Bacon Pancakes

Name: Bacon Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons cane sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 ¼ cups buttermilk (preferably cultured); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 large egg; 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon

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When you think of breakfast, what usually comes to mind? Fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, perhaps a side of fresh fruit? Now, envision a dish that brings all those elements together. Bacon pancakes are the marriage of crispy, savory bacon and light, fluffy pancakes. Pair them with warm syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream. You can have a complete breakfast experience in every bite!

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I stumbled upon the idea of bacon pancakes during a lazy Saturday brunch. It was one of those mornings when the sun was shining, and the aroma of coffee wafted through my kitchen. As I flipped through cookbooks and browsed food blogs, I found numerous bacon pancake recipes. I decided to give it a shot. What started as an experiment has transformed into a beloved breakfast staple in my household. Soon, friends started requesting it for brunches, and I knew I was onto something special.

But what is it that makes bacon pancakes so irresistible? Let’s dig into what they are, how they taste, and why you will love them!

What are Bacon Pancakes?

At its core, bacon pancakes are a combination of traditional pancakes and crispy, flavorful bacon. Imagine biting into a soft, warm pancake, only to discover bits of crispy bacon embedded within. The combination of sweet and savory creates a delightful contrast. The pancakes are fluffy and sponge-like, while the bacon adds texture and a burst of smoky flavor.

This dish isn’t just about innovation; it’s about tradition with a twist. The pancakes retain their classic appeal, while the bacon elevates the ordinary breakfast to extraordinary heights.

How Does It Taste?

Imagine the first bite. You experience the softness of the pancake, warm and comforting, followed by the crunch of the bacon. The sweet syrup drizzled on top melds with the savory notes of the bacon. The sweetness from the cane sugar in the pancake batter complements the umami flavors of the bacon perfectly. This is the kind of flavor combination that speaks to both heart and soul.

Why You’ll Love This

1. Versatility: You can easily customize this dish. Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts into the batter for variety.
2. Quick Preparation: Regular pancakes take little time to make. Add a few strips of bacon, and you’ve got an unbeatable breakfast solution.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Family and friends will rave about this dish and keep asking for seconds (and thirds!).
4. Memorable Brunch Option: If you want to impress your friends at brunch, serve them bacon pancakes. You’ll be the hero of the morning!
5. Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of smoky bacon and soft pancakes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of delectable bacon pancakes:

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons cane sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 ¼ cups buttermilk, preferably cultured
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
8 slices applewood-smoked bacon

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s break down the process into simple steps for those who may feel a little intimidated. Trust me—these pancakes are worth every second spent!

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

First, start by cooking the bacon. You can either fry it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. If you choose the latter, lay the strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. Whichever method you opt for, ensure the bacon is crispy. Once done, place it on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

While the bacon is cooking, you should make your pancake batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. This step ensures all those flavor-packed powders get evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. Whisk them together until combined. The butter should be slightly cooled so it doesn’t scramble the egg.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; some lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. This is the key to fluffy pancakes.

Step 5: Incorporate the Bacon

Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and fold it into your batter. Mix gently to maintain the fluffiness of the pancakes.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, you can either spray it with cooking spray or brush it lightly with oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for around 3-5 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer them to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve immediately with maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or your toppings of choice!

Tips on Making Bacon Pancakes

To elevate your bacon pancake game even further, follow these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: The taste of your pancakes depends significantly on the freshness of your ingredients. Use fresh eggs and buttermilk for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter leads to tough pancakes. Mix until just combined.
Keep the Temperature Steady: If your skillet is too hot, the outside will cook faster than the inside. Medium heat is your best friend here.
Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps to create fluffier pancakes.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg, or ingredients like vanilla extract or even shredded cheese for a fun twist!

Nutrition Information

One serving (2 pancakes) approximately has:

Calories: 400
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g

Remember, the nutritional values may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the actual portion sizes.

How Do You Store Bacon Pancakes?

If you find yourself with extra pancakes, or if you want to be prepped for a quick breakfast later in the week, here’s how to store them:

1. Cool Completely: Let the pancakes cool to room temperature.
2. Storage: Place them in an airtight container or layered between parchment paper in a zip-top bag.
3. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual pancakes wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper for up to a month.

When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or toaster until warmed through.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Bacon Pancakes?

There are numerous options available if you’d like to modify the classic bacon pancake recipe. Here are five delightful alternatives:

Turkey Bacon: A lighter version of bacon that provides a similar texture and flavor without as much fat, perfect for those watching their intake.
Vegetarian Bacon: For a plant-based option, veggie bacon can lend a smokiness to your pancakes. Look for high-quality brands that replicate the flavor.
Sausage Crumbles: Instead of bacon, cooked sausage crumbles can add a new flavor profile that many will love.
Chopped Pancake Mix-Ins: Consider adding cheese, herbs, or even jalapeños for a savory twist that will surprise your taste buds.
Nut Butter Swirl: Drizzle some almond or peanut butter on top for a richer, nutty flavor. It pairs well with the sweet syrup!

Carolyn Richardson

When you think of breakfast, what usually comes to mind? Fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, perhaps a side of fresh fruit? Now, envision a dish that brings all those elements together.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

Bowl

Ingredients

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons cane sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
1 ¼ cups buttermilk preferably cultured
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 large egg
8 slices applewood-smoked bacon