Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized treat that combines the fluffy, savory goodness of cornbread with a sweet, creamy honey butter glaze. These poppers are crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, and packed with delicious flavor in every bite. Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack, these cornbread poppers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, potluck, or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and savory: The honey butter glaze gives these cornbread poppers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor, making them irresistible.

• Bite-sized perfection: The popper size makes them perfect for snacking or serving at parties, where guests can grab a quick, tasty bite.

• Golden and crispy: These cornbread poppers have a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior, adding a delightful contrast in textures.

• Simple ingredients: Made with basic pantry ingredients, these poppers are easy to prepare and come together quickly.

• Versatile: Serve them as a side dish to complement soups, chili, or barbecued meats, or enjoy them on their own for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

For the cornbread:

• 1 box of cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread recipe)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup honey (optional for extra sweetness)

For the honey butter glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

• Pinch of salt

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

Directions

For the cornbread:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or popper pan with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, follow the instructions on the cornbread mix box (or your homemade recipe). Typically, this includes mixing the cornbread mix with milk, eggs, melted butter, and honey (if using).

3. Fill the pan: Spoon the cornbread batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.

4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool slightly: Remove the cornbread poppers from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

For the honey butter glaze:

1. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.

2. Glaze the cornbread poppers: Once the cornbread poppers are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush the honey butter glaze generously over the tops of each one.

3. Serve: Serve the honey butter cornbread poppers warm, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 18-24 mini cornbread poppers, depending on the size of your muffin tin.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Baking time: 12-15 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Cheddar cornbread poppers: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a savory twist that pairs perfectly with the honey butter glaze.

• Spicy cornbread poppers: Stir in a small chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cornbread batter for a spicy contrast to the sweet glaze.

• Mini cornbread muffins: Use a regular-sized muffin tin if you prefer larger poppers, but adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover honey butter cornbread poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the poppers for up to 1 month. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these cornbread poppers in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cornbread poppers ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just be sure to brush on the honey butter glaze right before serving, so they stay fresh and flavorful.

Can I use homemade cornbread batter instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade cornbread recipe. Just be sure to adjust the quantities based on your recipe’s size to ensure you have enough batter for the mini muffin tin.

How can I make these cornbread poppers healthier?

You can make a healthier version by substituting the butter with a lighter oil (like avocado or olive oil), using almond milk instead of dairy milk, and reducing the amount of sugar or honey in the glaze. You can also try adding whole wheat flour or oats to the batter for added fiber.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make your own using gluten-free flour and baking powder. Just be sure the cornbread mix is certified gluten-free if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup in place of honey for a different flavor in the glaze. It will still provide the sweetness and richness you need.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are a deliciously sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, rich flavor, and sweet honey butter glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at your next dinner party, family gathering, or casual snack time. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert, these poppers are a comforting and indulgent treat everyone will love!