Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers – Sweet, Buttery, and Perfectly Southern

If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate bite-sized Southern comfort food, you’ve found it: Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers 🤎

Golden on the outside, tender inside, and brushed with warm honey butter, these little cornbread bites are a Southern classic reimagined for modern kitchens. They’re perfect for BBQs, holiday spreads, brunch tables, or anytime you crave that sweet-and-savory Southern flavor.

At inasrecipes.com, we believe every bite should taste like home — and these poppers are pure comfort, straight from the heart of the South.

What Are Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?

Southern-Style Cornbread Poppers are mini muffin-sized cornbread bites brushed with melted honey butter right after baking. They’re slightly crispy on the edges, fluffy in the middle, and full of buttery sweetness.

They combine the best of both worlds: the crumbly richness of Southern cornbread and the sticky sweetness of warm honey butter.

🔗 Want more bite-sized Southern goodness? Try our Mini Apple Pies for dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧈 Soft & golden: Perfectly moist with crispy edges.
• 🍯 Sweet, buttery flavor: Balanced Southern sweetness with real honey.
• 🎉 Crowd-friendly: Easy to bake and serve at any event.
• 🌽 Classic meets modern: A fresh twist on traditional cornbread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cornbread Batter

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup creamed corn (optional for moisture)

For the Honey Butter Glaze

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• Pinch of sea salt

💡 Pro Tip: Use high-quality butter and pure honey for that authentic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 – Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line with paper cups.

2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

3 – Combine Wet Ingredients

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

4 – Blend & Fill

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Spoon batter into muffin pan — fill each cup about ¾ full.

5 – Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6 – Make the Honey Butter

While poppers bake, melt butter with honey and a pinch of salt.

7 – Brush & Serve

Brush warm poppers with honey butter immediately after baking. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

🔗 Pair them with our Spiked Apple Cider Recipe for a cozy Southern combo.

What Makes Southern Cornbread Special?

Southern cornbread has a long, proud history — and a few distinct traits:

• Less sugar: True Southern cornbread is subtly sweet, not dessert-like.
• Cast-iron baked: Traditionally baked in a sizzling skillet for crisp edges.
• Buttermilk-based: Gives that classic tangy flavor and tender crumb.
• Butter over oil: Adds depth, richness, and golden color.

🔗 Learn more Southern secrets in our Florida Orange Rolls article.

Why Put Honey in Cornbread?

Honey brings out the natural sweetness of corn without overpowering it. It adds moisture, helps the crust caramelize, and makes the poppers irresistibly golden.

Honey + Butter = Southern magic. ✨

What’s the Best Butter to Use for Honey Butter?

For the richest flavor, use high-fat unsalted butter like Kerrygold or Plugrá. It allows the honey to shine and creates that velvety texture.

If you prefer salted butter, simply reduce added salt in the glaze.

What Is the Difference Between Cornbread and Southern Cornbread?

Feature	Northern Cornbread	Southern Cornbread
Texture	Cake-like & sweet	Crumbly, savory
Sugar Level	More sugar	Little or none
Fat Source	Oil or butter	Mostly butter or bacon drippings
Liquid	Milk	Buttermilk
Cooking Method	Oven-baked	Skillet or pan-baked

These poppers fall right in between — a Southern-style cornbread base with a touch of honey sweetness.

Does Honey Butter Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, honey butter should be refrigerated if it contains dairy. It lasts up to 1 week in the fridge and can be softened at room temperature before serving.

If made with clarified butter, it can last unrefrigerated for a few days.

What Is the Best Southern Cornbread Mix?

If you’re short on time, some great ready-to-use options include:

• White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix – classic Southern texture
• Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread Mix – light and fluffy
• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – slightly sweeter, perfect for poppers

💡 Customize store-bought mixes by adding honey, butter, and fresh corn kernels.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: 2 days in airtight container.
• Fridge: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months.
• Reheat: In toaster oven or air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does honey butter need to be refrigerated?

Yes, if made with dairy. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Is Southern cornbread sweet or savory?

Traditional Southern cornbread is more savory, with just a hint of sweetness.

What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?

Southern cornbread is richer, made with buttermilk and less sugar, often baked in cast iron.

What is the best butter to use for honey butter?

Use unsalted high-fat butter for the creamiest texture and balanced sweetness.

Why put honey in cornbread?

It enhances natural corn flavor, adds moisture, and creates a glossy golden crust.

What is the best Southern cornbread mix?

Try White Lily or Martha White mixes for authentic results.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside fried chicken, chili, or BBQ ribs.
• Add a drizzle of extra honey for dessert-style sweetness.
• Pair with sweet tea or lemonade for the ultimate Southern spread.

🔗 Round it out with our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler.

Print