Jalapeño Popper Popovers

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until you have a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling
   While the batter rests, mix the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, half of the crumbled bacon, and 1 tablespoon of chives in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
3. Preheat the oven
   Place a 6-cup popover pan or muffin tin in the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Allow the pan to heat in the oven for at least 5 minutes.
4. Fill the pan
   Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and spray generously with cooking spray. Fill each cup about 1/3 full with batter, then add a tablespoon of the jalapeño-cheese mixture to the center of each. Top with the remaining batter until each cup is about 2/3 full.
5. Bake the popovers
   Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes without opening the oven door. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the popovers are golden brown and have risen dramatically.
6. Add the topping
   Remove the popovers from the oven and immediately top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, allowing it to melt over the hot popovers. Sprinkle with the remaining bacon crumbles, chives, and jalapeño slices.
7. Serve
   Carefully remove the popovers from the pan and serve immediately while hot and puffed. For best results, poke a small hole in the side of each popover with a knife to release steam and prevent them from becoming soggy.