Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the snack you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to live without. These bite-sized golden beauties combine the comforting texture of warm cornbread with a burst of sweet honey butter and a surprise cheesy center. Perfect for game nights, holiday tables, or weekday cravings, they deliver flavor and fun in every nibble.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Poppers
- Perfect party snack: Pop them in your mouth and pass the tray. They vanish fast.
- Sweet meets savory: Honey and butter on cornbread? Yes, please.
- Endless variations: Make them spicy, cheesy, or even meaty.
- Easy to prepare: You don’t need fancy ingredients.

Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make classic Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for stuffing)
- Honey Butter Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins:
- Jalapeños (for heat)
- Cooked bacon crumbles (for meat lovers)
- Diced green onions (for a fresh bite)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
2. Shape and Fill
Scoop a tablespoon of batter, flatten it slightly in your hand, and place a cube or pinch of cheese in the center. Fold the batter over the cheese and roll it into a ball.
3. Bake or Fry
- To Bake: Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden.
4. Glaze with Honey Butter
Mix the honey and butter, then brush it over the warm poppers right after baking/frying.
5. Serve and Devour
Best enjoyed warm, preferably with extra honey butter on the side for dipping.
Nutritional Info (Per 2 Poppers)
Component | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~180 kcal |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fat | 9g |
Sugar | 5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Expert Tips
- Use mini muffin pans: If you don’t want to shape balls by hand.
- Sharp cheddar = more flavor: Choose bold cheese for contrast.
- Freeze before frying: For a crispier crust and less mess.
- Double the honey butter: Trust us, you’ll want extra.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and store up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or air-fry for crispiness.
FAQs
How do I keep Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers from drying out?
Wrap them while still slightly warm to trap moisture. Brushing with extra honey butter also helps keep Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers moist.
Can I make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers in advance?
Yes! You can prep and freeze them unbaked, then bake fresh as needed. Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are freezer-friendly.
What’s the best cheese for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack works too. The key is meltability inside the Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers.
Can I make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for safe Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- Honey Butter Glaze:
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine both mixtures until just blended.
- Spoon into muffin tin and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Mix honey butter glaze and brush on hot poppers.
- Serve warm.