Yes, muffin tins will work, but don't hold quite as much batter so you won't get quite as tall a popover. My muffin tins hold 1/2 cup, the popover pan 2/3 cup. The only other differences are that the special popover pan is heavier (so it preheats better) and the cups are more widely spaced so the popovers don't grow together. But as I say, muffin tins will do!