A popover is a light roll made from an eggbatter similar to that of Yorkshire pudding, typically baked in muffin tins or dedicated popover pans, which have straight-walled sides rather than angled.
Popovers may be served either as a sweet, topped with fruit and whipped cream; or, butter and jam for breakfast; or, with afternoon tea; or, with meats at lunch and dinner.
Name
The name "popover" comes from the fact that the batter swells or "pops" over the top of the tin while baking.
The oldest known reference to popovers dates to 1850.[3] The first cookbook to print a recipe for popovers was in 1876.[4]
A variant of popovers with garlic and herbs is called Portland (Oregon) popover pudding.[5] Other American popover variations include replacing some of the flour with pumpkin puree and adding spices such as allspice or nutmeg. Most American popovers today, however, are not flavored with meat or herbs. Instead, they have a buttery taste.