Savory Herb Cheese Popovers are the perfect blend of fluffy, cheesy goodness with a delightful herbaceous twist. These popovers rise to golden perfection, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can transform your kitchen into a popover paradise.
All-purpose flour provides the structure for our popovers, giving them the necessary body and chew. Whole milk helps create a tender crumb and adds a slight sweetness to the mix. We use large eggs to trap steam inside the batter, causing the popovers to rise beautifully. A pinch of salt balances the flavors, while chopped fresh chives and rosemary introduce a fresh, aromatic element. Grated cheddar cheese melts into the batter, providing pockets of gooey goodness. Finally, melted butter adds richness and helps achieve a crisp, golden exterior.
These popovers are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of herbed butter or a side of homemade tomato soup for a comforting meal. They also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad for a light lunch.
First, preheat your oven to 450°F. It's crucial to get the oven hot so the popovers can rise properly. While the oven is heating up, generously grease your popover pan with butter. This ensures they don’t stick and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until they are well combined. This mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. Gradually add the flour and salt, continuing to whisk until the batter is smooth with no lumps. It should look almost like a pancake batter.
Next, stir in the chopped chives, rosemary, and cheddar cheese. These ingredients add so much flavor to the popovers! Fill each cup of the popover pan about halfway with the batter. Be careful not to overfill, as the batter will expand significantly in the oven.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 450°F. This initial high heat is key for creating steam inside the batter, which makes the popovers puff up. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 20 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown.
Once they’re done, remove the popovers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This brief cooling period helps them set and makes them easier to handle.