Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes: Prepare to ditch the syrup and enter a world of breakfast (or anytime!) bliss! Forget everything you thought you knew about pancakes because this recipe is about to redefine your perception of this classic dish. Imagine fluffy, golden pancakes studded with salty ham and melty cheese – a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.
While sweet pancakes have a long and storied history, variations incorporating savory elements have emerged as a delightful culinary adventure. Think of them as a distant cousin to the Dutch Baby pancake or even a savory crepe, borrowing from global traditions that embrace the versatility of a simple batter. These savory ham and cheese pancakes are a modern twist on comfort food, perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
So, why are these pancakes so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, pillowy pancake, the chewy ham, and the gooey cheese. The savory flavors are incredibly satisfying, offering a welcome change from the usual sugary breakfast fare. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! Get ready to experience pancake perfection, savory style!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Optional: Maple syrup, hot sauce, or sour cream for serving
Preparing the Pancake Batter
Okay, let’s get started with the batter! This is the foundation of our delicious savory pancakes, so we want to make sure we get it just right. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Make sure you whisk it really well to get rid of any lumps and to evenly distribute the baking powder and baking soda. This is key for light and fluffy pancakes!
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Then, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes, and we definitely don’t want that.
- Add the melted butter: Gently fold in the melted butter. The butter adds richness and flavor to the pancakes, so don’t skip this step! Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the eggs.
- Incorporate the ham, cheese, and green onions: Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These ingredients are what make these pancakes so savory and delicious!
- Let the batter rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in even lighter and fluffier pancakes. Trust me, this little rest period makes a big difference!
Cooking the Pancakes
Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to cook up some golden-brown goodness! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to see those beautiful pancakes come to life.
- Prepare the griddle or pan: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat. You can use butter, cooking spray, or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Make sure the griddle is hot enough before you start cooking. A good way to test it is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, it’s ready!
- Pour the batter: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Leave some space between the pancakes so they don’t run into each other. You can adjust the size of the pancakes to your liking, but ¼ cup is a good starting point.
- Cook the first side: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and bubbles start to form on the surface. The bubbles are a sign that the pancakes are ready to be flipped.
- Flip the pancakes: Carefully flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown on the other side and cooked through. The pancakes should be cooked through and no longer batter-like in the center.
- Keep warm (optional): If you’re making a large batch of pancakes, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the griddle as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Alright, the pancakes are cooked, and now it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few serving suggestions to take your savory ham and cheese pancakes to the next level.
- Classic with maple syrup: While these are savory pancakes, a drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that complements the ham and cheese perfectly. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
- Spice it up with hot sauce: If you like a little heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce will add a kick to these pancakes.
- Cool it down with sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang that balances the richness of the pancakes.
- Add a fried egg: Top your pancakes with a fried egg for a complete and satisfying breakfast or brunch. The runny yolk adds extra richness and flavor.
- Serve with a side of fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, adds a refreshing contrast to the savory pancakes.
- Make it a sandwich: Use the pancakes as buns for a breakfast sandwich with bacon, eggs, and cheese.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pancakes
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your savory ham and cheese pancakes are always a success!
- Don’t overmix the batter: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
- Use a hot griddle: A hot griddle is essential for achieving golden-brown pancakes. If the griddle isn’t hot enough, the pancakes will spread out and become flat.
- Don’t flip too early: Wait until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancakes before flipping them. Flipping too early will result in unevenly cooked pancakes.
- Adjust the heat as needed: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they’re not browning enough, increase the heat.
- Use a non-stick griddle or pan: This will prevent the pancakes from sticking and make them easier to flip.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Add other ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients to the batter, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
- Make them ahead of time: Cooked pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or toaster.
- Use a cookie scoop for even pancakes: Using a cookie scoop ensures that each pancake is the same size, resulting in even cooking.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, separate the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter. This will create incredibly light and airy pancakes.
Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations on the classic savory ham and cheese pancake recipe:
- Bacon and Cheddar Pancakes: Substitute the ham with cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Spinach and Feta Pancakes: Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the batter for a Mediterranean-inspired pancake.
- Jalapeño and Cheddar Pancakes: Add diced jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Everything Bagel Pancakes: Add everything bagel seasoning to the batter for a savory and flavorful pancake.
- Corn and Cheddar Pancakes: Add corn kernels to the batter for a sweet and savory combination.
- Gluten-Free Pancakes: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Pancakes: Substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per pancake
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 70-80 mg
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough pancakes.
- Use a hot griddle for golden-brown pancakes.
- Wait for bubbles to form before flipping.
- Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheeses and add-ins.
- Cooked pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes are truly a game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick and satisfying dinner. I know, I know, pancakes are usually sweet, but trust me on this one. The salty ham, the melty cheese, and the fluffy pancake base create a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients and a straightforward process that even the most novice cook can master. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast or a Sunday roast. No more boring ham sandwiches! This recipe transforms those leftovers into something truly special.
But the real magic lies in the flavor combination. The savory notes of the ham and cheese perfectly complement the slightly sweet pancake batter, creating a balanced and utterly addictive dish. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
Now, let’s talk about how you can customize these savory delights to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chives. A drizzle of maple syrup might sound crazy, but the sweet and savory combination is surprisingly delicious!
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding some chopped vegetables to the batter. Sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or even some spinach would add extra flavor and nutrients. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, cheddar, or even a little bit of crumbled feta would all be fantastic additions.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter or serve the pancakes with a side of hot sauce. And if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, top them with a fried egg. The runny yolk will add richness and flavor that takes these pancakes to the next level.
Another variation I love is using different types of ham. Smoked ham, honey ham, or even prosciutto would all work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the amount of salt accordingly, as some hams are saltier than others.
These Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes are also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and reheat them throughout the week for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch. They also freeze well, so you can always have a stash on hand for those busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect way to shake up your breakfast routine and impress your family and friends.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love these Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes as much as I do.
And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!
Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Savory ham and cheese pancakes are a delicious twist on a breakfast classic. These fluffy pancakes are packed with diced ham, cheddar cheese, and green onions, perfect for a savory brunch or breakfast.
Ingredients
Instructions
