Popovers Recipe

Light, airy, and delightfully crisp on the outside, these classic popovers are the perfect addition to any meal. With their golden tops and hollow centers, they’re a simple yet impressive baked treat that pairs beautifully with butter, jam, or savory spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Popovers are wonderfully easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples. They’re incredibly versatile — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dinner roll alternative. The batter comes together in minutes, and the result is a bakery-worthy pastry with a tender inside and crisp shell. Plus, you don’t need any special skills or equipment beyond a muffin tin or popover pan.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Salt

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a muffin tin or popover pan in the oven while it preheats.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until frothy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, whisking until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing.
4. Remove the hot pan from the oven and brush each cup with melted butter.
5. Fill each cup about halfway with batter.
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
7. Do not open the oven door while baking to prevent collapsing.
8. Remove popovers from the pan immediately and pierce each with a knife to release steam.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 popovers. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 35–40 minutes.

Variations

• Add shredded cheese or herbs to the batter for a savory twist.
• Mix in a touch of vanilla extract and sugar for a sweeter version.
• Substitute a portion of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover popovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5–8 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

How do I prevent my popovers from deflating?

Ensure you don’t open the oven door during baking and pierce them immediately after baking to release steam.

Can I make popovers ahead of time?

They’re best fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.

Do I need a special popover pan?

A standard muffin tin works fine, but a popover pan yields taller, puffier results.

Why are my popovers dense inside?

Overmixing the batter or underbaking can cause them to be dense. Whisk gently and bake fully.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk and oil instead of butter.

Should the batter rest before baking?

It’s not necessary, but a short rest of 30 minutes can help with height.

Can I freeze popovers?

Yes! Freeze in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Why do I need to preheat the pan?

A hot pan helps the batter start cooking immediately, creating that signature pop.

Can I add fillings to the batter?

Small add-ins like herbs or cheese work well, but avoid heavy ingredients that weigh down the batter.

What do I serve popovers with?

They’re delicious with butter, jam, honey, or alongside soups and roasts.

Conclusion

These classic popovers are a timeless treat that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. Whether served sweet or savory, they’re a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for the ultimate light and airy bite!

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