This Ham and Gruyere Savory Popovers recipe is a real keeper. The Loon flipped for this when I brought a basket of these to the breakfast table. We love using a popover pan to ensure the perfect height and texture, but you could also use a muffin pan, too. And of course, you must use top-notch ingredients, like Smithfield Anytime Favorites Ham! NOTE: You will most likely have a little batter left over if using a standard popover pan. I usually save the leftover over batter and make 1 or 2 after the first batch is done. And remember: Room temperature ingredients and no peeking into the oven until time is up!
Pre-heat the oven to 425°F. Place the pan in the oven a couple minutes before you are ready to the molds with the batter.
Sift together the flour and salt into a large bowl.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, butter and pepper in a separate bowl.
Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until combined (okay if some lumps remain).
Take the pan from the oven and spray liberally with the cooking spray.
Using a ladle or large spoon, fill each mold just over half way with the batter.
Distributing equally, add the cheese, ham, tomatoes and chives on top of the batter in each mold.
Top with just enough batter to nearly reach the top of each mold. (You may have some batter left over).
Place in the oven and bake for exactly 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 18 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DURING BAKING TIME.
Remove from oven and carefully take the popovers out of the molds.
Gently prick the sides of the popovers with a toothpick to allow steam to escape.