Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cornbread to bring comfort and joy. These bite-sized poppers take that classic Southern warmth and elevate it with bursts of sweet corn, vibrant red bell pepper, melted cheddar, and a drizzle of dreamy honey butter. Perfect for parties, snacks, or side dishes—this is Southern charm in a single bite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: About 24 poppers

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Add-Ins

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)

Honey Butter

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup honey

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mini muffin tin or popper pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick (for doneness test)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or use a nonstick spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.

4. Mix Batter

Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently—do not overmix.

5. Fold in Add-Ins

Add the corn, diced red pepper, and shredded cheese. Fold just until evenly incorporated.

6. Fill & Bake

Spoon batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅔ full.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Make the Honey Butter

While the poppers bake, mix together softened butter and honey until smooth. Set aside.

8. Cool & Serve

Let poppers cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Serve warm, drizzled with honey butter and garnished with herbs.

Tips for Perfect Poppers

• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Add Heat: Include diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Double the Batch: These go fast—make extra for larger crowds!
• Reheat Right: Warm leftovers at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 300°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

Variations to Try

• Jalapeño Kick: Add ¼ cup diced jalapeños.
• Bacon Cheddar: Mix in ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
• Herb Twist: Fold in chopped rosemary or thyme.

Nutritional Info (Per Popper)

• Calories: 95
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

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