Popovers recipe are light, airy rolls made from a simple egg batter, known for their crisp exterior and hollow, custardy interior. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a savory dinner, popovers are a delightful addition to any meal. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can bake these towering treats with impressive results.
In this article, you’ll learn the secrets to mastering classic popovers, creative variations, and helpful tips to guarantee tall, golden perfection every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients – Uses only eggs, flour, milk, and salt.
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Impressive Results – Delivers bakery-style height and texture with minimal effort.
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Versatile Serving – Works well with both sweet toppings and savory fillings.
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Fun to Make – Watching them rise dramatically in the oven is part of the fun.
Ingredients List
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
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3 large eggs (room temperature)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 6 popovers
Step-by-Step Instructions for Popovers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a popover pan or muffin tin inside the oven to heat. A hot pan helps the batter puff up quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and foamy. Add the milk and melted butter, whisking to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, whisking until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes to reduce air bubbles.
Step 3: Grease the Pan
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Grease each cup generously with butter to prevent sticking and to promote browning.
Step 4: Fill the Cups
Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about 2/3 full. Work quickly to maintain oven heat.
Step 5: Bake and Watch Them Rise
Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes without opening the oven. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove the popovers from the oven and use a sharp knife to poke a small hole in the side of each to let steam escape. Serve warm.
Classic Tips for Perfect Popovers
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs or milk can hinder the rise. Let everything sit out for 30–60 minutes before starting.
Rest the Batter
Letting the batter rest for 10–15 minutes allows gluten to relax and air bubbles to settle.
Avoid Opening the Oven Door
Temperature fluctuations can ruin the rise. Keep the door closed until the baking time is nearly complete.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Popover pan – Designed with deep cups to support taller popovers.
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Muffin tin – A great substitute; results will be slightly smaller.
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Whisk or blender – A blender makes batter prep fast and smooth.
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Mixing bowl – A large bowl for combining ingredients evenly.
Variations on Popovers
Cheese Popovers
Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan for a savory, cheesy twist.
Herb Popovers
Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
Sweet Cinnamon Popovers
Mix 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into the batter. Serve with honey or powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast or Brunch
Serve with jam, butter, honey, or lemon curd for a sweet morning option.
With Soup or Stew
Pair with creamy soups like tomato bisque or chicken pot pie soup for a warm, comforting meal.
As a Side Dish
Serve with roasted meats or grilled vegetables as a unique and elegant alternative to traditional bread rolls.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Can You Make Popovers Ahead?
Popovers are best served immediately, but you can reheat leftovers for a quick breakfast or snack.
How to Store Leftovers
Store cooled popovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving—they will become chewy.
Gluten-Free Popovers
Substitute with Gluten-Free Flour
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Let the batter rest longer (30 minutes) for best results.
Consider Blending in a Blender
A blender helps fully incorporate gluten-free flour and prevents lumps.
Dairy-Free Version
Use Plant-Based Milk
Almond, oat, or soy milk can replace whole milk.
Skip the Butter
Use a dairy-free butter substitute or neutral oil like avocado or canola oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underfilling the Cups
Too little batter won’t rise properly. Fill cups at least halfway to two-thirds full.
Opening the Oven Early
Popovers are delicate. Opening the oven early causes them to collapse.
Cold Pan or Ingredients
A cold pan or batter slows rising. Always preheat and bring ingredients to room temperature.
Popovers vs. Yorkshire Pudding
While similar, Yorkshire pudding typically includes beef drippings and is traditionally served with roast beef. Popovers are the American adaptation, often served as a bread roll with sweeter or lighter flavors.
Popover Recipe for Two
Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch. Use a muffin tin and fill only 4 cups. Bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I make popovers without a popover pan?
Yes, a muffin tin works well. The popovers will be slightly smaller but still delicious.
Why didn’t my popovers rise?
This usually happens if the oven wasn’t hot enough, the batter was too cold, or the oven door was opened too early.
Can I freeze popovers?
Yes! Freeze cooled popovers in a zip-top bag. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes straight from the freezer.
What’s the best flour to use?
All-purpose flour works best for traditional popovers. Bread flour can add a bit more structure if desired.
Can I make them sweet?
Absolutely. Add a spoonful of sugar, cinnamon, or even a splash of vanilla to sweeten the batter.
Conclusion
Popovers recipe are a beautiful, simple bread that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them as part of an elegant brunch or a cozy dinner, mastering the popover recipe gives you a reliable go-to that impresses every time. From savory cheese-stuffed versions to sweet cinnamon brunch popovers, the variations are endless, and the rewards are always delicious.