America’s Test Kitchen Popover Recipe: Sky-High Fluffiness Every Batch

Achieving sky-high popovers with perfect hollow centers is simpler than you think. This method delivers consistent results every time, with a crisp exterior and airy interior that makes them impossible to resist.

The secret lies in the right pan temperature and resting the batter briefly before baking. You’ll get impressive rise and golden color with minimal effort, creating a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.

Ingredients for America’s Test Kitchen Popover

Pantry staples plus milk and eggs. That is all you need for this.

The flour is the foundation here. King Arthur all-purpose is my go-to—consistent results every time. Don’t skip sifting it; aerated flour lifts the batter. The milk needs to be room temperature (straight from the fridge works in a pinch, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the rise). Whole milk gives the best richness, but 2% will do if that’s what you’ve got.

No whole milk? Half-and-half with a splash of water works. Out of eggs? Don’t bother—this isn’t the recipe to experiment with substitutes. The butter for greasing should be unsalted so you control the salt. If you’re worried about sticking, nonstick spray with flour (like Baker’s Joy) is a solid backup.

Batter can rest at room temperature for up to 1 hour before baking. Leftovers? Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up. Best eaten fresh, but they’ll keep in an airtight container for 2 days.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Popovers

Here’s the method that delivers those impressive, airy results every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Popover Pan

Place your popover pan in the oven and preheat to 450°F. This is crucial—you want the pan screaming hot before adding the batter. While it heats, combine the 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter and 1 tsp Vegetable Oil in a small bowl.

After 10 minutes of preheating, carefully remove the pan and brush the cups generously with the butter-oil mixture. I use a pastry brush to ensure every surface is coated. Return the pan to the oven to heat the butter until it’s shimmering hot (another 2-3 minutes).

Step 2: Whisk the Batter Until Smooth

In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup Whole Milk, 2 whole Large Eggs, and 0.5 tsp Salt until fully combined. I like to use a large bowl to prevent splashing when adding the flour.

Gradually add the 1 cup All-Purpose Flour while whisking constantly. Keep going until the batter is completely smooth and free of lumps. You should see small bubbles forming on the surface. Don’t overmix, though—just until no flour streaks remain. The batter will be thin, about the consistency of heavy cream.

Step 3: Fill the Cups and Bake

Remove the hot popover pan from the oven. Working quickly, fill each cup three-quarters full with batter. I use a measuring cup for precision—this ensures even rising and consistent results.

Place the pan back in the oven immediately. Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Don’t open the oven door during this time—the sudden temperature change can cause the popovers to collapse.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When the popovers are deep golden brown and towering above the pan, they’re ready. Turn off the oven and poke each popover with a sharp knife to release steam. This prevents them from getting soggy as they cool.

Let them sit in the turned-off oven with the door closed for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack. Serve immediately while hot—they’re at their most impressive straight from the oven, with a crisp exterior and airy, custardy interior.

Health Benefits of This americas test kitchen popover

High-Quality Protein

Each popover delivers 6 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the eggs and milk. This helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance, making them a satisfying breakfast or brunch option. I love that they provide energy without weighing you down. 💪

Calcium Rich

The 1 cup of whole milk in the recipe provides about 30% of your daily calcium needs. Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function. Whole milk also adds vitamin D, which helps your body absorb that calcium more effectively.

Low in Sugar

With no added sugars, these popovers are naturally low in sugar—just 2 grams per serving. This makes them a great choice for those watching their sugar intake while still wanting a delicious, satisfying treat.

Source of B Vitamins

Eggs provide B12 and riboflavin, which support energy metabolism and nervous system health. The milk adds vitamin B2, helping your body convert food into fuel. Together, they make this dish a nutrient-dense start to your day. ✨

Moderate Calorie Count

Each popover contains approximately 180-200 calories, making them a reasonable indulgence. The calories come from healthy fats in the eggs and milk, along with the carbohydrates from the flour. Perfect for a light yet filling meal.

Iron Content

The all-purpose flour contributes a small but meaningful amount of iron—about 10% of your daily value per serving. While not a primary iron source, every bit helps, especially for those needing to boost their intake.

Frequently Asked Questions