Mini Popovers

Light, Airy, and Perfectly Golden

At Quirky Kitchen Café, we love recipes that feel a little bit magical. These Mini Popovers are exactly that. They rise dramatically in the oven, turning from a simple batter into golden, puffy bites that look straight out of a bakery window. They’re light, airy, and just the right mix of crispy and soft. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a cozy dinner, or simply craving something special to snack on, this recipe is the kind of simple joy that always delivers.

What Makes Popovers Special

Popovers are unique because they don’t rely on yeast or baking powder for their rise. Instead, they puff up from steam created inside the batter as it bakes. That’s why preheating the oven and using the right temperature timing is so important.

Inside, the popover is tender and custardy, while the outside forms a golden shell that’s crisp and delicate. The mini size makes them even more irresistible, since they bake faster and are perfect for serving warm straight from the pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a few basic ingredients, and most are probably already in your kitchen:

• 4 eggs

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Canola oil spray for the pan

These simple ingredients come together to create a recipe that feels both fancy and effortless.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 450°F. Popovers rise because of steam, so you want that blast of heat ready to go. While the oven heats, spray your mini muffin pan generously with canola oil spray. This helps the batter climb up the sides of the cups, creating that perfect golden dome.

2. Blend the Batter

In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, and salt. Blend until smooth. The blender helps create a silky, lump-free batter that traps air for better lift.

Once smooth, pour in the melted butter and blend for another 30 seconds. The butter adds richness and that beautiful color when baked.

Tip: No blender? No problem. You can whisk the batter by hand, just make sure to beat it thoroughly until it looks smooth and slightly foamy.

3. Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the greased muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Place the pan in your hot oven and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. For regular-sized popovers, bake for 20 minutes during this stage.

4. Lower the Temperature

Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 8–10 minutes. This lower temperature allows the popovers to dry slightly inside and turn a rich golden brown without collapsing.

5. Remove and Enjoy

Once baked, take the popovers out and let them cool just long enough to handle. They should slide right out of the pan and feel crisp to the touch.

Serve immediately with butter, jam, honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. They’re best enjoyed fresh while still warm and airy.

Tips for Perfect Mini Popovers

• Don’t open the oven early. The steam inside is what gives the popovers their height. Opening the door too soon can make them deflate.

• Room temperature ingredients work best. Cold eggs and milk can cause uneven baking.

• Use nonstick spray generously. It helps them puff evenly and release easily from the pan.

• Serve right away. Popovers are at their peak within minutes of leaving the oven.

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Recipe Card | Mini Popovers

Servings: 24 mini popovers (or 12 regular)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: About 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Canola oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. Blend eggs, milk, flour, and salt until smooth.

3. Add melted butter and blend for 30 seconds more.

4. Spray mini muffin pan with canola oil.

5. Pour batter in, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

6. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes (20 for regular popovers).

7. Without opening the oven, reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for 8–10 minutes.

8. Remove from oven, cool slightly, and enjoy warm.