Contents
Introduction
Popover recipes are a delightful way to enjoy a light and airy treat that can be served with both sweet and savory toppings. Originating from French cuisine, popovers are similar to Yorkshire pudding but are often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item. This recipe from Love and Lemons provides a simple yet effective way to create the perfect popovers that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1½ cups milk, at room temperature
¾ teaspoon sea salt
1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
12 popovers
Following these steps will help you create delicious popovers that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a bit of butter, honey, or your favorite jam!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until no streaks of egg white remain. Add the flour and whisk to combine, then whisk in the melted butter until smooth. Let the batter rest while the oven preheats.
Preheat the Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 450°F and position a rack in the lower third. Generously grease one 12-cup or two 6-cup popover pans with butter. When the oven is preheated, place the prepared popover pans in the oven and bake for 2 minutes.
Fill and Bake:
Remove the hot pans from the oven and use a ¼-cup measuring cup to evenly divide the batter among the wells, filling them about halfway full. Place on the low oven rack and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (do not open the oven door) and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the popovers are puffed and golden brown.
Serve:
Pierce the tops with a sharp knife to release the steam, then serve immediately. Enjoy these with butter, honey, and/or jam.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients:
For best results, ensure both the eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter to blend more smoothly and rise better.
Greasing the Pan:
Be generous with the butter when greasing the popover pans to prevent sticking and encourage a nice crust.
Do Not Open the Oven Door:
Avoid opening the oven door during the baking process, especially during the initial bake, as this can lead to denser popovers.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, then reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking the eggs, milk, and salt thoroughly ensures a smooth batter without any streaks of egg white. This is crucial for even texture in the final popovers.
Resting the Batter
Allowing the batter to rest before baking helps improve the texture of the popovers, leading to a lighter and airier result.
Preheating the Oven and Pan
Preheating both the oven and the pans contributes to the initial rise of the popovers. The high temperature creates steam rapidly, which is essential for puffing.
Filling the Pans
Filling the popover wells halfway allows enough room for the batter to expand and rise without overflowing.
Piercing for Steam Release
Piercing the tops of the popovers with a knife immediately after baking releases steam, preventing them from becoming soggy and helping maintain their structure.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Using low-fat milk may result in less rich-tasting popovers, but it can still work. The texture may vary slightly.
What happens if I open the oven door while baking?
Opening the oven door can disrupt the heat and steam needed for the popovers to rise, potentially resulting in a denser texture.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter just before baking for optimal puffiness, as resting too long can affect its ability to rise.
How should I store leftover popovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, reheat them in the oven to restore crispness before serving.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the batter?
Yes, adding cheese or herbs can enhance the flavor. Just be cautious with the amount to maintain the balance of liquid and dry ingredients.
Conclusion
The popover recipe from Love and Lemons is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With its airy texture and golden-brown crust, popovers make for a fantastic accompaniment to meals or can be enjoyed on their own. Whether served with butter and honey or filled with savory ingredients, they are sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Cheese-filled Popovers
Add shredded cheese like cheddar or gruyere to the batter for a rich and savory twist on classic popovers.
Herb-infused Popovers
Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives into the batter for a fragrant and flavorful addition.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Popovers
Before baking, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top of the batter for a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Savory Mushroom and Spinach Popovers
Mix in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, veggie-packed version that pairs well with soups and salads.
Chocolate Chip Popovers
Fold in chocolate chips before baking to create a delightful dessert popover that the whole family will love.
Fruit-stuffed Popovers
Fill the baked popovers with whipped cream and your favorite fresh fruits for a deliciously sweet treat.
