1 ½tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted, plus extra for greasing.
1 ½cupsall-purpose floursifted for extra lightness.
¾teaspoonkosher salt.
3extra-large eggsat room temperature.
1 ½cupswhole milkat room temperature.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F. It is very important that the oven is fully hot before you start baking. A hot oven helps the popovers rise quickly.
Prepare the Popover Pan
Generously grease your popover pan with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to coat the bottoms and the sides well. This prevents the batter from sticking to the pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the kosher salt and whisk them together. Sifting ensures there are no large lumps in your batter.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the room-temperature eggs. Slowly add the milk and the melted butter. Continue whisking until the mixture is pale and fully combined.
Combine the Batter
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry flour mixture. Whisk gently until the batter is mostly smooth. A few tiny lumps are okay, so do not overmix.
Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared popover cups. Fill each cup about halfway or two-thirds full. Do not overfill them, or they might spill over the sides.
Bake the Popovers
Place the pan in the oven for 30 minutes at 425°F. Do not open the oven door during this time. The steam is what makes them grow tall.
Reduce Heat and Finish
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until they are deep golden brown. Ensure the outsides feel firm and crisp.
Remove and Serve
Take the pan out of the oven. Carefully remove each popover and place it on a wire rack. Serve them immediately while they are still warm and steaming.
Notes
Temperature Matters: Use room-temperature eggs and milk for the best rise. Cold ingredients will keep the batter from expanding properly.
The Golden Rule: Never open the oven door while they are baking. The sudden drop in temperature will make them collapse instantly.
Herb Variation: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the batter for a savory twist.
Cheese Popovers: Sprinkle a little Gruyère or Parmesan cheese into the cups before adding the batter.
Sweet Version: Add a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of cinnamon for a dessert-style treat.
Resting the Batter: Let the batter sit for 15 minutes before pouring it into the pan to relax the gluten.