The Perfect Popover: Light, Airy, and Surprisingly Simple to Make!
There’s something magical about a popover. Golden brown and crispy on the outside, impossibly light and airy on the inside, they seem like they belong in the repertoire of a master baker. But here’s the secret: popovers are shockingly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients—flour, eggs, milk, butter, and salt—you can create these delightful puffs of perfection in your own kitchen.
Whether served warm with butter and jam or honey for breakfast, alongside a hearty roast for dinner, or as an elegant treat during afternoon tea, popovers never fail to impress.
A Brief History of Popovers
Popovers have their roots in English Yorkshire pudding, a traditional dish made from a similar batter and cooked in meat drippings. When British settlers arrived in America, they adapted the recipe, and the popover was born. The name “popover” comes from the way the batter pops over the edge of the baking cup as it rises in the oven.
Though Yorkshire pudding is often served with roast beef, popovers became a more versatile dish in the United States, enjoyed both sweet and savory.
Tips for Perfect Popovers
Popovers rely on steam to create their signature rise and airy texture, which means a few simple tricks can make all the difference:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and milk. Cold ingredients can prevent the batter from rising properly.
2. Preheat Your Pan: Place your popover pan or muffin tin in the oven while it preheats. Spraying the pan before pouring the batter into a hot pan helps them rise dramatically.
3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense popovers.
4. Resist the Urge to Peek: Don’t open the oven door while they’re baking! The sudden drop in temperature can cause them to deflate.
5. Serve Immediately: Popovers are best enjoyed straight from the oven when they’re still crisp and warm.
While you can make popovers in a standard muffin tin, a dedicated popover pan is the secret to achieving that signature dramatic rise and crisp, golden exterior. Popover pans are designed with tall, narrow cups that allow the batter to climb upward as steam builds inside. The deeper wells ensure the popovers rise higher and maintain their hollow, airy centers, while the heat circulates evenly around each cup for perfectly browned edges.
Many popover pans are made from heavy-duty metal, which helps retain heat, and they often have a nonstick coating to make releasing the delicate pastries easier. If you’re serious about popovers, investing in a proper pan is well worth it—it transforms a simple batter into an impressive culinary delight.
Classic Popover Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan if not using spray)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a popover pan or muffin tin in the oven while it heats.
2. Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Add the flour and salt, whisking until just combined. The batter should be smooth but slightly thin. Small lumps are normal. Remember, thoroughly mixed, but don’t overdo it.
3. Grease the pan: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and generously grease each cup with melted butter if not spraying.
4. Fill the cups: Pour the batter into the cups, filling them about 2/3 full.
5. Bake: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 450°F. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 325°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes until the popovers are golden brown and puffed.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven, gently loosen the popovers from the pan, and serve immediately with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite topping.
The beauty of popovers lies in their simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re preparing them for a special brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, they always bring a touch of magic to the table. So go ahead—preheat that oven, whisk up some batter, and let the deliciousness pop over into your life!