Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese

Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese are a savory twist on the classic pancake. They’re fluffy, slightly salty, and packed with rich ham and melted cheese, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. The ham and cheese melt inside the pancakes as they cook, creating a deliciously savory filling that pairs perfectly with the soft texture of the pancakes.

Here’s how to make Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese:

Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 1/4 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups diced ham (or sliced ham, chopped into pieces)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions:

Make the Pancake Batter:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.

3. Combine Wet and Dry:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are fine. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Cook the Pancakes:

4. Prepare the Pan:

   • Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.

5. Cook the First Side:

   • Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan to form a pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges start to look set.

6. Add Ham and Cheese:

   • While the pancake is still soft on top, sprinkle about 2 tbsp of diced ham and 2 tbsp of shredded cheese onto the pancake.

   • Gently pour a small spoonful of batter over the ham and cheese to cover it.

7. Cook the Second Side:

   • Once the bottom is golden brown and the top is starting to set, flip the pancake and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the cheese is melted and the pancake is golden brown on both sides.

8. Repeat:

   • Continue the process with the remaining batter, adding ham and cheese to each pancake and flipping them until all the pancakes are cooked.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Serve the pancakes hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. You can add a drizzle of maple syrup if you like a sweet-savory contrast, or enjoy them as is.

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Tips:

• Ham: You can use any type of ham you like — smoked ham, cooked ham, or even leftover roast ham works great in this recipe.

• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss cheese all work well, adding their own unique flavor to the pancakes.

• Make it a Meal: These pancakes are hearty enough to be a full meal on their own. Pair them with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete dish.

• Adding Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or even chives added to the batter will bring extra flavor to your pancakes.