I still remember the day I nailed my first batch of sourdough popovers like it was yesterday. I was knee-deep in experimenting with my sourdough starter discard and wanted to make something that felt adventurous but totally doable. When these airy, crispy sourdough popovers came out of the oven, puffed up and golden, I knew I had stumbled onto something special. It wasn’t just a win for my sourdough starter popovers experiment—it was a game changer in my whole foodie routine.
Sourdough popovers fit right into my kitchen life because they bring that perfect balance of rustic charm and a bit of brunch wow-factor. The tang from the fermented batter popovers pairs beautifully with all kinds of toppings, from sweet honey butter to savory cheeses. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t scream “fancy chef right here!” but definitely feels like a little celebration on your plate. Plus, the process of making them is surprisingly chill and straightforward, which means you get to enjoy the journey as much as the end result.
What makes these sourdough popovers so joyful, to me, is how they turn simple staple ingredients into something delightful. Their hollow, airy centers and crispy outsides just beg to be filled, spread, and enjoyed over breakfast or brunch with friends and family. It’s a joy to hear those impressed “Wow, what are these?!” comments when you serve them up.
Friends, if you’ve ever felt stuck in the “I want something delicious but don’t want to fuss” cycle, this easy sourdough breakfast popovers recipe is calling your name. Grab your sourdough starter, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen. I’m excited for you to see how these sourdough popovers become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
What You’ll Need:
This sourdough popovers recipe keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you need to get started:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration) – you can grab this from your fridge or ferment a little to freshen it up
- 1 cup whole milk (any kind you like)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature works best)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (out of flour? try spelt or bread flour for a different texture!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
If you’re running low on sourdough starter, don’t sweat it—this recipe is perfect for using your sourdough discard popovers style. I’ve found that letting the batter ferment slightly (about 30 minutes) improves that signature tang and texture, making these the classic fermented batter popovers we all love.
You can find these ingredients at any regular grocery store, and because this sourdough popovers dish mostly uses pantry staples plus your starter, it’s gentle on your wallet. I always keep a batch of sourdough starter handy, so whipping up these popovers feels like a comfy kitchen ritual rather than a big production.
For leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They re-crisp nicely when warmed in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Trust me, they’re almost as good the next day! Pro tip: I always add a little extra melted butter to the batter to give these crispy sourdough popovers a richer, more golden crust that’s just pure happiness.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to jump in and make some airy sourdough popovers that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Perfect—this step-by-step will feel like we’re cooking side-by-side in your kitchen.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a 12-cup popover pan or muffin tin inside the oven to get hot. This hot pan trick is key for that dramatic puff we want.
- Grease your pan thoroughly with butter. I’m talkin’ a good slather so the popovers don’t stick and release clean after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the sourdough starter, milk, and eggs until smooth and well combined. This is the base of your fermented batter popovers magic.
- Add the flour and salt, whisking gently just until combined. No overmixing here—think light and airy batter, not dense. A few small lumps are totally okay.
- Stir in the melted butter last, folding gently.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes if you have the time. This little rest lets the sourdough starter popovers develop flavor and helps the popovers puff up beautifully.
- Carefully pour batter into your preheated pan, filling each cup about halfway. You want room for those popovers to puff into their airy glory.
- Bake the popovers at 450°F for 15 minutes. Don’t open the oven door—let them puff up undisturbed.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
While that’s going, pour yourself something delicious to drink and maybe start thinking about toppings—softened butter, cream cheese, smoked salmon… endless possibilities!
A quick heads up: if your sourdough popovers look a little deflated when you pull them out, don’t panic. The trick is the crispy shell, so eating them warm is the way to go. Next batch, try the preheated pan trick again—it’s the secret to getting them to puff like balloons.
I’ve learned that patience during baking is key, and having a hot oven and pan at the start locks in the structure of these gorgeous sourdough starter popovers.
How to Serve & Savor It:

These sourdough popovers really shine when you serve them fresh and warm. I love to slice them open and slather on lots of butter that melts right into the crispy nooks. For a savory approach, cream cheese and smoked salmon or herbed ricotta are dreamy pairings.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy these easy sourdough breakfast popovers is on a lazy weekend morning, served alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. It’s a breakfast that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
For sides, roasted tomatoes, sautéed greens, or even a chilled avocado salad work beautifully to balance the crispy sourdough popovers.
If you have leftovers (and sometimes I don’t!), I like transforming them into mini sandwiches or stuffing their hollow centers with egg salad or chicken salad for a quick lunch.
Seasonally, I’ve added fresh herbs like rosemary during batter rest for a fragrant twist that elevates these crispy sourdough popovers instantly.
This recipe is always a hit with my brunch crew—it brings that satisfying crunch and light fluffiness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds and thirds!
Your Questions, Answered:
You all know I love chatting about sourdough popovers, so here are some of the questions I get most often:
Can I prep parts of this sourdough popovers ahead?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter the night before and let it ferment overnight in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking. It’s a great way to have your sourdough popovers morning ready to go.
What if I don’t have sourdough starter?
I get it, but these sourdough starter popovers are where the magic happens. For a similar effect, try this airy sourdough popover recipe with discard starter or check out this guide from The Clever Carrot for inspiration.
Can I make these gluten-free?
I haven’t tested extensively, but swapping in a gluten-free flour blend might work if you add a bit of xanthan gum for structure. Tell me if you try!
What’s a good swap for milk?
Any plant-based milk works well here! Almond, oat, or coconut milk keep the batter light and flavorful.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to get that crispy sourdough popover texture back.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
For sure! Just adjust the pan size accordingly. Using the same ratios keeps these fermented batter popovers perfect every time.
What are some fun topping ideas?
I love suggestions like honey butter, garlic herb butter, or even a quick tomato jam. For savory, smoked salmon or herbed cream cheese is always a crowd pleaser.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Sourdough popovers have carved out a cozy spot in my foodie heart because they turn basic ingredients into an everyday awesome food that feels special. Their crispy edges and airy interiors make breakfast or brunch feel festive without fuss.
My top sourdough popovers tips:
- Always preheat your pan and oven to get maximum puff.
- Let the batter rest at room temp for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to lock in the rise.
Favorite variations I love: a rosemary and parmesan twist, a sweet cinnamon sugar drizzle version for brunch, and a cheesy herb version that’s perfect alongside dinner.
The cheesy herb version actually gets requested most often at my table—it’s a solid crowd-pleaser.
I hope you give making sourdough popovers a shot and fall in love with these crispy sourdough popovers as much as I have. Recording your own kitchen wins with a batch of these is seriously the kind of joy I live for. Happy baking, friends! For more everyday foodie inspiration, check out my recipes for Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins and Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers Crispy Delight. And if you want even more tips, don’t miss Whip up these Easy Sourdough Popovers in swift and indulge in the classic puffs – Bigger Bolder Baking or How to Make Sourdough Popovers (Easy Discard Recipe) – Simplicity and a Starter.
Ready to puff up some magic? Let’s do this!
Sourdough Popovers
Sourdough Popovers are light, airy, and perfectly crisp on the outside with a tender, flavorful crumb inside, made using natural sourdough starter for a slight tang and superior texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a popover pan or muffin tin inside to heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, and eggs until smooth.
- Add the flour and salt, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease each cup with butter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the cups, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until popovers are puffed and golden brown.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent deflating.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
For a savory twist, sprinkle shredded cheese or herbs on top before baking, or serve warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast option.

