Popovers are one of those magical baked goods that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. With a golden, puffed-up exterior and a soft, airy interior, these little treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to any meal. Imagine biting into a light, delicate crust that gently gives way to a fluffy, warm center. Trust me, these are a total game-changer for anyone who loves a good, buttery baked good!
Why You’ll Love Popovers
This recipe isn’t just about creating a delicious side dish—it’s about giving yourself the gift of a warm, comforting treat that will impress everyone at the table. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Popovers can be enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings. Try them with butter and jam, or serve them alongside soups and roasts.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like eggs, milk, and flour, these popovers are easy on your wallet while still delivering an indulgent experience.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have popovers ready to enjoy in no time.
Customizable: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist, or even a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: The beauty of popovers is that they’re light, airy, and universally loved. They’re always a hit, whether you’re serving them at a family meal or a dinner party.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these fluffy popovers:
Flour: The base for your popover batter. It gives the popovers their structure and allows them to rise beautifully.
Eggs: Eggs provide richness and help the batter puff up during baking, creating that perfect light and airy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping the popovers bake up golden and tender.
Butter: For richness and flavor. A little butter goes a long way in giving these popovers that irresistible flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Optional: A bit of freshly grated cheese or herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor (if you’re going for a savory twist).
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these delicious, golden popovers:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Popovers need a high temperature to puff up perfectly, so don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Popover Pan: Grease a popover pan or a muffin tin with butter. You want to make sure each cup is well-coated to help the popovers rise and release easily.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt until smooth. The batter should be a little runny—this helps the popovers get their signature airy texture.
Fill the Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cups, filling each one about halfway. Don’t overfill—this allows the popovers to rise and become beautifully puffed.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the popovers are golden brown and puffed up. Try not to open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to avoid deflating them.
Finishing Touches: Once they’re golden and puffed, remove the popovers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can slice them open while they’re still warm for the best texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your popovers warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re perfect alongside any meal or on their own for a delightful treat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 150
(Note: The full nutrition details, including exact calorie counts and measurements, are available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Popovers
Popovers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- With Soup: Popovers are fantastic with a bowl of soup, especially creamy soups like tomato bisque or chicken and vegetable.
- With Roasts: Serve these with roast chicken, beef, or pork for a comforting and hearty meal.
- As a Breakfast Delight: Try them with butter and jam, or drizzle them with honey for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
- With Cheese: For a savory option, pop some freshly grated cheese into the batter before baking, or serve the popovers alongside a cheese platter.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t Open the Oven: Resist the temptation to open the oven door while the popovers are baking. It can cause them to collapse if they haven’t fully set.
- Use a Hot Pan: A hot pan is key to getting the perfect pop. Make sure the pan is heated before you pour in the batter.
- Serve Immediately: Popovers are best served warm, straight out of the oven, so be sure to enjoy them right away.
FAQ’s
- Can I make popovers ahead of time?
Popovers are best served immediately, but you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispness. - Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a popover pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin, but popover pans are ideal for getting the perfect shape and puff. If using a muffin tin, make sure to grease it well. - Why did my popovers not puff up?
If your popovers didn’t puff, the oven may not have been hot enough, or you might have opened the oven door too soon. Be sure to preheat the oven thoroughly and keep the door closed for the first 15 minutes. - Can I add cheese or herbs to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add grated cheese, fresh herbs, or even garlic powder to the batter for a savory twist. - Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk for regular milk, though it may slightly affect the texture. - Do I need to use butter in the batter?
Butter adds richness and flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil if needed. - How do I store leftover popovers?
Store any leftover popovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best results. - Can I freeze popovers?
Yes, you can freeze popovers. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven to restore their texture. - Why are popovers hollow inside?
The hollow inside is what makes popovers special! The high heat of the oven causes the batter to puff up, creating that airy interior. - Can I make popovers without a popover pan?
Yes! A regular muffin tin will work just fine. The popovers may be a little smaller, but they will still be delicious.
Conclusion
Popovers are a perfect addition to any meal, bringing a touch of elegance and comfort to your table. With their airy, fluffy texture and golden exterior, they’ll quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re serving them with a savory dish or enjoying them as a treat on their own, these popovers are sure to impress every time!
Print
Popovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 popovers 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light and airy popovers with a golden brown exterior and soft, fluffy interior, perfect as a side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a popover pan or a muffin tin with butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Add the melted butter and mix well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cup about halfway full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the popovers have puffed up and are golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite topping.
Notes
- Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this may cause the popovers to deflate.
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs, cheese, or garlic powder to the batter before baking.
- Popovers are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popover
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg