Are you looking for a show-stopping side dish or a delightful brunch addition that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These Williams Sonoma popovers are the perfect answer. Light as air, with perfectly crisp exteriors and soft, custardy interiors, these popovers are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe takes inspiration from the renowned Williams Sonoma culinary tradition, bringing you a homemade version that's both delicious and surprisingly simple to execute, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea or easy recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that signature popover puff.
- Generously grease a 6-cup popover pan with melted butter. Use a pastry brush to ensure even coating, reaching all the nooks and crannies. This is a key step for preventing sticking and achieving those beautiful, crisp edges.
Combining Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until light and frothy.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten, resulting in tough popovers.
- Stir in the melted butter.
Baking the Popovers:
- Quickly fill each cup of the prepared popover pan about two-thirds full. Don't worry about perfect filling; a little variation is fine.
- Immediately place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven door during this time; this will cause the popovers to deflate.
- After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Carefully remove the popovers from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving.
Tips for Perfect Popovers:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps create a smoother batter and contributes to a better rise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough popovers. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- High heat is key: The initial high oven temperature is essential for creating steam, which helps the popovers rise dramatically.
- Don't open the oven door: Resist the temptation to peek during the first 20 minutes of baking. Opening the door will release steam and cause the popovers to deflate.
Variations:
- Cheese Popovers: Add ½ cup of grated cheddar or Gruyere cheese to the batter.
- Herb Popovers: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or rosemary, to the batter.
- Sweet Popovers: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Nutritional Information (per popover, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
These Williams Sonoma-inspired popovers are a delicious and easy addition to any meal. Whether you're serving them as a side dish, a brunch staple, or a delightful afternoon treat, these light and airy delights are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating these beautiful and tasty popovers!