Who doesn’t love a quick and easy recipe that delivers big on flavor? These Easy and Tasty Cheesy Pancakes are exactly that—a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and scrumptious. Perfect for those days when you want something warm and comforting but don’t have the time or desire to deal with yeast or an oven. These cheesy pancakes are made on the stovetop, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum taste. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or even a light meal, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Water: 95 ml (about 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- Salt: 1.5 g (about 1/4 teaspoon)
- Flour: 150 g (about 1 cup) + 1/4 cup for dusting
- Green Onions: 30 g (about 2 tablespoons), finely chopped
- Baking Soda: A pinch
- Cheese: 50 g (about 1.8 oz), grated
- Corn Starch: 1/4 cup (about 30 g)
- Salted Butter: 20 g (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- Oil: For frying (such as vegetable or sunflower oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the water and salt, stirring until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes manageable.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the Ingredients:
- Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the top.
- Add the finely chopped green onions and grated cheese to the dough. Knead the dough gently to incorporate the ingredients evenly.
- If the dough becomes too sticky due to the moisture from the onions and cheese, dust it with a little more flour.
- Form the Pancakes:
- Divide the dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want your pancakes. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a pancake shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Lightly dust each pancake with corn starch to prevent sticking and to give them a slight crispness when fried.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Add the pancakes to the pan, cooking them in batches if necessary. Fry each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- As the pancakes cook, press them lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a uniform thickness.
- Once cooked, remove the pancakes from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheesy pancakes warm, either on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice. They pair well with sour cream, salsa, or a simple garlic yogurt dip.
Cooking Tips
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in this recipe. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses can work well, depending on your flavor preference.
- Add Extra Flavor: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little black pepper to the dough.
- Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes to the dough for a spicy kick.
- Cook Slowly: Be patient when frying the pancakes. Cooking them on medium heat ensures that they cook through without burning on the outside, resulting in a perfectly crispy and golden exterior.
Nutritional Benefits
These cheesy pancakes are not just delicious; they also offer some nutritional benefits:
- Cheese: Cheese provides a good source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also contains protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.
- Green Onions: Green onions add flavor and a boost of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that support immune health.
- Flour: Flour provides carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. Opting for whole wheat flour can add additional fiber and nutrients to the recipe.
- Corn Starch: Corn starch helps create a crispy texture on the outside of the pancakes, adding a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These pancakes are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of preparation. Perfect for busy days or when you want a quick, tasty snack.
- No Yeast, No Oven: Skip the hassle of yeast and waiting for dough to rise. These pancakes are made without yeast and are cooked on the stovetop, making them a fast and convenient option.
- Versatile: Whether served as a snack, a side dish, or even a light meal, these cheesy pancakes are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day. They also pair well with a variety of dips and sauces.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of melted cheese and crispy dough is undeniably comforting. These pancakes are sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm, cheesy, and delicious.
Dietary Information
- Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories per pancake (depending on portion size and type of cheese used)
- Protein: 5-7 grams per pancake
- Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams per pancake
- Fats: 7-9 grams per pancake
- Fiber: 1-2 grams per pancake
These cheesy pancakes can be adapted to various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use plant-based cheese and butter to make a dairy-free or vegan version.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines the simplicity of basic ingredients with the richness of cheese, creating a dish that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. The water and flour form a simple dough that’s quickly elevated by the addition of cheese and green onions, while the baking soda adds a slight rise, making the pancakes fluffy yet crispy. The corn starch provides a delicate crunch, and frying them in butter and oil ensures a golden, flavorful finish. This balance of textures and flavors makes these cheesy pancakes an irresistible treat.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort, these Easy and Tasty Cheesy Pancakes are the answer. Perfect for any time of day, they offer a comforting, cheesy flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With no need for yeast or an oven, these pancakes are as convenient as they are delicious. So why not give them a try? You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you’re in the mood for something easy, cheesy, and satisfying.