These savory spinach and cream cheese pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The creamy filling combined with a rich béchamel sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re serving family or guests, these pancakes are sure to impress!
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pancakes:
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp sugar (4 g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5 g)
- 1 cup of milk (250 ml)
- 1 cup flour (125 g)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (30 g)
- 1/2 cup warm water (125 ml)
For the Filling:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 250-300 g spinach (9-10.5 oz)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250 g cream cheese (9 oz)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter (45 g)
- 2 tbsp flour (16 g)
- 2 cups of milk (500 ml)
- Salt and nutmeg, to taste
Topping:
- 60 g cheese (mozzarella, grated) (2 oz)
Directions:
- Pancakes: Whisk together eggs, sugar, and salt. Add milk, flour, melted butter, and warm water, and mix until smooth. Cook pancakes in a greased pan until golden on both sides.
- Filling: Sauté onion in vegetable oil until soft. Add spinach and cook until tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Mix with cream cheese and season with salt.
- Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and nutmeg.
- Assembly: Pour a little béchamel sauce into a casserole dish. Fill pancakes with the spinach mixture, roll them, and place in the dish. Cover with more sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine for an elegant meal.
- Add a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen works well too.
- For a richer béchamel, substitute half the milk with cream.
- Make sure the sauce thickens before using it in the dish to avoid sogginess.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
- Eggs provide high-quality protein, while cream cheese adds calcium.
- This dish offers a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warm or in the microwave.
- Freeze assembled pancakes before baking for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
- The combination of creamy spinach and béchamel sauce is incredibly comforting.
- Perfect for meal prep—just assemble, bake, and enjoy!
- A great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.
Conclusion: These spinach and cream cheese pancakes are a unique and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving. Try it out, and let us know how you like it!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just thaw and drain it before cooking. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative. - Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead and store them in the fridge or freeze them. - What other fillings can I use?
You can use mushrooms, ricotta, or even sautéed bell peppers as alternatives. - How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking?
Make sure your pan is properly greased and preheated before adding the batter. - Can I use a different cheese for the topping?
Yes, try cheddar, Gruyère, or even Parmesan for a different flavor. - Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free milk and cream cheese, and a vegan butter substitute. - Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Substitute the flour with almond flour and use a low-carb cream cheese. - How do I make the béchamel sauce thicker?
Cook it longer over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired thickness. - Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken or ham can be added to the filling for extra protein.