When it comes to brunch, there are countless options to choose from, but one dish that stands out from the rest is the humble popover. These light, airy pastries are a perfect addition to any brunch spread, and can be paired with a variety of sweet and savory options to create a truly unforgettable meal. In this article, we’ll explore what goes well with popovers for brunch, and provide some inspiration for your next gathering.
The History of Popovers
Before we dive into the world of popover pairings, let’s take a brief look at the history of these delicious treats. Popovers have been a staple of American cuisine for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to 1747. These early popovers were made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, and were often served as a side dish to accompany roasted meats.
Over time, popovers evolved to become a popular breakfast and brunch item, with creative fillings and toppings being added to the traditional recipe. Today, popovers can be found on menus across the country, from classic diners to upscale restaurants.
Classic Popover Pairings
So, what goes well with popovers for brunch? Here are a few classic pairings that are sure to please:
Savory Options
- Bacon and Eggs: A classic combination that is both simple and satisfying. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the light, airy texture of the popover.
- Spinach and Feta: For a more savory option, try pairing your popovers with a spinach and feta filling. The tangy flavor of the feta cheese complements the earthy taste of the spinach perfectly.
Sweet Options
- Strawberry Butter: For a sweet treat, try pairing your popovers with a strawberry butter filling. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the richness of the butter.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Another sweet option is to sprinkle your popovers with cinnamon sugar. The warm, spicy flavor of the cinnamon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.
Creative Popover Pairings
While classic pairings are always a hit, why not try something new and creative? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Meat and Cheese
- Prosciutto and Cheddar: For a savory option, try pairing your popovers with prosciutto and cheddar cheese. The salty flavor of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheddar.
- Ham and Swiss: Another meat and cheese option is to pair your popovers with ham and Swiss cheese. The salty flavor of the ham pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the Swiss.
Fruit and Cream
- Raspberry Cream Cheese: For a sweet treat, try pairing your popovers with a raspberry cream cheese filling. The tartness of the raspberries pairs perfectly with the richness of the cream cheese.
- Blueberry Lemon: Another sweet option is to pair your popovers with a blueberry lemon filling. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the brightness of the lemon.
Popover Toppings
In addition to fillings, there are many toppings that can be added to popovers to give them an extra boost of flavor. Here are a few ideas:
Savory Toppings
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory, caramelized onions are a great topping for popovers. Simply cook the onions in a pan until they’re soft and caramelized, then sprinkle them on top of your popovers.
- Roasted Garlic: Another savory option is to top your popovers with roasted garlic. Simply slice the top off of a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven until soft and caramelized.
Sweet Toppings
- Powdered Sugar: For a sweet treat, try topping your popovers with powdered sugar. The sweetness of the sugar pairs perfectly with the light, airy texture of the popover.
- Fresh Fruit: Another sweet option is to top your popovers with fresh fruit. Simply slice up your favorite fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, and sprinkle on top of your popovers.
Popover Variations
While traditional popovers are delicious on their own, there are many variations that can be made to give them an extra boost of flavor. Here are a few ideas:
Savory Variations
- Cheddar and Chive: For a savory option, try adding cheddar cheese and chives to your popover batter. The richness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the oniony flavor of the chives.
- Bacon and Scallion: Another savory option is to add bacon and scallions to your popover batter. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the oniony flavor of the scallions.
Sweet Variations
- Cinnamon Apple: For a sweet treat, try adding cinnamon and apple to your popover batter. The warmth of the cinnamon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apple.
- Lemon Blueberry: Another sweet option is to add lemon and blueberry to your popover batter. The brightness of the lemon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the blueberry.
Conclusion
Popovers are a delicious and versatile food that can be paired with a variety of sweet and savory options to create a truly unforgettable brunch. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple, or creative and new, there’s a popover pairing out there for you. So next time you’re planning a brunch, be sure to give popovers a try – your taste buds will thank you!
| Popover Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| Bacon and Eggs | A classic combination that is both simple and satisfying. |
| Strawberry Butter | A sweet treat that pairs perfectly with the richness of the butter. |
| Prosciutto and Cheddar | A savory option that pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of the prosciutto. |
| Raspberry Cream Cheese | A sweet treat that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the raspberries. |
In conclusion, popovers are a delicious and versatile food that can be paired with a variety of sweet and savory options to create a truly unforgettable brunch. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple, or creative and new, there’s a popover pairing out there for you.
What are popovers and how do they differ from traditional pancakes?
Popovers are a type of breakfast or brunch food that is similar to pancakes, but with a lighter and airier texture. Unlike traditional pancakes, which are made with a thick batter and cooked on a griddle, popovers are made with a thin batter and cooked in a specialized pan with deep cups. This allows the popovers to rise and give them a unique, puffed shape.
The result is a delicious and tender breakfast food that is perfect for sopping up syrup, honey, or fresh fruit. Popovers are also often served with a variety of sweet and savory toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon, or even bacon and eggs. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on a classic breakfast food or just want to try something different, popovers are definitely worth checking out.
What are some popular toppings for popovers?
There are many delicious toppings that you can use to customize your popovers. Some popular sweet toppings include fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, as well as powdered sugar, cinnamon, and syrup. If you’re looking for something a little more savory, you might consider toppings like bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs.
You can also get creative with your toppings and try out some unique combinations. For example, you might top your popovers with a dollop of whipped cream and some sliced bananas, or sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite toppings.
How do I make popovers from scratch?
Making popovers from scratch is a bit more involved than making traditional pancakes, but it’s still a relatively simple process. To start, you’ll need to make a thin batter using flour, eggs, milk, and a bit of salt. You can also add in some sugar or other flavorings, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to give your popovers a bit more flavor.
Once you have your batter, simply pour it into a greased popover pan and bake until the popovers are puffed and golden brown. You can also make popovers in a muffin tin if you don’t have a specialized popover pan. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make popovers ahead of time?
While popovers are best served fresh, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them later. To do this, simply bake the popovers as you normally would, then let them cool completely on a wire rack. You can then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or freeze them for up to a month.
To reheat your popovers, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until they’re warm and puffed again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them.
What is the best type of pan to use for making popovers?
The best type of pan to use for making popovers is a specialized popover pan, which has deep cups that allow the popovers to rise and give them their unique shape. These pans are usually made of metal or ceramic and have a non-stick coating to prevent the popovers from sticking.
If you don’t have a popover pan, you can also use a muffin tin as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the popovers will cook more quickly in a muffin tin.
Can I make savory popovers?
While popovers are often thought of as a sweet breakfast food, you can also make savory popovers by adding different ingredients to the batter. Some ideas for savory popovers include adding grated cheese, diced herbs, or cooked bacon to the batter.
You can also top your savory popovers with a variety of ingredients, such as sour cream, chives, or diced ham. Savory popovers are a great option if you’re looking for a more substantial breakfast food or want to serve something a bit different at brunch.
Are popovers a healthy breakfast option?
Popovers can be a relatively healthy breakfast option, depending on the ingredients you use to make them. If you make your popovers with whole wheat flour and minimal added sugar, they can be a nutritious and filling breakfast food.
However, if you top your popovers with a lot of sweet toppings, such as syrup or powdered sugar, they can be higher in calories and sugar. To make your popovers a healthier option, try topping them with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt instead.