Herb Garlic Popovers

Yield: 6 jumbo popovers or 12 regular popovers | Prep Time: 30 minutes, plus 1 hour resting time | Cook Time: 50-55 minutes

Popovers were a big hit among home cooks in the 1950s. They were the quintessential from-scratch recipe that you’d see in advertisements for pantry staples like flour. It wasn’t uncommon to give popover pans as an engagement or wedding present.

INGREDIENTS

3½ cups whole milk, at room temperature

4 cups all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

6 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme,  minced

1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence

¼ teaspoon minced fresh garlic

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup grated Asiago cheese

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cut into 6 or 12 equal chunks, depending on how many popover cups you have in your tray, plus melted butter to grease the pan

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat to 110°F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs on low speed for 3 minutes. Add the warm milk and mix.
  4. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture. Once everything is combined, increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  5. While the batter is resting, in a separate medium bowl, mix the chives, thyme, herbes de Provence, and garlic. Add the Parmesan and Asiago cheeses. Set aside.
  6. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease the popover pan with melted butter or coat with cooking spray. Place the popover pan on a baking sheet.
  7. Pour the batter into the popover pan, filling the cups about three-quarters full. Sprinkle each popover with 1 tablespoon of the cheese-herb mixture. Top with a chunk of butter.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 30 to 35 minutes more, until the popovers are crispy and a dark golden brown. Do not open the oven until the popovers are done.
  9. Remove the popovers and pierce with a sharp knife to let the steam escape. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.