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Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bite-sized cornbread poppers are drizzled with a warm honey butter glaze for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ideal for parties, BBQs, or cozy snacks, this easy recipe is customizable with cheese, bacon, or jalapeños. Bake or fry them for a crowd-pleasing treat that melts in your mouth.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Southern
Servings 24 mini poppers (using a standard mini muffin tin).
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Mini muffin tin or cake pop mold
  • Oven (or air fryer)
  • Pastry brush
  • Optional: deep fryer or heavy skillet for frying

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp honey

Optional Mix-ins:

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped cooked bacon
  • 2 tbsp diced jalapeños or sliced green onions

For Honey Butter Glaze:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1½ tbsp honey

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey until combined.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in optional cheese, bacon, or jalapeños if using.
  • Spoon batter into prepared mini muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full.
  • Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Alternatively, fry small batter balls in 350°F oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter and honey together in a small saucepan or microwave.
  • Brush warm poppers with honey butter glaze immediately after baking or frying.
  • Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • For a crispier texture, fry the poppers instead of baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency.
  • The batter can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temp before cooking.
  • Customize with your favorite mix-ins or keep classic plain.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • Gluten-free option: substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Vegan option: use flax egg, plant milk, vegan butter, and maple syrup instead of honey.
Keyword Baked Cornbread Balls, Cornbread Appetizer, Fried Cornbread Poppers, honey butter cornbread, Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, Mini Cornbread Bites, Party Food, Snack Recipe, Southern Cornbread Recipe