These Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Honey Butter are light, airy, and perfectly golden with a slight crunch from cornmeal. Paired with a luscious herb-infused honey butter, these popovers make a delightful addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Fluffy – The perfect combination of a crisp exterior and a soft, airy center.
- Slightly Sweet & Buttery – The herb honey butter adds a delicious balance of sweetness and savoriness.
- Easy to Make – Just mix, pour, and bake!
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for brunch, holiday dinners, or as a side for soups and stews.
- Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or spice to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cornmeal Popovers:
- All-purpose flour
- Yellow cornmeal
- Salt
- Eggs
- Whole milk (warmed)
- Butter (melted)
- Honey (for a hint of sweetness)
For the Herb Honey Butter:
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Honey
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or chives)
- Salt
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Popover Batter
- Preheat Oven – Set to 450°F (230°C) and place a popover pan or muffin tin inside to heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
- Whisk Eggs & Milk – In another bowl, beat eggs and warm milk until combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry – Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry, stirring until smooth.
- Add Butter & Honey – Stir in melted butter and honey for richness.
Step 2: Bake the Popovers
- Grease the Hot Pan – Remove the heated pan and quickly grease each cup with butter.
- Fill the Cups – Pour batter into each cup, filling about ⅔ full.
- Bake & Adjust Heat – Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Do Not Open Oven – This helps the popovers rise properly.
- Cool Slightly – Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Make the Herb Honey Butter
- Mix Ingredients – In a bowl, combine softened butter, honey, chopped herbs, and salt.
- Whip Until Smooth – Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm popovers with a generous spread of herb honey butter.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 popovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Popovers – Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick – Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Savory Herb Version – Add garlic powder and chopped rosemary.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk and dairy-free butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Why didn’t my popovers rise?
Ensure your oven is preheated and do not open the door while baking.
Can I use a muffin tin instead of a popover pan?
Yes! A muffin tin works, but the popovers may be slightly shorter.
What herbs work best for the honey butter?
Thyme, rosemary, and chives all pair beautifully.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! Let it rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make extra crispy popovers?
Bake them a little longer at a lower temperature for extra crunch.
What pairs well with cornmeal popovers?
Soups, roasted meats, or fresh salads complement them perfectly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup works well in both the batter and butter.
Should I sift the flour for the batter?
It’s not necessary, but it helps create a lighter texture.
How do I prevent popovers from deflating?
Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Conclusion
These Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Honey Butter are crispy, fluffy, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a side, snack, or brunch treat, their golden crust and buttery sweetness are sure to impress. Try them today and elevate your baking game!
Print
Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Honey Butter
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 popovers 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cornmeal Popovers are light, crispy, and have a subtle sweetness with a golden crunch from the cornmeal. Paired with whipped herb honey butter, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and stews!
Ingredients
For the Cornmeal Popovers:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fine cornmeal (for a slight crunch and rich flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra rise)
For the Herb Honey Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or rosemary, parsley, or chives)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Popover Batter
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes while the oven preheats.
Step 2: Preheat the Pan
- Place a popover pan or muffin tin in the oven for 5 minutes to get hot.
- Lightly grease each cup with butter or cooking spray.
Step 3: Bake the Popovers
- Fill each cup halfway with batter.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden and puffed. (Do NOT open the oven while baking!)
Step 4: Make the Herb Honey Butter
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, honey, thyme, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the popovers warm with a generous spread of herb honey butter.
- Pair with soups, roasted meats, or a simple fruit jam for extra variety.
Notes
✔ Extra crispy? Add an extra ½ tablespoon melted butter to the batter.
✔ Want cheesy popovers? Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan.
✔ Make it savory? Replace honey with garlic powder and black pepper.
✔ No popover pan? A muffin tin works great!
