Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Butter

This cornmeal popover recipe has become my go-to weekend treat, delivering a beautiful crisp exterior with a light, airy center that never fails to impress guests. The addition of cornmeal gives these popovers a subtle texture and flavor that elevates them beyond ordinary dinner rolls, while the herb honey butter creates the perfect sweet-savory balance.

I first created these popovers when looking to impress my in-laws during their first visit to our home. They were so captivated by the dramatic rise and golden color that they now request them every time they visit, regardless of the meal we're serving.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Creates the structure while remaining light enough for proper rising
• Yellow cornmeal: Adds a subtle crunch and beautiful golden color
• Eggs: Provide the lifting power that creates those dramatic hollow centers
• Whole milk: Warmed to room temperature helps create a light and airy texture
• Melted butter: Enriches the batter and helps create that beautiful crust
• Honey: Introduces a gentle sweetness that balances the cornmeal flavor
• Softened butter: Forms the base for our compound butter topping
• Fresh herbs: Like thyme or rosemary infuse the butter with aromatic flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to 450°F with the popover pan inside. This critical step creates immediate steam when the batter hits the hot pan, which produces that dramatic rise. The pan should heat for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the batter.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large bowl. The cornmeal should be distributed evenly throughout the flour to ensure consistent texture. This mixture creates the structure for your popovers, with the cornmeal providing that distinctive texture.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs until frothy, then add the warmed milk. The milk must be warm to prevent the melted butter from solidifying when added. Whisk until completely smooth and uniform in color.

Create the Batter:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients in a steady stream while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming. Continue mixing until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter with no dry pockets of flour.

Finish with Butter and Honey:

Stir in the melted butter and honey until fully incorporated. The batter should have a silky consistency that easily coats the back of a spoon. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to slightly hydrate.

Fill the Hot Pan:

Remove the preheated pan from the oven and quickly brush each cup with butter. Immediately fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. The sizzle you hear is exactly what you want for proper rising.

Bake with Precision:

Place the filled pan in the oven and bake at 450°F for exactly 15 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Opening the door during baking can cause your popovers to collapse.

Create the Herb Honey Butter:

While the popovers bake, mix softened butter with honey and your chosen finely chopped herbs. Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which makes it easier to spread and enhances the flavor.

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My favorite aspect of these popovers is watching my guests' reactions when they tear one open to reveal the hollow center. My daughter calls them "magic puffs" because she loves seeing how a simple batter transforms into something so dramatically different in the oven.

The Secret to Perfect Rising

The dramatic height of popovers depends on three critical factors that cannot be compromised. First, all ingredients must be at room temperature to create an even batter that rises uniformly. Second, the pan must be properly preheated to create immediate steam when the batter is added. Finally, resist the urge to open the oven during baking as the temperature drop will cause collapse. I learned this lesson the hard way after ruining an entire batch when checking them too early.

Storing and Reheating

Popovers are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they're at their crispiest and most dramatic. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To restore some of their original texture, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwave reheating which will make them tough and chewy.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this popover base is how adaptable it is to different flavor profiles. For a savory version, add a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a teaspoon of dried herbs directly to the batter. For breakfast popovers, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla to the batter, then serve with maple syrup instead of herb butter. My personal favorite variation includes a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves and a half cup of crumbled goat cheese folded in just before baking.

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Serving Suggestions

These cornmeal popovers create an impressive addition to almost any meal. Serve them alongside a hearty beef stew where their hollow centers can capture the rich gravy. For breakfast, split them open and fill with scrambled eggs and herbs. During the holidays, they make an elegant alternative to traditional dinner rolls that will have everyone reaching for seconds. I particularly love serving them with soups, as the textural contrast between the crisp popover and creamy soup creates a perfect balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these popovers light and airy?

The combination of eggs, warm milk, and the high baking temperature helps create steam inside the batter, which makes the popovers rise and become light and airy.

→ Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a popover pan?

Yes, a muffin tin works as a great alternative. Just ensure it is preheated and greased before adding the batter for the best results.

→ What herbs work best in the honey butter?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives are perfect options, but you can also experiment with your favorite herbs for unique flavor profiles.

→ How do I avoid deflated popovers?

Do not open the oven door while baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause the popovers to collapse.

→ Can these popovers be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute almond milk for whole milk and use dairy-free butter for the batter and herb honey butter.

→ How can I reheat leftover popovers?

Reheat popovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crisp again.