Next, lightly grease your muffin tin with oil or butter. If you’re using a mini muffin tin, this recipe should yield around 24 poppers, depending on how much you fill each well. Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. I love watching those little puffballs rise as they bake! Once you’ve got them filled, pop them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through my kitchen during this time is absolutely divine!
While the poppers are baking, let’s whip up that heavenly honey butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with honey until smooth and creamy. There’s something about combining these two ingredients that makes me smile—it’s like a hug in a bowl! Once the poppers are baked, allow them to cool slightly, then brush them with the reserved tablespoon of melted butter for that extra shine and flavor. Serve them warm with the honey butter on the side, and watch them disappear in no time!
Pro Tips for Best Results
During my many iterations of this recipe, I realized just how important the temperature of your ingredients can be. I’ve tested it both with cold and room temperature eggs, and let me tell you, room temperature works best for a fluffier texture. It’s all about those layers of flavor!
I also found that using a combination of coarse and fine cornmeal provides a delightful texture in each bite. The coarser pieces give a lovely crunch, while the fine cornmeal ensures the poppers remain tender. Trust me; if you enjoy texture in your food, try this out!
Lastly, don’t skip on the honey butter! The sweet richness pairs so well with the savory cornbread, and I sometimes even find myself making extra just to keep on hand for pancakes or other goodies. Your breakfast game will thank you later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake I made when I first tried this recipe was overmixing the batter. I was so eager to get them into the oven that I whisked it until smooth, but this led to dense poppers rather than the delightful fluffy ones I was aiming for. Now I mix just until combined, and the texture is perfect! (See the next page below to continue…)