Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something truly nostalgic about the smell of cornbread baking in the oven—filling the air with warm, inviting scents that remind us of cozy family gatherings. Today, I’m excited to share my easy recipe for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, a delightful Southern snack that brings comfort and joy to any table. These little bites are not only a fun twist on traditional cornbread, but they also feature a gooey cheesy surprise at the center, making them perfect for parties or as a simple weeknight treat. Plus, they’re quick to whip up and can be made gluten-free, so everyone can indulge! Want to take your taste buds on a sweet adventure? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make some memorable snacks together! Why Are Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Irresistible? Unique Flavor Combination: These poppers blend sweet honey with buttery cornbread, wrapping your taste buds in warmth and nostalgia. Gooey Cheese Surprise: Each bite reveals a hidden cheesy center, elevating your snacking experience to new heights. Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, these delightful bites can be ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for when cravings hit! Versatile Delight: Serve them as a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal. If you enjoy a sweet twist, you’ll love these Hot Honey Chicken bites too! Gluten-Free Option Available: Easily swap to gluten-free flour to ensure everyone can enjoy this treat. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, these poppers are sure to be the highlight. Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Ingredients For the Poppers Yellow Cornmeal – Provides the base texture and flavor of cornbread. All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure; can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs. Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the savory notes. Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, helping poppers rise to perfection. Salt – Enhances overall flavor; use less for a low-sodium option. Buttermilk – Infuses moisture and a slight tang; substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice if needed. Vegetable Oil – Keeps the dough tender; can be swapped with melted coconut oil or butter. Large Egg – Binds ingredients together, contributing to the desired texture. For the Honey Butter Glaze Melted Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich flavor that enhances the glaze. Honey – Sweetens the glaze and adds delightful stickiness. Salt – Balances the sweetness, ensuring a perfectly flavored finish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, grease a mini muffin pan generously to prevent sticking. You want to make sure each popper will slide out smoothly, so don’t skimp on this step! This will be the base where the delicious Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers transform from batter to golden delights. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your poppers, so ensure it’s well-blended to avoid any clumps. The blend should feel light and airy, setting the stage for a fluffy texture as the poppers bake. Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, and the large egg until the mixture is smooth and integrated. The buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, making the Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers extra fluffy. Once fully combined, gradually introduce this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended—be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense poppers. Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin with Batter Using a tablespoon, scoop out a portion of the cornbread batter and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small cube of cheese in the center and fold the batter around it to create a ball. Ensure that the cheese is completely encased, and then place each ball into the greased muffin tin. Aim to fill each cup about ¾ full for optimal baking. Step 5: Bake for Perfection Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on the poppers; they should turn golden brown on top and spring back when gently pressed. This will indicate that your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are perfectly baked and ready for the next delicious step! Step 6: Make Honey Butter Glaze While the poppers are baking, prepare the honey butter glaze by mixing melted unsalted butter with honey and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined. This rich glaze will be drizzled over the warm poppers, adding an irresistible sweet finish to each bite. Step 7: Glaze the Poppers As soon as the poppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the honey butter glaze generously over the warm poppers while they’re still in the muffin tin. The heat will melt the glaze slightly, allowing it to soak into the tops and enhance the sweet and buttery flavor of your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. Step 8: Serve Warm Let the poppers cool in the tin for a couple of minutes before gently removing them. Serve these delightful bites warm, perhaps with extra honey butter on the side for dipping. The combination of sweet glaze and cheesy surprise will make your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers a hit at any gathering or simply as a tasty snack! Make Ahead Options These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cornbread batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. The cheese cubes can also be cut and stored in an airtight container for easy assembly. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures, fill the muffin tin, and pop them in the oven—it’ll take just 10-12 minutes to bake. This approach allows you to enjoy delicious, homemade snacks with minimal effort on busy days while ensuring that each Honey Butter Cornbread Popper remains soft and flavorful! What to Serve with Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers These delightful bites are perfect for gathering friends and family around the table, inviting smiles with each warm, cheesy pop. Creamy Chili: The rich, spicy flavor of chili beautifully complements the sweetness of the cornbread poppers, creating a balanced and hearty meal. Garden Salad: A fresh salad adds a crunchy texture and bright flavors, making the meal feel light and fulfilling. Consider tossing in some citrus vinaigrette for a zesty twist. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: These savory sliders contrast nicely with the sweet poppers. The smoky meat fills you up and pairs perfectly with the honey butter glaze. Classic Buttermilk Biscuits: Enhance that Southern comfort theme with fluffy biscuits. Serve them warm with butter and jam for an extra touch of homestyle goodness. Honey Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots glazed with honey echo the flavors in your poppers. Their natural sweetness balances beautifully with the savory cheese center. Mango Iced Tea: A refreshing drink offers a burst of tropical flavor that can cut through the richness of the poppers, making it an enjoyable pairing for a casual snack time. Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries add a hearty crunch and a different sweetness that complements the cornbread’s texture. They’re also great for dipping! Berry Crisp: To finish off with a dessert that sings of nostalgia, a warm berry crisp is perfect, adding a sweet, tart contrast to the honey butter poppers you’ll all adore. How to Store and Freeze Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Room Temperature: Store Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. Fridge: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the poppers in an airtight container for up to a week; reheat in the microwave or oven for best results. Freezer: Freeze unbaked poppers by placing them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Bake from frozen when ready to enjoy for delightful fresh snacks! Reheating: To reheat leftovers, microwave for about 30 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Expert Tips for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Serve Warm: Ensure the Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are served immediately after baking to enjoy the gooey cheese consistency and the sweet glaze. Cheese Selection: Use cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for the best melting effect. Avoid hard cheeses that won’t become gooey. Dry Ingredients Prep: Be thorough when whisking the dry ingredients. Clumps can lead to uneven texture—making all the difference in the final product. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make your poppers dense rather than fluffy. Gluten-Free Tip: For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked poppers for a quick snack later. Simply bake directly from frozen, and they’ll be a warm treat whenever cravings strike! Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Variations Feel free to sprinkle your creative touch on these delectable poppers and make them uniquely yours. Cheese Swap: Replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. This simple change can transform the flavor profile and spice things up! Herb Infusion: Add fresh chives or chopped jalapeños to the batter for an exciting flavor twist. Elevating your poppers with herbs adds not only flavor but also a vibrant color and texture. Sweet Twist: Substitute honey with maple syrup in the glaze for a different sweet note. Maple infuses a warm, rich flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the buttery cornbread. Savory Addition: Mix in some cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage for a savory punch that’ll have everyone asking for more. These additions will create a comforting snack that’s perfect for any gathering. Gluten-Free Option: Easily swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste. It’s amazing how this small change allows everyone to indulge together! Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for added depth and warmth. Just a pinch can elevate your poppers from ordinary to extraordinary. Mini Dip: Serve these beauties alongside a tangy honey mustard or a zesty sriracha mayo for dipping. Having a variety of dips will surely enchant your guests and make each bite a new experience! Fun Shapes: Instead of balls, shape the batter into muffins or pancakes for a unique twist on presentation. These variations allow for different textures and can give your poppers a fun new look! As you embark on this culinary adventure, be sure to explore delightful pairings like Honey Garlic Salmon or Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes for a full meal experience. Enjoy customizing your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers! Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe FAQs What type of cornmeal should I use? For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using yellow cornmeal, as it provides the traditional cornbread taste. If you prefer a finer texture, feel free to use a medium grind. Can I store these poppers, and if so, how? Absolutely! Store your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Remember, reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes will bring back their delightful texture! How can I freeze Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers? To freeze the unbaked poppers, form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked from frozen; just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time. Trust me, they taste just as amazing! What should I do if my poppers are dense? If your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening can hinder the poppers from rising properly. Can I make these poppers gluten-free? Very! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy the sweet and cheesy charm of Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers without compromising on taste or texture. Just keep an eye on the consistency and adjust as necessary! What kind of cheese works best for the gooey center? I recommend using cheeses that melt wonderfully, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack. These varieties create that delightful gooey center that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey butter glaze. Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers: Southern Snack Bliss Awaits Delight in Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, a nostalgic Southern snack that features a gooey cheesy surprise, perfect for gatherings and easy to make gluten-free. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsTotal Time 22 minutes mins Servings: 24 poppersCourse: SnacksCuisine: SouthernCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Poppers1 cup yellow cornmeal1 cup all-purpose flour can be replaced with gluten-free flour1/4 cup sugar1 tbsp baking powder1/2 tsp salt or less for low sodium1 cup buttermilk or regular milk with lemon juice1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil/butter1 large eggFor the Honey Butter Glaze1/4 cup melted unsalted butter1/4 cup honey1/4 tsp salt Equipment mini muffin pan Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Butter Cornbread PoppersPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.In a large bowl, whisk together yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth. Gradually combine with the dry ingredients, stirring gently.Scoop out a portion of the batter, place a small cube of cheese in the center, and form a ball, placing it in the muffin tin.Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and springy to touch.Prepare the glaze by mixing melted butter, honey, and salt until smooth.Brush the honey butter glaze generously over the warm poppers while still in the muffin tin.Let cool slightly, then serve warm, possibly with extra honey butter for dipping. Nutrition Serving: 1popperCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesServe warm for the best experience. Use cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella for optimal melting. Avoid overmixing to keep poppers fluffy. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
