Popovers, those airy, golden-brown puffs of deliciousness, are a culinary delight that can elevate any meal. Their crisp exterior and hollow, eggy interior make them incredibly versatile, pairing well with a vast array of dishes, both savory and sweet. But with so many possibilities, deciding what to eat with popovers can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guide will explore the best accompaniments for popovers, providing inspiration for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even desserts.
Savory Sensations: Pairing Popovers with Main Courses
Popovers are fantastic partners for savory dishes, acting as a sophisticated alternative to traditional dinner rolls or biscuits. Their light texture and subtle flavor complement rich and hearty meals beautifully.
Roast Meats: A Classic Combination
The classic combination of popovers and roast meat is a match made in culinary heaven. Roast beef, prime rib, roast chicken, and even roasted pork all benefit from the presence of a warm, freshly baked popover. The crispness of the popover provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender, juicy meat, while its subtle eggy flavor enhances the savory notes.
Consider serving popovers alongside a succulent roast beef with a rich gravy. The popovers can be used to soak up the flavorful gravy, ensuring that every last drop is enjoyed. Alternatively, a roasted chicken with herbs and lemon pairs perfectly with the lightness of the popovers. Don’t forget the side dishes – roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts complete the meal.
Soups and Stews: A Comforting Duo
On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty soup or stew. Popovers are the ideal accompaniment, providing a warm and comforting counterpoint to the richness of the broth.
A creamy tomato soup, a classic French onion soup, or a chunky beef stew all work wonderfully with popovers. The light and airy texture of the popover complements the density of the soup or stew, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
Imagine dipping a warm popover into a bowl of creamy potato soup or a spicy chili. The popover soaks up the flavorful broth, adding a touch of elegance to a simple comfort food. Furthermore, you could hollow out the popover and use it as a small bowl for the soup itself for a fun presentation!
Seafood Delights: A Surprisingly Perfect Match
While often overlooked, popovers are a surprisingly delicious accompaniment to seafood dishes. Their delicate flavor and light texture complement the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish.
Try serving popovers with a creamy seafood bisque, a grilled salmon fillet, or even a pan-seared scallop dish. The popovers provide a textural contrast to the tender seafood and help to soak up any flavorful sauces. Consider adding a sprinkle of herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the popover batter to further enhance the seafood pairing.
Vegetarian Varieties: Elevating Plant-Based Meals
Popovers are equally delicious when paired with vegetarian dishes. Their light and airy texture complements the fresh flavors of vegetables and plant-based proteins.
Consider serving popovers with a creamy butternut squash soup, a hearty lentil stew, or a vegetable curry. The popovers can be used to soak up the flavorful sauces and add a touch of elegance to the meal. For a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal, try serving popovers with a roasted vegetable platter. Toss a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, with olive oil, herbs, and spices, and roast them until tender. The popovers provide a delicious accompaniment, adding a touch of lightness and airiness to the meal.
Sweet Endings: Popovers as Dessert
While often associated with savory meals, popovers can also be transformed into delicious desserts. Their light and airy texture makes them the perfect canvas for a variety of sweet toppings and fillings.
Fruit and Cream: A Classic Dessert Pairing
The simplest way to enjoy popovers as a dessert is to fill them with fresh fruit and whipped cream. This classic combination is light, refreshing, and incredibly delicious.
Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are particularly well-suited for this pairing. Simply fill the popovers with a generous helping of fresh berries and top with a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of elegance, consider dusting the popovers with powdered sugar.
Other fruits that work well include peaches, nectarines, and even roasted apples. A warm popover filled with roasted apples and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a truly decadent treat.
Sweet Sauces and Syrups: Indulgent Delights
Another way to enjoy popovers as a dessert is to drizzle them with sweet sauces and syrups. This is a great way to add a touch of indulgence to a simple popover.
Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, maple syrup, and honey are all excellent choices. Simply drizzle the sauce or syrup over the popovers and enjoy. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon.
Filled Creations: Taking Dessert to the Next Level
For a truly decadent dessert, consider filling popovers with pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or even ice cream. This is a great way to transform a simple popover into a show-stopping dessert.
A popover filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh berries is a classic dessert that is sure to impress. Alternatively, a popover filled with chocolate mousse and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings is a truly decadent treat. For a fun and playful dessert, try filling popovers with ice cream and topping them with your favorite sundae toppings.
Breakfast Bliss: Starting the Day with Popovers
Popovers are a delightful addition to any breakfast spread. Their light and airy texture makes them a perfect complement to both sweet and savory breakfast dishes.
Eggs and Bacon: A Savory Breakfast Staple
Pairing popovers with eggs and bacon is a classic breakfast combination that is sure to satisfy. The popovers provide a light and airy counterpoint to the richness of the eggs and bacon.
Scrambled eggs, fried eggs, and omelets all work wonderfully with popovers. You can even hollow out the popovers and use them as a small bowl for the eggs. Add a side of crispy bacon or sausage, and you have a complete and satisfying breakfast.
Sweet Morning Treats: Jam, Honey, and More
For a sweeter breakfast option, serve popovers with jam, honey, or maple syrup. This is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the light and airy texture of the popovers.
A variety of jams, such as strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry, all work well. Honey provides a natural sweetness, while maple syrup adds a touch of richness. You can also try spreading the popovers with Nutella or peanut butter for a more indulgent treat.
Breakfast Sandwiches: A Portable Delight
Popovers can also be used to make delicious breakfast sandwiches. Their hollow interior makes them perfect for filling with your favorite breakfast ingredients.
Fill the popovers with eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage for a savory breakfast sandwich. Alternatively, fill them with peanut butter and banana for a sweeter option. These breakfast sandwiches are easy to make and perfect for on-the-go breakfasts.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Popover Pairings
While the suggestions above provide a solid foundation for pairing popovers with various dishes, there are countless ways to elevate your popover pairings even further.
Herb Infusions: Adding Flavor to the Batter
Adding herbs to the popover batter is a simple way to enhance their flavor and complement the dish they are being served with. For savory dishes, consider adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives to the batter. For sweet dishes, try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Cheese Please: Incorporating Cheese into Popovers
Incorporating cheese into the popover batter is another great way to add flavor and create a more savory popover. Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan are all excellent choices. Simply grate the cheese and add it to the batter before baking.
Savory Butters: Enhancing Flavor with a Simple Spread
Serving popovers with a flavored butter is a simple way to add an extra layer of flavor. Garlic butter, herb butter, and even a simple salted butter are all excellent choices.
Experimentation is Key: Finding Your Perfect Pairing
Ultimately, the best way to discover what to eat with popovers is to experiment and find your own perfect pairings. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and flavors. The possibilities are endless!
What savory fillings complement popovers best for a brunch setting?
Popovers, with their airy texture and subtle flavor, are incredibly versatile for savory brunch pairings. Options like creamy scrambled eggs with chives, smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, or a flavorful sausage gravy create a delightful combination. The richness of these fillings contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the popover, providing a balanced and satisfying brunch experience.
Consider also including fillings like shredded ham and swiss cheese, a mushroom duxelles, or even a simple herbed butter. These options offer different flavor profiles and textures that will complement the popover without overpowering it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal ingredients for an even more elevated brunch!
Can popovers be served as a side dish with dinner, and if so, what meals do they pair well with?
Absolutely, popovers make a wonderful addition to dinner, particularly with meals that have rich sauces or gravies. Their light, airy texture is perfect for soaking up these flavorful liquids, enhancing the overall dining experience. They pair exceptionally well with roasted chicken or beef, pot roasts, and hearty stews.
Beyond meat-centric dishes, popovers can also complement vegetarian fare. Serve them alongside a creamy butternut squash soup, a lentil stew, or a vegetable pot pie. The subtle flavor of the popover will not clash with the delicate flavors of these dishes, but instead, enhance them with its satisfying texture.
What are some sweet toppings besides jam that go well with popovers?
Beyond the classic jam pairing, a world of sweet possibilities awaits popovers. Whipped cream with fresh berries offers a light and refreshing option, while a drizzle of honey or maple syrup provides a simple yet satisfying sweetness. For a more decadent treat, consider a chocolate ganache or a homemade fruit compote.
Furthermore, experimenting with flavored butters can create unique and exciting combinations. Think cinnamon butter, orange zest butter, or even a salted caramel butter. These flavored butters will infuse the popover with subtle yet delicious flavors, elevating them beyond the traditional jam pairing.
Are there any cheese pairings that work well with popovers?
Yes, cheese and popovers can be a delightful combination, particularly when the flavors are well-matched. A soft cheese like brie or goat cheese, either on its own or drizzled with honey, is a fantastic choice. The creamy texture and mild flavor of these cheeses complement the airy lightness of the popover.
For a bolder flavor experience, consider pairing popovers with a sharp cheddar or a tangy blue cheese. The contrast between the mild popover and the intense cheese creates a complex and satisfying taste profile. These cheeses can be served on their own or incorporated into a savory filling for a heartier meal.
How can I adapt popovers to pair with international cuisines?
Popovers can be surprisingly adaptable to various international cuisines. To incorporate an Italian flair, try filling them with ricotta cheese, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. For a Mexican-inspired twist, consider serving them with chili con carne or a black bean salsa, or stuffing them with seasoned ground beef and cheese.
Alternatively, embrace Asian flavors by brushing the popovers with sesame oil and sprinkling them with toasted sesame seeds. Serve them alongside stir-fries or soups like miso ramen or hot and sour soup. With a little creativity, popovers can become a delicious addition to any international meal.
What kind of drinks complement popovers, both savory and sweet?
The ideal drink pairing for popovers depends heavily on whether they are served savory or sweet. For savory popovers, especially those enjoyed during brunch, coffee, tea, and mimosas are excellent choices. The slight bitterness of coffee or tea can balance the richness of savory fillings, while a mimosa adds a celebratory touch.
For sweet popovers, consider lighter and sweeter beverages. A glass of cold milk is a classic pairing, while fruit juices or sparkling cider can provide a refreshing contrast. For a more sophisticated pairing, try a dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti, which will complement the sweetness of the popovers without overpowering them.
Can popovers be prepared ahead of time for easier serving?
While popovers are best served fresh, they can be partially prepared ahead of time. You can mix the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is crucial to bake them just before serving to ensure they retain their airy texture and rise properly.
If you must bake them in advance, allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To revive them, briefly reheat them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes before serving. This will help to crisp them up slightly, though they may not be quite as light and airy as freshly baked popovers.