Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized version of a classic comfort food. These fluffy, moist cornbread balls are baked until golden and then drizzled with sweet, creamy honey butter, giving them a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a side dish to accompany any meal. These little poppers are incredibly easy to make and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are an irresistible combination of soft, buttery cornbread and the sweetness of honey butter. These mini cornbread poppers are packed with flavor and make the perfect individual servings for any occasion. The texture is light and fluffy on the inside with a golden, slightly crispy exterior. The addition of honey butter makes them extra indulgent, adding a sweet touch that complements the savory cornbread beautifully. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to serve!

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Poppers:

1 box (about 8.5 oz) cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread batter)
1/2 cup milk (or according to cornbread mix instructions)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or according to cornbread mix instructions)
1 large egg (or according to cornbread mix instructions)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
1/4 teaspoon salt (if using a non-seasoned cornbread mix)

For the Honey Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cornbread Batter:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or use muffin liners for easy cleanup.
Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves combining the cornbread mix with milk, vegetable oil, and egg. If you’re using homemade cornbread batter, follow your recipe instructions.
For added flavor, fold in shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt into the cornbread mixture (optional but delicious).

2. Fill the Muffin Tin:

Spoon the cornbread batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This will allow the cornbread poppers to bake to a fluffy, golden perfection.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops of the cornbread poppers are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Make the Honey Butter:

While the cornbread poppers are baking, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth and creamy.

4. Drizzle with Honey Butter:

Once the cornbread poppers are baked and slightly cooled, use a small spoon to drizzle the honey butter over each popper while they are still warm. You can also dip each popper into the honey butter if you prefer an extra indulgent bite.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers warm as a delicious snack, side dish, or party appetizer. They pair wonderfully with BBQ, chili, or as a sweet treat on their own!

Servings and timing

Servings: 18-24 mini poppers (depending on the size of your muffin tin)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers: Add some finely chopped jalapeños and extra cheddar cheese to the cornbread batter for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free Cornbread Poppers: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make these poppers gluten-free. Just make sure the honey butter ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Herb Infused Cornbread Poppers: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter for a more savory flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover cornbread poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cornbread poppers for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Reheating: To reheat, place the cornbread poppers in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to warm them through.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?

Yes! If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin. Just keep in mind that the baking time will be longer—around 18-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.

2. Can I use unsweetened butter instead of regular butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter for the honey butter if you prefer, but make sure to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

3. Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cornbread poppers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Drizzle with honey butter just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

4. Can I make these poppers savory without the honey butter?

Absolutely! You can skip the honey butter and serve the cornbread poppers with savory dips like sour cream, salsa, or a cheesy dip.

5. How do I prevent the cornbread from being too dry?

Be sure not to overmix the batter and to check the poppers a few minutes before the suggested cooking time. The cornbread should be moist and fluffy, so if you’re baking for a longer time, check for doneness early to prevent dryness.

6. Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar if you want a deeper, more caramel-like flavor in your cornbread.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and indulgent, making them a fantastic snack or side dish for any occasion. These bite-sized treats are fluffy, buttery, and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey butter. They’re quick and easy to make, and can be customized to fit any flavor profile. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or as a simple snack, these cornbread poppers are sure to be a hit!