Ham and Swiss Cheese Popovers with Brown Sugar Ham

Prep: 10 minCook: 25 min12 servingsmediumAmerican
Ham and Swiss Cheese Popovers with Brown Sugar Ham

Golden, puffed Yorkshire pudding-style popovers filled with savory diced ham and melted Swiss cheese. The eggy batter creates dramatic height and airy texture while the ham and cheese filling adds hearty protein and rich flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an impressive side dish that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant presentation.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

    may affect rise slightly

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, cracked
  • 12 tablespoons ham, diced
    cooked bacon1:1meat

    crumbled instead of diced

    Full guide →
  • 6 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
    Gruyere1:1dairydairy-free

    stronger nutty flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

  2. 2

    Whisk together flour, milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl

  3. 3

    Lightly grease each popover insert and fill about 1/3 way with batter

  4. 4

    Add ham and cheese to each well and top with remaining batter

  5. 5

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown

  6. 6

    Cool for 1 to 2 minutes and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Do not open oven door during baking as temperature drops will cause popovers to collapse

Tip 2

Fill wells quickly and get pan into hot oven immediately for maximum rise

Good to Know

Storage

Best served immediately while hot and puffed. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 2 days

Make Ahead

Batter can be prepared 2 hours ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot and dramatically puffed for best presentation

Common Mistakes

Watch

Keep oven door closed during baking to avoid collapse from temperature drop

Watch

Fill wells quickly and bake immediately to prevent batter from settling

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

Swiss cheese
Gruyere1:1dairydairy-free

stronger nutty flavor

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

all-purpose flour
gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

may affect rise slightly

General Alternatives

ham
cooked bacon1:1meat

crumbled instead of diced

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without a popover pan?

Use a muffin tin but results will be less dramatic. Preheat the empty greased pan in the oven first for better rise.

What if my popovers don't puff up?

Ensure oven is fully preheated, batter is room temperature, and avoid opening oven door during baking as temperature drops cause collapse.

How long will these keep?

Best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for 2 days but will lose their puffed texture when reheated.