Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Honey Butter

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

  1. Preheat Oven – Set to 450°F (230°C) and place a popover pan or muffin tin inside to heat.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
  3. Whisk Eggs & Milk – In another bowl, beat eggs and warm milk until combined.
  4. Combine Wet & Dry – Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry, stirring until smooth.
  5. Add Butter & Honey – Stir in melted butter and honey for richness.

Step 2: Bake the Popovers

  1. Grease the Hot Pan – Remove the heated pan and quickly grease each cup with butter.
  2. Fill the Cups – Pour batter into each cup, filling about ⅔ full.
  3. Bake & Adjust Heat – Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for another 15 minutes.
  4. Do Not Open Oven – This helps the popovers rise properly.
  5. Cool Slightly – Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Make the Herb Honey Butter

  1. Mix Ingredients – In a bowl, combine softened butter, honey, chopped herbs, and salt.
  2. 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!

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Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Honey Butter

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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!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 68 popovers 1x
  • Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cornmeal Popovers:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup fine cornmeal (for a slight crunch and rich flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, enhances flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra rise)

For the Herb Honey Butter:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or rosemary, parsley, or chives)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Popover Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
  5. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes while the oven preheats.

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

  1. Place a popover pan or muffin tin in the oven for 5 minutes to get hot.
  2. Lightly grease each cup with butter or cooking spray.

Step 3: Bake the Popovers

  1. Fill each cup halfway with batter.
  2. 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

  1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, honey, thyme, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
  2. 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!

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