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
These Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Give them a try; they are sure to become a family favorite!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintSouthern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Indulge in the delightful taste of Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers—fluffy, cheesy mini bites that are perfect for any occasion. These delicious poppers blend the rich flavors of cornbread with sweet corn and melted cheddar, all topped with a drizzle of creamy honey butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- 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 unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In one bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in sweet corn and cheddar cheese.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin cups until about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, mix softened butter with honey for topping.
- Cool slightly before drizzling with honey butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg





