Popover

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An airy, puffed bread roll similar to a quick bread that is served for breakfast or dinner to accompany other foods prepared for the meal. Named for the baking reaction to the expansion of the batter as it is heated, puffing up and over the baking container, this bread roll is often compared to a soufflé due to their similar ability to trap hot air within the food as it bakes. Muffin tins or popover pans are the common baking utensils for use in holding the Popover batter as it cooks.

Popovers are made with a batter similar to a pancake batter, containing eggs, milk, butter, and flour. As the batter is beaten continuously, air is captured within the thin batter. Then, as the popover bakes, the heat cooks and releases the excess liquid continued in the batter as steam so it "puffs" up, thus leavening the batter and forming puffed bread. Outside, the batter bakes into a golden brown, crispy thin crust while inside the batter forms a light and airy textured crumb that is also very thin. Popovers are made with a plain batter or with a batter that has been combined with cheese, herb, seasonings, and other ingredients to enhance the flavor. When served, the popover may be accompanied with condiments such as flavored or plain butters, jams, jellies, and preserves.