Name: Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons + 6 teaspoons Land O Lakes® Salted Butter; 3 fresh rosemary sprigs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional); 6 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Salted Butter, at room temperature; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt; 1 tablespoon chopped fried rosemary (from the 3 sprigs)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 49 reviews

If you are craving a delightful treat that marries fluffy texture with a burst of savory and sweet flavors, the Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These popovers come out golden and perfectly puffed, infused with aromatic rosemary and a beautiful hint of salt, while the honey butter adds a luscious, cozy sweetness that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a dinner, this recipe feels like a warm hug wrapped in buttery goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two wrapped sticks of Land O Lakes salted butter lying on a dark wooden surface with visible grain and some scattered coarse salt crystals. At the bottom right, there is a white bowl or cup filled with a creamy, pale yellow butter spread with smooth, swirled texture. To the bottom left, green rosemary sprigs add a fresh touch to the scene. In the top left corner, part of a white plate with some green leafy herbs is visible. The whole setup has a rustic feel with warm natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating magic in your oven. Each element plays a distinct role in building the flavor, texture, and inviting aroma of these popovers, turning everyday pantry staples into something truly extraordinary.

2 tablespoons + 6 teaspoons Land O Lakes® Salted Butter: Used for both browning with rosemary and melting inside the popovers for that rich, buttery flavor.
3 fresh rosemary sprigs: Fresh rosemary adds an earthy, pine-like aroma that elevates the classic popover into a sophisticated treat.
1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature: Provides moisture and tenderness, helping create the perfect airy crumb.
3 large eggs, at room temperature: The eggs are key to achieving that dramatic popover rise and light texture.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, giving structure while allowing a popover’s delicate, airy nature.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness from the honey butter.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and mild heat to complement the herbs.
3 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the butter with a natural floral note that’s simply irresistible.
1 tablespoon flaky sea salt: For sprinkling, this finishing salt delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory.

How to Make Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Butter with Rosemary

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of salted butter with the rosemary sprigs in a small skillet over medium heat. This step gently browns the butter, deepening its flavor, while crisply frying the rosemary leaves to release their fragrant oils. After 3 to 4 minutes, remove the rosemary, let it cool, and then finely chop those crispy leaves. This infused butter is the secret that breathes life into your popovers.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Position your oven rack in the lower third and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your 6-cup popover pan inside the oven while it heats, which ensures it’s piping hot when the batter hits the cups. If you don’t have a popover pan, a 12-cup muffin tin works great for making smaller, adorable popovers.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk the room temperature milk and eggs vigorously until frothy—about one minute. This increase of air is crucial for that puffed-up texture. Add the browned rosemary butter, chopped crispy rosemary, flour, kosher salt, and black pepper if you’re using it. Whisk gently to combine; it’s okay for there to be some small lumps as you don’t want to overmix and lose that lightness.

Step 4: Butter the Pan and Fill It

Carefully take your heated pan out of the oven and drop 1 teaspoon of butter into each cup. Swirl it around to coat thoroughly—this helps the popovers release easily and crisps up their edges. Pour the batter evenly into each cup, filling about three-quarters full, and immediately transfer it back to the oven for baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, allowing the popovers to rise dramatically and start turning golden. Then, without opening the oven door, lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This gradual baking ensures crisp, hollow centers and irresistibly crunchy tops and edges.

Step 6: Whip Up the Honey Butter and Rosemary Salt

While the popovers are baking, combine 6 tablespoons of room temperature salted butter with 3 tablespoons of honey, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Next, blend 1 tablespoon of your chopped fried rosemary with flaky sea salt—this rosemary salt is the perfect finishing touch.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Style

Serve your warm, puffed popovers stacked high with generous dollops of honey butter and a sprinkle of the rosemary salt. The combination of the golden, crispy exterior with the soft, airy inside enhanced by sweet, salty, and herby notes is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe

The image shows two golden-brown popovers with puffy, uneven tops and a crispy texture. One popover in the front has a dollop of melted butter mixed with chopped green herbs sitting on top, slightly dripping down the side. Behind it, another popover stands inside a white enamel cup with a red rim. There is a broken popover on the right side, showing a soft, airy yellow inside with a small bit of butter and herbs. The surface is dark wood with scattered sea salt flakes and small green herb pieces, while the background is dark and blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing rosemary salt is the star garnish here. Sprinkling a little extra flaky sea salt mixed with chopped rosemary on top of the honey butter creates bursts of flavor and texture in every mouthful. For an extra indulgent touch, add a drizzle of raw honey or a few fresh rosemary leaves for aroma and beauty.

Side Dishes

These popovers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Think savory: roasted chicken, Sunday pot roast, or a hearty soup with earthy vegetables. Or, serve them with fresh berries and yogurt for a bright brunch experience. Their buttery flavor makes them a delightful companion to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking mini popovers like little towers, securing them with rosemary sprigs for presentation that wows guests. You can also hollow out the centers slightly and fill them with a savory herb cream cheese spread or drizzle with warm honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts for a sweet snack. Presentation is half the fun with this recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Popovers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crispy texture softens somewhat, but the flavors remain delightful.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, popovers freeze well. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep beautifully frozen for up to a month.

Reheating

To bring back that crispness, reheat frozen or leftover popovers in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain their airy crunch. Serve immediately with fresh honey butter for a freshly baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh for this Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe?

While dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, fresh rosemary is highly recommended to achieve that vibrant, aromatic flavor and the delightful crispy texture in the browned butter step. The fresh herb really makes the popovers stand out.

What causes popovers to not rise properly?

Temperature is key. The oven and pan must be very hot when you add the batter. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent heat loss. Using room temperature eggs and milk helps create steam, which is crucial for the dramatic rise.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Substitutions can be tricky since butter and eggs contribute to both texture and flavor. You might try plant-based butter alternatives and a flax or aquafaba egg substitute, but the rise and buttery taste of classic popovers will be less pronounced.

Why is flaky sea salt used instead of regular table salt?

Flaky sea salt adds a lovely crunchy texture and bursts of saltiness that contrast beautifully with the soft popover crumb and sweet honey butter. Regular table salt would dissolve too quickly and not provide that satisfying finish.

Can I add other herbs or spices to this Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe?

Absolutely! Thyme, sage, or even a touch of garlic powder can complement the rosemary nicely. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate batter; start with small amounts then adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give the Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter Recipe a try soon. There’s something incredibly joyful about pulling these golden, airy beauties from your oven and slathering them in sweet, buttery goodness with a sprinkle of fragrant rosemary salt. They feel special yet so comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Once you taste them fresh and warm, I’m sure these popovers will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!