If you’re looking for a light, fluffy treat that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of cheesy goodness, you’ve got to try this Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe. I absolutely love how these puff right up in the oven, creating the most stunning golden shells with a tender inside. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special dinner side that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to nail this recipe with confidence!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortlessly Impressive: These popovers look bakery-level fancy but come together in under 10 minutes.
  • Fluffy & Flavorful: The herbs and cheese add a savory punch that elevates the classic popover.
  • Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: They’re perfect for any meal and tend to disappear fast around my table.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect puff and delightful flavor. From the melted butter that helps crisp the edges to the Italian seasoning that adds a fresh herbal note, let me walk you through why each one works so well.

  • Unsalted Butter: Melting it first helps you grease the pan evenly and adds a rich buttery flavor without the salt overpowering the herbs.
  • Eggs: They’re the star of the show, giving popovers their structure and lift; using fresh, room-temp eggs gives the best rise.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness; whole milk works best for richness, but you can substitute if needed.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the batter providing just the right strength—no need to complicate it with specialty flours here.
  • Salt: Enhances every other flavor, essential for balance even in such a delicate batter.
  • Parrano Cheese: This is my secret weapon—its nutty, sweet flavor melts beautifully and isn’t too sharp, blending perfectly with herbs.
  • Italian Seasoning: A simple mix of dried herbs adds just the right touch of aromatic savoriness that makes these popovers pop with flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep things simple with this Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe, but it’s super adaptable if you want to make it your own. Feel free to swap cheeses or herbs to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

  • Cheese Swap: I once tried sharp cheddar instead of Parrano and loved the extra tang it brought, though it changes the delicate texture a bit.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme can give a lovely brightness—just chop finely and toss them right into the batter.
  • Make It Spicy: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne for a subtle hint of heat that wakes up the cheesy-herb combo beautifully.
  • Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-intolerant, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but expect a slightly different rise and crumb.

How to Make Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe

Step 1: Heat & Butter Your Popover Pan

This step is crucial. I like to pour about half a teaspoon of melted butter into each cup of my 6-cup popover pan, then pop it in the oven preheated to 425°F for 4 minutes. This sizzling butter helps create those crispy edges we all love. Don’t skip this or the batter won’t puff properly.

Step 2: Whisk Your Wet Ingredients

While your pan is heating, whisk together the eggs and milk until just blended—don’t overmix here. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of the melted butter. This adds richness and helps with the popover’s texture. Pro tip: Room temperature eggs whip up better and create more air for rising.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients & Combine Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Then pour in your egg and milk mixture and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until smooth. The batter will be slightly thin—that’s perfect. Next, stir in the shredded Parrano cheese and Italian seasoning to spread those flavors throughout.

Step 4: Bake Without Peeking

Carefully divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups. Place the pan back into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until they’re a rich golden brown. Now, this is the hard part—you absolutely cannot peek! Opening the oven door will let out heat and make the popovers fall flat. Trust me, I learned the hard way. When the time’s up, take them out and immediately invert the pan on a wire rack to release steam and help keep them crisp.

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Pro Tips for Making Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe

  • Butter Up Right: Always preheat the pan with melted butter inside for that irresistible crisp crust.
  • No Peeking Rule: Resist opening the oven door during baking—this keeps the steam in and ensures maximum puff.
  • Whisk Vigorously: Don’t be shy with whisking; this aerates the batter for a spectacular rise.
  • Serve Immediately: Popovers deflate as they cool, so serve while fresh and warm for the best experience.

How to Serve Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe

A wire basket lined with a cream cloth holds six puffy, golden-brown popovers with a rough, uneven surface texture and hollow interiors visible in one split popover placed beside the basket on a wooden table. The popovers show a mix of lighter yellowish inside and browned outer crusts, suggesting a light, airy softness inside contrasting with the crisp outer layer. To the left, a block of pale yellow cheese with a red and green label sits on the wood, adding a rustic touch. The whole scene rests on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my popovers with a little extra shredded cheese and a sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor. Sometimes a light smear of herb butter while they’re still warm is heavenly.

Side Dishes

These popovers pair wonderfully with classic brunch sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh salad. I also find they’re a fantastic accompaniment to soups—especially creamy tomato or roasted vegetable soups for a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or when hosting, I like to serve Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe in mini muffin tins for bite-sized versions that guests can grab easily. Another fun idea is placing a little herb cream cheese inside the hollow centers for a delightful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them the same day. They tend to lose some crispiness but still taste great. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a better bet but expect softer edges.

Freezing

I’ve frozen popovers before by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge—they won’t be as crispy but still delicious and super convenient for busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring back some of that fresh-baked magic, I reheat my popovers in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps crisp up the exterior again much better than a microwave, which tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

  1. What makes popovers rise so much?

    Popovers rise because of the steam generated from the liquid in the batter as it bakes at a high temperature. The eggs provide structure, while the hot oven creates steam that puffs up the batter, resulting in those hollow, airy pockets we love.

  2. Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a popover pan?

    You can, but popover pans have taller, narrower cups designed specifically to encourage maximum rise and crispiness. Using a muffin pan will yield something closer to Yorkshire puddings—still tasty but not quite the same dramatic puff.

  3. Why can’t I open the oven door while baking?

    Opening the oven door lets out hot air and steam, which causes the popovers to deflate. The trapped steam is what makes them puff up, so resist the urge to peek until they’re fully baked!

  4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly without traditional cheese and butter.

  5. What cheese works best if I can’t find Parrano?

    Parrano is unique for its sweet, nutty flavor, but good alternatives are young gouda, fontina, or even a mild gruyere. These cheeses melt well and have a similar creamy profile.

Final Thoughts

I used to think popovers were tricky to get right until I discovered these simple, reliable steps in this Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe. Now, making them feels like second nature, and my family goes crazy for that perfect pop of flavor and texture. Give it a try—you’ll love how impressive and easy they are, and you might find yourself making them for every occasion. Trust me, having warm, golden, cheesy popovers fresh from the oven is a game-changer!

Print
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Herb and Cheese Popovers Recipe

4.4 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 popovers (12 servings)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delightful Herb and Cheese Popovers that are airy, golden, and bursting with the savory flavors of Parrano cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect as a breakfast treat or a savory snack, these popovers bake to a crispy, fluffy perfection that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon melted butter (for greasing pans)

Wet Ingredients

  • 6 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 2 cups milk

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup shredded Parrano cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour 1/2 teaspoon of the melted butter into each cup of a 6-cup popover pan. Place the pan in the oven for 4 minutes to heat the butter and pan, which helps the popovers rise properly.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs and milk until combined. Add 2 tablespoons of the melted butter to the mixture and whisk further to blend evenly.
  3. Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the egg and milk mixture to the flour, whisking vigorously for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the shredded Parrano cheese and Italian seasoning to the batter until fully incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
  5. Fill and bake: Carefully divide the batter evenly among the prepared buttered cups. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the popovers have risen dramatically and turned a rich golden brown. Important: Do not open the oven door or peek while baking to avoid collapsing the popovers.
  6. Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the popover pan from the oven and immediately invert it onto a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Serve the popovers immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

  • Let’s be real for a second… I’m ALL about a popover. Is there anything better than Herb and Cheese Popovers? Not really!
  • Do not open the oven during baking to ensure the popovers rise properly and maintain their airy texture.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the crispiest crust and lightest texture.
  • You can substitute Parrano cheese with Gruyère or Parmesan if preferred, though the flavor will vary.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 popover
  • Calories: 182 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 308 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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