Learn the art and science of making a delicious and easy popover recipe with these 4-ingredient popovers. Towering tall with hollow centers perfect for adding butter and jam, these popovers are a recipe to keep on hand at all times.
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Popovers. Maybe you’ve had them before, maybe you’ve heard of them but never had the chance to taste the pleasure of their pure goodness.
Well, I’m here to tell you they’re a recipe you need to memorize. With four basic ingredients that any baker (and most households) has on hand, these are the perfect pick-me-up. They’re whipped up in minutes and baked in another 30. Eaten fresh and hot from the oven, enjoyed sweet or savory, you just can’t go wrong with them.
They are gone FAST when I make them in our household. And I think you’ll love them, too.
Popovers are an American bread that is a twist on the traditional English Yorkshire pudding. These are a family favorite and great for serving when you want something fancier (but much easier to make) than pastry or rolls.
Popovers tend to be very popular in the New England area, so if you’ve ever been there you’ll likely have tried this classic. Full of flavor and personality, these are some of my favorite things to bake. They’re great for the novice baker, too. Though they look intimidating, there really isn’t a whole lot to mess up once you’ve measured and mixed ingredients properly.
They’re traditionally served with afternoon tea, but I love making them for breakfast or anytime of day really. They can truly be enjoyed with any meal.
Here is my favorite easy popover recipe I’m sharing with you today. I sure hope you enjoy it!
Easy Popover Recipe
What are popovers?
Popovers are a delicious cross between a bread roll and a soufflé, in my opinion. They have a slightly eggy flavor and are light and airy much like a soufflé. They rise as they bake and resemble a tall muffin or roll at first glance. The centers hollow out as they bake, creating a slightly sunken center amongst towering walls of gluten and egg.
What toppings can I add inside popovers?
Popovers are great because you can make them in so many different varieties. Sweet or savory, these are best straight from the oven. Serve them warm, but before serving, sprinkle in some chocolate chips or some cheese and herbs. They will melt into the middle for a pleasant surprise filling when guests take a bite.
Can I use a muffin pan if I don’t have a popover pan?
You can use a muffin pan, but results of the hollowed center will vary. Generally, you won’t get as much of a rise and they won’t pop quite the same. If this isn’t a concern for you, by all means use a muffin pan that you already have on hand.
Tools You’ll Need | Easy Popover Recipe
Measuring cups and spoons
Liquid measuring cup
Whisk
Large mixing bowl
Popover pan (I use this one HERE)
Pastry brush, optional
Ingredients | Easy Popover Recipe
Flour – Flour is the base of the recipe, like most baking recipes. Use all-purpose flour for the best results.
Butter – Use softened butter to generously grease the popover pan before adding the batter.
Salt – I recommend using table salt for most baking recipes.
Milk – I use whole milk when baking and cooking, so I recommend the same to others using my recipes. This is used to thin out the batter as it will need high hydration in order to create enough steam.
Eggs – The protein in the eggs help create structure to the popovers, along with the flour, to trap the steam that make the popovers pop.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Popovers | Easy Popover Recipe
Preheat oven to 450ºF.
Generously grease the popover pan with the softened butter. Using a pastry brush will make this task easier.
To combine the ingredients, start by measuring out the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until thoroughly combined.
Next, add eggs and milk until well combined. Batter should be thin like crepe batter.
Pour batter first into a liquid measuring cup before then pouring into popover tins. Fill until they’re almost full (about ¾ of the way).
Bake at 450ºF on the lower rack for about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350ºF for an additional 10 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes in the oven.
Immediately make holes in the centers using a butter knife.
Allow popovers to cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm and fresh for best results. Add butter, jam, chocolate, or cheese and herbs to the insides while they’re still warm.
Store on the countertop, in an airtight container, for 2 days or up to a week in the fridge.
Tips for Success | Easy Popover Recipe
You can add herbs or cheese to the batter for a twist on traditional popovers. You can add them into the batter or sprinkle inside the popped popovers immediately after baking.
Always be sure to bake your popovers on the lower rack to prevent burning. Since they will be rising up quite a bit in a very hot oven, they need ample space to prevent overbrowning.
Make sure the batter is thin. It needs proper hydration in order to create a batter that will trap steam as it bakes, creating the hollow center.
Remember to always poke a hole in the center as soon as removing from the oven. This allows steam to escape so it doesn’t collapse.
More Baking Recipes
Classic, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
4-Ingredient Popovers | Easy Popover Recipe
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- liquid measuring cup
- whisk
- large mixing bowl
- Popover pan
- pastry brush optional
Ingredients
- 2-3 tbsp butter, softened for greasing the popover pan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ºF.
- Generously grease the popover pan with the softened butter. Using a pastry brush will make this task easier.
- To combine the ingredients, start by measuring out the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until thoroughly combined.
- Next, add eggs and milk until well combined. Batter should be thin like crepe batter.
- Pour batter first into a liquid measuring cup before then pouring into popover tins. Fill until they're almost full (about ¾ of the way).
- Bake at 450ºF on the lower rack for about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350ºF for an additional 10 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes in the oven.
- Immediately make holes in the centers using a butter knife.
- Allow popovers to cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm and fresh for best results. Add butter, jam, chocolate, or cheese and herbs to the insides while they’re still warm.
- Store on the countertop, in an airtight container, for 2 days or up to a week in the fridge.
