Perfect Popovers

By Amy Dong
Updated Jan. 3, 2024

This recipe for Perfect Popovers delivers a unique, melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture that’s like nothing else. Made with only 5 simple ingredients, these popovers are puffy, tender, and have a golden crisp exterior.

Three popovers in mini popover pans on a wooden table. — *These popovers are super puffy and moist, with a golden crisp exterior and melty soft center*.

Video: watch Us Make This Recipe

Why This Recipe Stands Out

We can’t get enough of these Popovers. The golden crisp exterior gives way to a melty soft center that’s simply irresistible. What you’ll love:

Simple: This recipe requires just 5 basic ingredients, making it easy to pull together just like our 5-Ingredient Banana Pudding Cake.
Quick: With a total baking time of 20 minutes, you’ll have perfect popovers in no time.
Versatile: While these popovers are delicious on their own, they can easily be customized with the addition of chees, as we do in our Cheese Popovers recipe.
Texture: The combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior is simply incredible.
Flavor: The buttery taste of these popovers is rich and satisfying, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Easy to Make: The use of a blender or food processor makes the batter preparation a breeze.
Perfect Size: Whether you’re using a mini popover pan or a muffin pan, these popovers are the perfect size for snacking or serving alongside your favorite main dish.
Family and Friends: They’re the perfect dish for any gathering and are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Key Recipe Ingredients

Popover ingredients on a black marble table.

Whole Milk – The whole milk in this recipe contributes to the moist and soft center of the popovers. It’s a key ingredient that helps achieve the perfect texture.
Large Eggs – Eggs are crucial in this recipe as they provide structure and help the popovers rise, resulting in a super puffy exterior.
Salted Butter – The melted salted butter not only adds a rich, buttery flavor to the popovers but also contributes to their golden, crisp exterior.
All-Purpose Flour – We only need some simple AP flour to give these popovers the right structure.

Substitutions And Variations

This popover recipe is a classic, but there’s always room for a twist. Here are a few of our favorite variations and substitutions to take these puffy, buttery treats to the next level:

Cheese: While we love these popovers just as they are, adding cheese can certainly elevate them. Try incorporating a sharp cheddar to the batter for an extra layer of flavo, or sprinkle on top before baking like we do in our Cheese Popovers recipe.
Herbs: Transform these popovers into a savory side dish by adding herbs. A sprinkle of dried rosemary, thyme, or basil can add a wonderful aroma and taste.
Sweet Popovers: For a sweet variation, add a bit of sugar and vanilla extract to the batter. Top them with a dust of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a dessert-like treat.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Popovers batter being blended with a hand mixer.

Popover tin being brushed with melted butter.

Blend milk, eggs, and melted butter in a food processor, blender, or hand mixer in a large bowl until combined. Add flour and salt and blend until frothy and bubbly.
Warm up a small popover tin or muffin pan (12-count) in the oven. Immediately distribute melted butter between the cups.

Popover tins being filled halfway with batter.

Freshly baked popovers being pierced at the bottom with a small knife.

Blend the batter to froth it up again and distribute it evenly into each cup, filling each halfway. Bake at 450F for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350F and bake 10 more minutes.
Once done, they’ll be golden brown, puffy, and feel hollow. Quickly pierce the bottoms with a smaller knife. Serve warm with butter.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

Popovers are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed anytime, and we have some great tips to make the process even simpler. Take a look at our favorite prep-ahead strategies for this popover recipe:

Batter: Blend the milk, eggs, and melted butter until combined, then add flour and salt and blend until frothy and bubbly. This batter can be stored in the fridge for up to a day. Just remember to give it a quick blend to froth it up again before baking.
Freeze: If you want to make these popovers further in advance, you can bake them as instructed and then freeze them. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven until they’re warm and crispy again.

Closeup shot of popovers in popover pans. — These popovers are buttery and luscious, just as popovers should be!

What To Serve With Popovers

Soups

Popovers are a great accompaniment to a hearty soup. We recommend trying them with a classic Tomato Basil Soup or a rich and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, why not pair your popovers with a Stuffed Pepper Soup or a comforting bowl of Lentil Soup?

Protein

Popovers can also be served with a variety of protein dishes. They’re a perfect side for a juicy Grilled Steak or a flavorful Grilled Lemon Chicken.
If you’re a seafood lover, try them with a Lemon Pepper Cod or a Baked Salmon with Ginger Soy Marinade.

Veggies

If you prefer cooked vegetables, try them with a side of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha or a comforting dish of Creamed Spinach.

Stews

Popovers are a fantastic side for a hearty stew. They pair wonderfully with a traditional Beef Bourguignon or a classic Beef Stew with Potatoes.
You can even enjoy it with some delicious Crockpot Chili, Turkey Chili, or Instant Pot Chili.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use a blender to make the batter?

Yes, you can use a blender or a food processor to blend the milk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Then, add the flour and salt and blend until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.

Why do I need to preheat the oven and the popover tin?

Preheating the oven and the popover tin ensures that the batter starts cooking as soon as it hits the hot tin, which helps the popovers to rise and become puffy. It also gives the popovers a nice, golden-brown exterior.

How do I know when the popovers are done?

The popovers are done when they look golden brown, have puffed up tall, and feel dry and hollow when you crack open the oven door to check on them.

Why do I need to pierce the bottoms of the popovers?

Piercing the bottoms of the popovers allows steam to escape, which helps keep them puffy longer. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result.

How long do popovers keep?

Popovers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350F for about 5 minutes.

Did you make this?

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