Get ready to transform your ordinary bread basket into a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! These Garlic Buttered Parmesan Peppercorn Popovers are not just a side dish – they're a showstopping experience that combines the rich, bold flavors of Parmesan cheese, the warmth of crushed peppercorns, and the irresistible aroma of garlic-infused butter. Imagine pulling these golden, dramatically risen beauties out of the oven, watching them puff up like magical clouds of deliciousness that are crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 popovers
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 12-cup popover pan or muffin tin in the oven while preheating to get it hot.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten and slightly frothy.
- Gradually add the milk to the eggs, whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture.
- Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the egg and milk mixture, whisking until the batter is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Crush the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife to release their aromatic oils.
- Melt the unsalted butter and add minced garlic (optional) to infuse additional flavor. Let it cool slightly.
- Fold the melted butter, crushed peppercorns, and grated Parmesan cheese into the batter, mixing gently but thoroughly.
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and generously grease each cup with butter or cooking spray.
- Fill each popover cup about 2/3 full with the prepared batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the popovers have risen dramatically and turned golden brown.
- Do not open the oven during baking, as this can cause the popovers to deflate.
- Remove from the oven and immediately transfer popovers to a wire rack to prevent bottoms from becoming soggy.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your popover pan or muffin tin is scorching hot before adding the batter. This helps create that dramatic rise and crispy exterior.
- Smooth Batter Matters: Whisk your batter thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, which can prevent proper rising.
- Don't Open the Oven: Resist the temptation to peek while baking – sudden temperature changes can cause your popovers to deflate.
- Fresh is Best: Serve immediately after baking for maximum height and crispiness.
- Ingredient Temperature: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Crushing Peppercorns: Use a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife to release maximum flavor from the peppercorns.
- Optional Flavor Boost: For extra garlic intensity, add minced garlic to the melted butter before incorporating into the batter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
