Mini Brown Butter Popovers Recipe

Introduction

Mini Brown Butter Popovers take the classic popover to a whole new level with the addition of rich, nutty brown butter. These delightful little rolls puff up in the oven, forming a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, airy interior. The brown butter adds a unique depth of flavor that makes these popovers irresistible. Perfect as a side for soups, stews, or roasts, or even as a special breakfast treat, Mini Brown Butter Popovers are a versatile addition to any meal.

The magic behind popovers lies in their simplicity—just a few basic ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk—combined in a way that allows them to puff up beautifully when baked. Adding brown butter, with its rich, caramelized flavor, takes them from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these mini popovers are easy to make and will elevate your dining experience.

Why You’ll Love Mini Brown Butter Popovers

• Irresistibly Flavorful: The deep, nutty flavor of brown butter adds a savory richness to the soft, pillowy popovers, making them a standout at any meal. This flavor combination enhances the natural fluffiness of the popovers and adds a touch of luxury to the dish.
• Perfect Texture: With their crisp, golden-brown exterior and light, airy interior, these mini popovers offer the ideal balance of texture. The contrast between the crunchy outer shell and the soft, eggy center is what makes popovers so delightful.
• Versatile and Simple: While they’re impressive enough to serve at holiday dinners or dinner parties, Mini Brown Butter Popovers are easy enough to make for everyday meals. They complement a wide variety of dishes, from soups and salads to roasts and seafood.
• Great for Meal Prep: These popovers can be made ahead of time and reheated. You can enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a tasty leftover the next day. They are perfect for prepping and serving alongside a meal.
• Mini Size: The mini version of popovers makes them even more fun to eat! These bite-sized treats are perfect for individual servings and are ideal for small gatherings or when you want to control portion sizes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 mini popovers
• Calories per Serving: Around 100-120 calories per mini popover, depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 100-120 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Mini Brown Butter Popovers:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (for browning)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Special Equipment

Making these mini popovers requires only a few essential pieces of kitchen equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly and the results are flawless:

1. Popover Pan or Muffin Tin: The ideal tool for making popovers is a popover pan, which has deeper cups than a muffin tin. However, if you don’t have a popover pan, a standard muffin tin will work just as well. The deep cups allow the batter to rise and create that signature puffed texture.
2. Whisk or Electric Mixer: A whisk or an electric mixer will help you beat the eggs and mix the batter smoothly. An electric mixer is especially helpful if you’re short on time, as it ensures the batter is well combined quickly.
3. Small Saucepan: For browning the butter, you’ll need a small saucepan. A light-colored or stainless steel pan is ideal because it lets you see the color of the butter as it browns, preventing it from burning.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in popovers. Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure you use the correct amounts of flour, milk, butter, and other ingredients.
5. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the popovers once they’re out of the oven, helping them cool down evenly and maintain their crisp texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

Start by browning the butter. Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt, then continue heating it until it foams and turns golden brown. Keep an eye on the butter during this process, as it can burn quickly once it reaches the browning stage. The butter should have a nutty aroma and a deep golden color. Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Popover Pan

While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a popover pan or muffin tin in the oven to heat up. This step is important as it helps the popovers puff up when the batter is added.

3. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Gradually add the milk, whisking to combine, followed by the slightly cooled brown butter. Add the fresh thyme or rosemary if you’re using it, then whisk everything together until smooth. The batter should be lump-free and have a thin consistency, similar to pancake batter.

4. Fill the Popover Pan

Once the pan is hot from the oven, carefully remove it and grease the individual cups with a little butter or non-stick spray. Fill each cup about ⅔ full with the batter. It’s important not to overfill, as the batter needs room to puff up as it bakes.

5. Bake the Popovers

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C). After 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the popovers are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during the first 25 minutes, as this can cause the popovers to deflate.

6. Cool the Popovers

Once the popovers are golden brown and fully puffed, remove them from the oven and place them on a cooling rack to cool slightly. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Mini Brown Butter Popovers

• Use a Hot Pan: The key to getting your popovers to puff up is to start with a hot pan. Make sure the pan is preheated in the oven before adding the batter, and grease it thoroughly to prevent the popovers from sticking.
• Don’t Open the Oven Door: Opening the oven door during the initial 25 minutes can cause the popovers to collapse. Resist the urge to check on them until they have had a chance to rise.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together more smoothly and prevents the popovers from becoming dense.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the batter, whisk until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough popovers. The batter should have a smooth, lump-free consistency, but it doesn’t need to be overworked.
• Watch the Butter: When browning the butter, keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning. The butter should be golden brown and smell nutty but should not be too dark.
• Serve Immediately: Popovers are best served fresh and warm from the oven. However, they can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes if needed.

Variations of Mini Brown Butter Popovers

• Cheddar and Herb Popovers: For a savory variation, add ½ cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese to the batter along with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives. The cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the brown butter.
• Maple Brown Butter Popovers: For a slightly sweet take, replace the fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. The maple syrup complements the nutty flavor of the brown butter, giving the popovers a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Garlic and Parmesan Popovers: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the batter. The garlic and Parmesan infuse the popovers with a rich, savory flavor, making them perfect for pairing with pasta or soup.
• Cinnamon Sugar Popovers: For a sweet twist, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the popovers just before serving. This makes for a great dessert popover or a unique brunch option.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mini Brown Butter Popovers are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Store the cooled popovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

While these popovers are best when fresh, they can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, allow the popovers to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen popovers can be kept for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Mini Brown Butter Popovers

Pair these delicious popovers with complementary dishes to elevate your meal:

• Soups: Mini Brown Butter Popovers pair wonderfully with hearty soups like butternut squash, creamy tomato, or French onion. The popovers can be used to dip into the soup, soaking up the flavors and adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy base.
• Roast Meats: These popovers are perfect alongside roast meats like prime rib, roasted chicken, or pork tenderloin. The savory richness of the brown butter enhances the flavors of the meat and adds an elegant touch to your plate.
• Salads: Serve these popovers with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the butter. A green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad would complement the popovers beautifully.
• Egg Dishes: Mini Brown Butter Popovers are also a great addition to egg dishes like scrambled eggs, omelets, or eggs benedict. Their airy texture and buttery flavor pair perfectly with the richness of eggs.

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Conclusion

Mini Brown Butter Popovers are a perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter takes these classic popovers to new heights, making them an unforgettable addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or enjoying them on a weekend morning, these mini popovers will always impress. With easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and delicious variations, you can create these golden, fluffy treats with ease. Enjoy the light, airy texture and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Mini Brown Butter Popovers today!