Why You’ll Love These Popovers

Perfect for Any Occasion

When I tell you these jalapeño cheddar popovers are a keeper, I mean it! They’re one of those recipes that fit into almost any meal or gathering. The popovers have just the right hint of spice thanks to the chopped jalapeños, balanced out by the subtle sweetness of the honey butter. Combine that with the cheesy, airy texture, and you have something truly special.

What I love most about them is their light and fluffy texture — they practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, as a holiday dinner side, or simply enjoying them as a snack, the combination of savory and sweet flavors makes them suitable for any occasion. Trust me, they disappear fast!

Irresistible Combination of Flavors

These popovers are flavor-packed in the best way possible. The sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the batter, giving you pockets of gooey cheesiness, while the jalapeño adds a gentle, zesty kick that’s not overpowering. Together, they elevate this recipe beyond your typical dinner roll or bread side.

And let’s not forget the honey butter. Oh, the honey butter! It’s a blend of creamy, salty, and sweet goodness that takes these popovers over the top. Spread it over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, and you’ll understand why this recipe is such a hit. That little drizzle of honey sweetness paired with the cheddar and jalapeño brings everything together in a way that feels indulgent and comforting all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these warm, cheesy jalapeño cheddar popovers with the perfect hint of spice and a light, airy texture. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times, so trust me — these ingredients are spot on.

• 2 tablespoons + 3 teaspoons salted butter: You’ll brown 2 tablespoons of this for the batter and use the rest to grease your popover pan. Salted butter adds extra flavor, so it’s my go-to here.
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature: Room temperature milk blends more evenly into the batter. If you forget to bring it out in advance, just warm it slightly (but don’t let it get hot).
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature: This is key for giving the popovers their rise. Cold eggs can make the batter too dense, so let them sit out for about 30 minutes.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Keep it simple with standard all-purpose flour. It gives the perfect structure to the popovers.
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese: A little goes a long way here! I recommend using sharp cheddar for the most flavor.
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped: This brings just the right kick of heat without overpowering the savory flavors. Removing the seeds tones down the spice if you’re worried about it being too hot.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth — trust me, it makes a difference.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Complements the cheddar and jalapeño beautifully.

For Honey Butter

This buttery-sweet topping takes these popovers to the next level. It’s simple but so addictive — you’ll want to spread this honey butter on everything, not just popovers.

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature: Make sure it’s soft so it blends easily with the honey.
• 3 tablespoons honey: Use your favorite honey for this — local or raw honey works especially well for a natural sweetness.
• A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt: Just a little enhances the sweetness of the honey and balances the richness of the butter. Don’t skip this step!

That’s all you need! These ingredients come together to create a buttery, cheesy, slightly spicy popover that’ll pair perfectly with the sweet, salty honey butter.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers

Step 1: Prep and brown the butter

Start by browning the butter — it’s a small extra step, but trust me, it adds an incredible nutty flavor to the popovers. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Keep swirling or stirring it gently as it melts. Once it turns a golden brown color and smells toasty, remove it from the heat and set it aside. This is one of those details that really takes the recipe over the top.

Step 2: Prepare the batter

While the browned butter cools slightly, get started on the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of whole milk (make sure it’s at room temperature), 3 large eggs (also at room temperature), and 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Whisk until smooth — there’s no need to overmix, just make sure everything is combined.

Next, add the browned butter, ¼ cup of grated cheddar cheese, 1 finely chopped and seeded jalapeño, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir gently to combine. The batter will smell amazing already, with that hint of smokiness from the browned butter mixed with the jalapeño and cheese.

Step 3: Bake the popovers

Preheat your oven to 450°F. This is important because popovers need that initial burst of heat to rise properly. While the oven heats, generously grease a 6-cup popover pan with 3 teaspoons of butter. I find using melted butter works best to ensure the popovers don’t stick.

Now, fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Carefully place the pan in the oven and bake the popovers for about 20 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Resist the urge to open the oven while they’re baking — keeping the heat trapped inside ensures they develop that beautiful airy structure.

Step 4: Make Honey Butter

While the popovers are baking, let’s talk honey butter. This simple spread is what takes these popovers from good to unforgettable. Combine 4 tablespoons of room-temperature salted butter, 3 tablespoons of honey, and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pro tip: If you like your butter extra creamy, give it a quick whip with a hand mixer.

When the popovers are done, serve them warm with a generous smear of honey butter and, if you like, another sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. The combo of the cheesy, spicy popovers with the sweet, salty butter? Absolutely irresistible!

Nutrition and Cooking Tips

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers comes in at 362 calories, making them a satisfying indulgence without being overly heavy. This recipe yields 6 popovers, so you’ll have just enough to share — or enjoy a couple for yourself (trust me, they disappear fast!).

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use room temperature eggs and milk: Cold ingredients can shock the batter and affect how well the popovers rise. Setting your eggs and milk out for about 30 minutes before starting makes all the difference.
• Always brown the butter: This is non-negotiable! Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes the popovers from good to amazing. It’s a quick and simple step that’s worth the extra minute.
• Use a standard 6-cup popover pan: These pans are deeper and allow the batter to rise tall, creating that classic popover shape. Muffin tins won’t deliver the same dramatic puff, so stick with a proper popover pan for the best outcome.
• Position the rack in the lower third of the oven: Popovers need space to rise properly, and they also need consistent heat circulation. Placing the rack in the lower third keeps them from hitting the top of the oven or browning too quickly before they’re fully baked.

A little preparation goes a long way here. Follow these tips, and your popovers will be tall, golden, and impossible to resist!

Serving Suggestions

Best way to enjoy

Popovers are at their absolute best when served warm, straight out of the oven. That’s when the jalapeño, cheddar, and browned butter flavors really shine, and the texture is perfectly light and airy.

Spread a generous layer of honey butter on each one while they’re still warm—it melts right into the crevices, making every bite gloriously rich and sweet. For a final touch, I like to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. The salty crunch perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey butter, and it’s an easy way to elevate the texture and flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Why These Popovers Are a Must-Try

Key Highlights

If you’re on the fence about trying these jalapeño cheddar popovers with honey butter, let me tell you—they are absolutely worth it. Here’s why:

• Easy to make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of popovers! The batter comes together quickly with just a handful of pantry staples, making this recipe surprisingly simple for how impressive the end result looks (and tastes).
• Loved for their airy texture: These popovers bake up beautifully light and puffy with hollow centers. That ultra-fluffy texture simply melts in your mouth, creating the perfect base for the rich honey butter topping.
• Great for any meal or gathering: Whether you’re making brunch extra special, serving these as a side dish for a cozy dinner, or whipping them up for a party, these popovers are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re versatile enough to pair with a variety of meals, yet they stand out on their own.
• The perfect flavor combination: The zesty heat from the jalapeños, the sharp creaminess of the cheddar, and the touch of sweetness from the honey butter all work together in perfect harmony. Every bite is a balance of savory, spicy, and sweet—you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Source of Recipe

This recipe is based on the brilliantly inspired version from Half Baked Harvest. If you’ve ever explored their recipes, you’ll know they strike the perfect balance between creative flavors and approachable techniques. I’ve found their jalapeño cheddar popovers to be a standout, and it’s where I first fell in love with the idea of this savory-sweet combination. Over time, I’ve added my own little tweaks — like making sure the honey butter is extra whipped and sprinkling a pinch of flaky salt at the end. These small steps make all the difference! For more amazing flavor combos, their recipes are always worth a look.

FAQs

Ready to enjoy Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter? Bake them today!

Planning a cozy dinner? Try pairing with our Creamy Tomato Soup recipe!
Learn more about choosing fresh jalapeños here.