What is a Popover?

A small Yorkshire pudding is the answer. Basically a very puffy, nearly hollow muffin. That’s the ideal at any rate, since popovers have a notoriously high failure rate, and all too often resemble actual muffins for their compact size and density. They don’t “pop over” in other words…overflow the bounds of the small cups they’re baked in.

Interestingly, they originate from a thin batter, a batter that is very similar to pancake batter though it’s treated a bit differently. For one it’s agitated a whole lot — popover batter is usually whipped up in a blender or a food processor. That’s a major no-no in the world of pancakes, as lots of working it makes a griddles cake tough.

But it’s essential in the realm of popovers. Without plenty of activated gluten the walls of these big, edible bubbles won’t stretch, which means the steam that builds up inside of them will leak out through cracks, and the explosive rising popovers require will be over before it even begins. So if you can forget everything you know about how to treat a pancake batter, odds are you’ll be able to create an outstanding popover.

6 thoughts on “What is a Popover?”

  1. Cannot wait to see them. My mom always talks about my Grandmother’s perfect popovers and has yet to make them as perfect. I cannot wait to borrow her pan and try out what you do.

  2. I have a recipe by a British chef that specifically asks for bread flour in the ingredients. That was one mystery revealed for me. By the way left over popovers (happens sometimes) filled with rice pudding make a great breakfast.

  3. Thanks so much for answering my question as to why my popovers did not pop today.. Your information is most erlcomr. I see I/ve been missing a few important steps. Looking forward to trying
    again next week. Thanks s. sylvia

    1. Best of luck next time, Sister! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can be of any help to you.

      Cheers and merry Christmas,

      – Joe

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