Herb Cheese Popovers – Light, Fluffy, and Full of Flavor
Golden, airy, and irresistibly cheesy — herb cheese popovers are the kind of baked treat that make any meal feel special. Fresh from the oven, they puff up beautifully, revealing a soft and tender interior infused with melted cheese and fragrant herbs. With their crisp edges and savory aroma, these popovers are the perfect balance of elegance and comfort.
What makes them so delightful is how simple they are to prepare. Made from pantry staples like eggs, flour, milk, and cheese, popovers are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them alongside a Sunday roast, a bowl of creamy soup, or even at brunch with butter and jam, they bring a touch of homemade magic to the table.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 kcal |
| Whole milk (room temperature) | 1 cup | 150 kcal |
| Large eggs (room temperature) | 3 | 210 kcal |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 2 tbsp | 200 kcal |
| Shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese | ½ cup | 220 kcal |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives, finely chopped) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
Place a popover pan or muffin tin in the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). The pan must be hot before adding the batter to achieve that perfect puff. - Prepare the batter:
In a blender or mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Add flour, salt, and black pepper, then blend or whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy. The batter should be thin and pourable. - Add cheese and herbs:
Gently fold in shredded cheese and chopped fresh herbs. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are fine. - Pour and bake:
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and quickly grease each cup with non-stick spray or butter. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about ¾ full. - Bake:
Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F without opening the oven door. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. - Serve immediately:
Popovers are best enjoyed straight from the oven. Serve warm, with a touch of butter or a sprinkle of extra herbs.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Try different cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Parmesan, or even feta for unique flavor twists.
- Experiment with herbs: Rosemary, dill, or basil can completely change the aroma and taste.
- Add a garlic twist: Mix in a pinch of garlic powder or roasted garlic for extra depth.
- Go spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Make them mini: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions — perfect for appetizers or brunch spreads.
Nutritional Information (Per Popover)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your herb cheese popovers with soups like creamy tomato or potato leek.
- Serve as a side with roasted meats, chicken, or grilled fish for a complete meal.
- Add a touch of sweetness by serving them with herbed butter or honey for brunch.
- Perfect addition to holiday dinners, breakfast buffets, or cozy weekend brunches.
- Use them as a base for mini sandwiches or savory sliders.
Herb Cheese Popovers – Light, Fluffy, and Full of Flavor
8 popovers
servings10
minutes35
minutes150
kcalIngredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Place a popover pan or muffin tin in the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). The pan must be hot before adding the batter to help the popovers puff up perfectly.
- Mix the batter:
- In a blender or large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Add flour, salt, and pepper, then whisk again until the batter is silky and lump-free.
- Add herbs and cheese:
- Gently fold in shredded cheese and chopped herbs. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Fill the pan:
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease each cup with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door while baking!
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and enjoy warm. Popovers taste best fresh, served with butter, soup, or your favorite main dish.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can prevent the batter from rising properly. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
Don’t open the oven door: The steam inside is what makes your popovers rise beautifully. Opening the door too soon can cause them to collapse.
FAQs
1. What are herb cheese popovers?
Herb cheese popovers are light, airy rolls made from a simple batter of eggs, milk, and flour, flavored with fresh herbs and melted cheese. They puff up beautifully in the oven, creating a crispy shell and a soft, cheesy center that’s irresistible.
2. Why didn’t my popovers rise?
Popovers need a very hot oven and preheated pan to create steam, which makes them puff up. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, and don’t open the oven door during baking — even a quick peek can deflate them.
3. Can I make herb cheese popovers ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake popovers a few hours ahead and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. They’ll crisp up nicely and taste freshly baked again.
4. What’s the best cheese to use for popovers?
Sharp cheddar and Gruyère are popular choices because they melt beautifully and add great flavor. You can also try Parmesan, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.
5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! If using dried herbs, reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon total, as dried herbs have a stronger flavor. Popular options include thyme, basil, oregano, or parsley.
Conclusion
Soft, golden, and bursting with flavor, herb cheese popovers prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With their crisp outer shell and light, cheesy center, they’re the perfect mix of rustic charm and sophistication.
