I still remember the first time I made Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. It was a chilly autumn evening and I wanted something warm and comforting to share with friends. I’d seen these sweet cornbread bites at a local gathering once and loved how the crispy fried cornbread combined with a rich honey butter glaze made everyone smile. Inspired, I knew I had to recreate them in my own kitchen. The moment these bite-sized cornbread snacks came out of the fryer and got their golden honey butter glaze, the whole house smelled incredible—warm, sweet, and inviting.
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers have since become a staple in my kitchen. They fit so well into real-life cooking and gatherings because they’re simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive southern appetizer for a party, these poppers deliver every time. They bring people together over a few bites of crispy fried cornbread dipped or drizzled with that unforgettable honey butter glaze.
If you’re a home cook like me who loves reliable recipes that taste fantastic without complicated steps or rare ingredients, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through making these Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers from start to finish. Let’s get cooking so you have a new favorite bite-sized cornbread snack ready for your next meal or gathering.
What You’ll Need:

To make Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers that hit all the right notes, here’s what I typically use:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (regular grind is perfect; fine grind works too)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can swap half for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the sweet cornbread bites)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (you’ll find this in the baking aisle of your grocery store)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (no buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for the honey butter glaze)
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 cups depending on your fryer or pan size)
- 1/4 cup honey (for that signature honey butter glaze)
No problem if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. The simple swap above works wonders in my Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers without changing texture. Keep your ingredients on hand in your pantry and fridge. This Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers recipe is affordable and comes together quickly. If you have any extras, the batter keeps well in the fridge overnight, so you can prep ahead.
A kitchen tip: I like adding a little extra sugar in my batter to bring out that sweet cornbread bite flavor, balancing perfectly with the glaze. It’s all about that harmony of textures and sweetness.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Making Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers is easier than you think. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is the base for your sweet cornbread bites.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
- Make the batter: Gradually pour the wet into the dry, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—the batter should be thick but spoonable.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one. This is key to get crispy fried cornbread without greasy poppers.
- Fry the poppers: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature steady. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp.
- Drain and glaze: Remove poppers with a slotted spoon, place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. While still warm, brush with melted butter mixed with honey—this honey butter glaze is what makes these bite-sized cornbread snacks shine.
- Serve warm: Best enjoyed fresh and warm, though they keep well if you reheat gently in the oven.
From start to finish, this Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers recipe takes about 30 minutes including frying time. While the first batch fries, you can prep the glaze and set the table. Your kitchen will smell like pure comfort food when these poppers are ready.
If your first batch looks a bit uneven or isn’t as crispy as you hoped, don’t worry. Adjust the oil temperature next time and keep practicing. I’ve made many batches before getting it just right.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers work wonderfully as a southern appetizer or a side at dinner. I love serving them alongside:
- Pulled pork or barbecue chicken: The sweet and savory pairings bring out the best in both.
- Coleslaw or a fresh green salad: The crisp bites balance rich dishes perfectly.
- A bowl of chili or soup: Their crispy corn flavor adds texture and comfort.
On casual weeknights, these bite-sized cornbread snacks make a fun snack for the kids or an impressive starter if you have friends over. I often drizzle extra honey butter glaze on top right before serving to keep them looking glossy and inviting.
Getting creative with leftovers is easy too. Try turning Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers into mini croutons for salads or add chopped poppers to a breakfast scramble for a hint of sweetness.
Seasonal variations are fun as well: swap honey for maple syrup or add a pinch of cayenne to the batter for a little kick during the holidays.
Guests always ask for seconds and are intrigued by the crispy fried cornbread texture combined with that rich honey butter glaze.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. For best crispiness, fry them just before serving.
Can I bake instead of frying?
You can make baked cornbread bites, but true crispy fried cornbread flavor in these Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers comes from frying. For baking, use a mini muffin tin and brush warm poppers with honey butter after baking.
What if I don’t have cornmeal?
Classic cornmeal is key here, but I’ve swapped in polenta ground finer with decent results. Whole grain cornmeal creates a heartier texture but works fine too.
How do I make more or less?
Simply scale the ingredients proportionally. For a crowd, double or triple the recipe—I’ve done so for gatherings with no hassle at all.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Milk plus lemon juice or white vinegar works great. Let it rest 5 minutes before mixing.
Can I add extra flavor?
Chopped jalapeños or cheddar cheese mixed into the batter add a nice southern twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Final Thoughts
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers hold a special place in my recipe box. They reliably deliver warmth, sweet-savory flavor, and crowd-pleasing fun no matter the occasion.
My Best Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Tips:
– Use fresh cornmeal for best texture.
– Maintain oil temperature for crispiness.
– Brush with honey butter immediately while warm.
I’ve tested variations including jalapeño-cheddar, maple glaze swaps, and baking for ease. The classic honey butter glaze version gets requested most often by friends and family.
If you’re craving simple, delicious bites that bring people together, this Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers recipe is for you. Make it your own, enjoy the process, and savor every crispy, sweet bite.
For fans of southern flavors, you might also enjoy my Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash for a cozy seasonal side or Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake for a sweet treat any time. If you want dessert inspiration after your poppers, try this Brown Butter Cheesecake rich decadent dessert.
For a fun twist on fried cornbread, check out this copycat version I found Air Fryer, Copycat Recipe-Marie Callender’s Famous Golden …. And if you want to explore more honey butter cornbread ideas, Toni’s Recipes has some fantastic options Honey Butter Cornbread – Toni’s Recipes.
If you’re part of baking groups, this copycat honey butter cornbread crisps recipe is interesting too Copycat honey butter cornbread crisps recipe needed.
Keep these bite-sized cornbread snacks on your rotation—you’ll be glad you did!

Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Delight in these Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers—moist, bite-sized cornbread morsels perfectly sweetened with honey and enriched with creamy butter, ideal for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- Extra butter and honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs with buttermilk, melted butter, and honey until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Spoon batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and brush warm poppers with extra melted butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
For an extra savory touch, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh rosemary into the batter before baking.