There is something irresistibly delightful about a warm stack of fluffy pancakes infused with the savory goodness of cheese and the fresh zing of chives, and that’s exactly what makes this Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe a true winner in my book. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy weekend brunch or looking to impress guests with something a little different, these pancakes strike the perfect balance of creamy cheddar flavor and bright herbal notes, wrapped in a golden, tender flapjack that’s both comforting and elegant. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for any meal craving that savory twist on a classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe really lies in how simple and trusty the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role: the flour and baking powder give structure and lift, the cheddar cheese brings rich sharpness, and the chives add a fresh pop of green and flavor that brightens every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base providing the perfect pancake texture, light yet substantial.
- Baking powder: The secret to fluffy pancakes that rise beautifully with a slight bounce.
- Salt: Balances flavors, enhancing both the cheese and the batter itself.
- Milk: Adds moisture, helping to create that tender crumb that’s not too dense.
- Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a rich, golden batter.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses buttery flavor and ensures a tender, moist pancake.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy sharpness that’s the star of the dish.
- Fresh chives, finely chopped: Adds a mild oniony freshness and vibrant color.
- Additional butter or oil: Needed for frying, to get those irresistible golden edges.
How to Make Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisking these together ensures even distribution, so your pancakes will rise evenly and have just the right amount of savory flavor without clumps of salt or baking powder sneaking through.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth, then add the milk and melted butter. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly makes sure the butter is well distributed, which means your pancakes will turn out luxuriously moist without being greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until you just see the flour disappear. Avoid overmixing here—small lumps in the batter are your friend because they help keep the pancakes tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Add the Cheese & Chives
Now for the defining moment of this Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe: folding in the shredded cheddar and freshly chopped chives. Mix them in evenly but gently so every bite gets that perfect harmony of cheesy richness and fresh, herbal brightness.
Step 5: Heat the Pan
Warm up your non-stick skillet or griddle on medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. A hot, well-greased pan ensures your pancakes develop those beautiful golden-brown edges and cook through without sticking.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Wait patiently as bubbles begin to form on the surface — this is your signal to gently flip the pancake. Cook the other side for another minute or two until it’s perfectly golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Keep Warm
As each batch finishes, transfer the pancakes to a warm plate and cover them with a kitchen towel. This little trick helps maintain their fluffy warmth while you finish cooking the rest.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Serve these tender, flavorful pancakes while warm, optionally topped with some extra chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream or butter for an added touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives instantly lifts the visual appeal and freshness of these pancakes. A small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche adds a cool, creamy contrast that complements the cheesy savoriness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these pancakes with crisp mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh. Alternatively, smoked salmon or a poached egg on the side can transform the dish into a luxurious brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pancakes with layers of cream cheese and tomato slices in between for a savory pancake tower. You could also chop the pancakes into bite-sized pieces and serve as party finger food with a creamy dip spiked with chives for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe pancakes, wrap them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They hold their flavor and texture surprisingly well, making them perfect for a quick snack or meal later.
Freezing
To keep pancakes fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container. This way, they won’t stick together and can be stored for up to one month without losing their lovely taste or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your saved pancakes, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and crisped back up on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers a nice sharpness, other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or even feta can provide unique flavors. Just consider the moisture content as some cheeses might make the batter wetter.
Are these pancakes gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can make the batter up to a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking as some separation may occur.
What if I don’t have fresh chives?
Dried chives can work in a pinch, but fresh chives really provide that vibrant flavor and color that make the dish special. Alternatively, finely chopped green onions or scallions are a great substitute.
Do these pancakes work well for breakfast or dinner?
They’re incredibly versatile! The savory notes make them suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner paired with a salad or soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a dish that combines comfort and sophistication effortlessly, this Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe has got you covered. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a beloved staple. I genuinely hope you give it a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness as much as I do.
Print
Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 medium pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese & Chive Pancakes are savory, fluffy pancakes infused with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine the classic creaminess of cheddar with the bright, oniony flavor of chives, cooked to golden perfection on a skillet.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins and Cooking
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- Additional butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly for even distribution.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing; small lumps are fine to keep pancakes tender.
- Add Cheese and Chives: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives evenly throughout the batter.
- Heat Skillet: Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with additional butter or oil.
- Cook Pancakes: Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for roughly 2 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
- Keep Warm: Transfer pancakes to a warm plate and cover with a kitchen towel to retain heat. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve pancakes hot, optionally garnished with extra chives and a dollop of sour cream or butter for added flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain fluffy pancakes.
- Use fresh chives for the best flavor; dried chives can be substituted but use less.
- Adjust cooking heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring pancakes cook through.
- Optionally add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder for extra savory depth.
- These pancakes can be kept warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) if making larger batches.
