Sweet Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
I absolutely adore these little golden bites of comfort food, and they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of classic Southern cornbread with a sweet honey butter glaze is simply irresistible.
They’re so quick to whip up, they’ve become my go-to appetizer when I’m also making something more involved, like my favorite Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives Recipe. These poppers always steal the show and disappear from the plate in minutes!
Ingredients for Your Cornbread Poppers
Here is the simple list of ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful cornbread bites.
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal: This is the foundation of your cornbread, providing that classic texture and flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Using flour alongside cornmeal ensures the poppers have a tender, cake-like crumb.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to the batter itself.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the poppers their signature puffiness and light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup milk: Whole milk is recommended for a richer taste and more tender result.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Use real, unsalted butter for the best flavor in the batter.
- 2 tablespoons honey: This adds a subtle, floral sweetness that complements the corn.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- ½ cup corn kernels: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. This adds a wonderful pop of texture and sweetness.
- ¼ cup melted butter for glaze: This forms the rich base of the irresistible topping.
- 2 tablespoons honey for glaze: Mixed with the butter, this creates a perfectly sweet and glossy finish.
Note: This recipe yields approximately 24 individual poppers.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mini muffin tin: This is essential for creating the bite-sized popper shape and ensuring even baking.
- Two mixing bowls: You will need one for combining the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for smoothly combining the wet ingredients and the glaze.
- Spatula or Spoon: Use this to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together without overmixing.
- Pastry brush: This is the best tool for evenly applying the warm honey butter glaze over the finished poppers.
How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
This recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to create perfect, golden-brown poppers every time. The key is to work gently and avoid overmixing the batter for the most tender results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the poppers start cooking immediately and rise properly. Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the poppers from sticking and ensure they come out easily.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together thoroughly. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the milk, ¼ cup of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, and the large egg. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, liquid base for your cornbread batter.
Step 4: Combine and Add Corn
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula just until the flour streaks disappear. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Finally, gently fold in the corn kernels.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters of the way full. This will give the poppers enough room to rise and form their classic domed tops without overflowing during the baking process.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The poppers are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent overbaking.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the poppers are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of honey until smooth. As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush this warm glaze generously over the tops of each one.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these cornbread poppers from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- I always let my egg and milk sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly, creating a smoother batter and a more tender final product.
- I find that using fresh corn kernels when they are in season adds a superior sweetness and pop. If you can’t find fresh, frozen corn is the next best thing—just be sure to thaw it completely.
- Don’t skip the step of brushing the glaze on while the poppers are still warm. I’ve noticed this allows the honey butter to really soak in, making them extra moist and flavorful.
- For an extra touch, I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze right after brushing it on. The saltiness perfectly cuts through the sweetness.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can easily adapt it to fit different tastes or dietary needs.
- For spicy food lovers, adding finely diced jalapeños to the batter provides a wonderful kick that complements the sweet honey.
- If you’re looking for more savory dinner recipes, try mixing in some sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon.
- For a dairy-free version, simply use a plant-based milk like almond or soy and your favorite vegan butter substitute.
Serving Ideas
How you present these poppers can make them even more appealing.
- Serve them warm in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin for a cozy, homestyle feel at dinner.
- For parties, arrange them on a white platter and garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color.
- Create a fun dipping bar with options like whipped honey butter, hot honey, or a savory bacon jam.
- They make a fantastic dessert-style appetizer, much like our Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe, when you want something sweet but not too heavy.
Calories Count
This nutritional information is an approximation per popper.
- Calories: 85
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
- Protein: 1 g
How to Store Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Proper storage will keep your cornbread poppers fresh and delicious.
- Restoring: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze un-glazed poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, then brush with fresh glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with these little bites for so many reasons.
- Perfectly Portioned: Their mini size makes them a fantastic finger food for parties, potlucks, and snacks.
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip them up for any occasion without much fuss.
- Sweet and Savory: The balance between the savory cornbread and the sweet honey butter glaze is truly addictive.
- Incredibly Versatile: They are easy to customize with add-ins like cheese, jalapeños, or bacon to suit any taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings.
More You Should Know
These poppers are an excellent side dish for chili, barbecue, or a hearty stew. The sweetness of the cornbread provides a perfect balance to spicy and savory main courses.
If you have any batter left over, you can easily make a few regular-sized muffins; just remember to increase the baking time by about 5-8 minutes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the poppers start cooking immediately and rise properly. Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the poppers from sticking and ensure they come out easily.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together thoroughly. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the milk, ¼ cup of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, and the large egg. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, liquid base for your cornbread batter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula just until the flour streaks disappear. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Finally, gently fold in the corn kernels.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters of the way full. This will give the poppers enough room to rise and form their classic domed tops without overflowing during the baking process.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The poppers are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent overbaking.
- While the poppers are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of honey until smooth. As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush this warm glaze generously over the tops of each one.