The Best Popover Pans
A popover is like a puff of airy muffin that goes well with just about everything you can think to pair it with. Equally as delectable with jam and butter as with gravy and savory meats and stews, popovers are one of the most versatile muffin-like breads. The trick to a quality popover is having not just a fantastic recipe, but a quality popover pan, too. We've rounded up a few of our favorites here, any of which will continually churn out excellent popovers. Have a look.
Bellemain Nonstick Popover Pan
Sturdy design, even baking
When it comes to popover pans, a deeper fluted base with a wider top is ideal for creating that perfectly deflated top you’re looking for in a popover. It’s also essential to have space between the cups for better heat movement. With all that in mind, this nonstick popover pan is ideal. With six individual cups attached by a metal holding system almost like a grate, it’s easy to throw these in the oven, and the popovers come out perfectly formed, too. Sporting a dishwasher-safe construction, they’re easy to clean and durable for years of use.
Pros:
- Nonstick surface
- Deep vertical cups for the optimal rise
- Made of durable alloy steel
Cons:
- The cups are non-removable, which can be tricky for cleaning tough, stuck-on spots
Fox Run Linking Mini Popover Pan
Is it cool to say that a certain type of food is cute? Because mini popovers totally are. We love them as an afternoon snack with tea: simply smear them with thick butter and fresh jam, and there’s almost nothing more delectable. Or better yet, serve them up as the ideal appetizer. The one problem? Most popover pans are rather sizable. That’s why we’re loving this version. With twelve small but deep cylindrical cups attached to a thick metal tray, this carbon steel pan helps to create delightful mini popovers that are — dare we say it? — totally cute.
Pros:
- Heavy-gauge carbon steel for durability as well as proper heat distribution
- Can be used for other baking needs
- Non-stick coating for easy, quick clean-up
Cons:
- The non-stick properties aren’t the most reliable
- The edges of the pans are a bit sharp
Astra Shop Individual Popover Tumblers
Small-batch friendly
Individual pans for popovers are so handy. Aside from popovers, you can make a variety of individual or small batch recipes without having to dirty an entire tray. Each small cup features a deep dish, non-stick coating that makes for an easy release and even easier cleaning. And with a tough material that withstands high temperatures and keeps its contents moist, you’re left with a more flavorful popover that’s cooked to perfection.
Pros:
- Includes six stand-alone nonstick tumblers
- Made of hard-anodized aluminum for even heat distribution
- Ideal for other small-batch recipes as well
Cons:
- For mini cakes and similar batters, use with an additional nonstick coating
- Although they’re dishwasher-safe, it’s best to hand wash these
Silicone Designs Texas Muffin Pans
Simple silicone
Silicone is one of the best materials for bakeware if you’re looking for convenience, easy cleaning, and yummy results. Featuring a set of two muffin tins, this professional-grade silicone design works to cook evenly and quickly and allows for its contents to cool upon removal from the oven. The popovers will pop right out, too, as silicone doesn’t require the use of an additional nonstick agent. Safe for the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher, they’re incredibly convenient, as well.
Pros:
-
Oven safe up to 450°F
- Professional quality with no BPA or other harmful chemicals
- Value-pack set of two trays
Cons:
- The trays are flexible, so for best results, bake using a cookie sheet
- There’s a bit of a learning curve to baking with silicone
Hoststylez 9-Cup Popover Pan
Pretty little popovers
Made like a traditional popover pan in which each cup is individually attached to metal rods within a tray system, this pan ups the ante with its delightfully designed, totally unique molds. Including three of each design — a spiral, a floral-like design, and a vertical ridge — your popovers will come out evenly cooked and artfully displayed. Made from high-quality steel material, they’re also nonstick for easy removal and cleaning.
Pros:
- Smaller size cavity can be used for desserts as well
- Easy to clean and care for
- Design promotes even heat distribution
Cons:
- The cavity is a bit small
- For best results, use with an additional nonstick agent
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a popover?
Popovers aren’t really a roll, nor are they really a muffin. Instead, they’re almost a mix of the two. Made with an egg batter, they’re light and airy but surprisingly tasty. They can be served with sweet toppings or be used to soak up savory sauce, soup, and gravy.
Is it possible to make popovers with regular muffin tins?
If you have exactly the right mix of batter, butter, and heat, you can in fact use muffin tins for baking popovers. However, a dedicated popover pan really does make the process easier. In fact, dedicated popover pans are meant to have a deep well and a lip, allowing for their contents to rise as they’re baking and then “pop over,” as the name suggests. Furthermore, deeper, tapered cups also help to promote more even baking, better air circulation, and quicker cooling. Traditionally made as stand-alone cups attached to a metal tray for heat distribution and convenience, popover pans can be used for other recipes, as well.