Sweet, buttery, and golden brown—these mini cornbread poppers are brushed with warm honey butter for the perfect bite-sized treat. Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love classic cornbread, you’ll fall head over heels for these mini cornbread poppers. They have all the flavor of traditional Southern cornbread—sweet, tender, and golden—but in perfectly poppable form.

Brushed with a rich honey butter glaze while still warm, these little bites are ideal for serving alongside chili, barbecue, or soups. They’re also quick to whip up with simple pantry staples and bake in just 12 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Poppers:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons honey

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 24 mini poppers

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan well or use mini liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg. Whisk until well blended.
4. Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. While the poppers bake, stir together melted butter, honey, and salt for the glaze.
8. As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush each one generously with the warm honey butter glaze.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Ideas

• Pair with chili or beef stew for a hearty meal.

• Serve as a starter at a barbecue or holiday dinner.

• Toss into a basket with breakfast or brunch spreads.

• Drizzle with extra honey and sprinkle with flaky salt for a gourmet touch.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or minced jalapeño to the batter.

• Add cheese: Fold in shredded cheddar for a savory version.

• Bake regular size: Use a standard muffin pan and bake for 16–18 minutes.

• No buttermilk? Use 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to refresh before serving.

Can I freeze cornbread poppers?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

Can I double the glaze for extra topping?

Yes, if you like a more buttery finish, you can double the glaze and brush on an extra layer just before serving.

What can I use instead of a mini muffin pan?

You can bake the batter in a greased 8×8-inch pan and cut into bite-sized squares. Adjust bake time to 18–22 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the kind of warm, comforting bites everyone reaches for first. With just the right balance of sweetness, softness, and buttery crisp edges, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or looking for a snackable addition to your holiday table, this recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing choice.