Bacon Pancakes are the best breakfast treat. The perfect balance between sweet and savory, each bite of these pancakes is fluffy but has a slight crunch.
Bacon Pancakes
Why choose between a sweet and savory breakfast when it’s possible to have both in one simple recipe? Bacon pancakes are the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with the smoky flavor of bacon enhancing the tastiness of classic pancakes.
Adding bacon to pancakes takes them to the next level, not only flavor-wise but also texture-wise. Each bite is soft and fluffy but has a slight crunch.
Plus, bacon pancakes are so easy to make. The entire recipe can be made in a single skillet and takes only half an hour to prepare.
Bacon simply has a way of making everything better. Some of my other favorite recipes with bacon include these hearty bacon wrapped chicken tenders, air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp, and comforting bacon cheeseburger casserole.
Why you will love this recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- A fusion between sweet and savory flavors
- Easy to personalize with toppings
How to Make Perfect Bacon Pancakes
Mix the batter. Except for the flour, combine all of the ingredients for the batter. Then, incorporate the flour until the batter is smooth.
Cook the bacon. I like to dice up the strips before cooking. It tends to crisp faster and more evenly than cooking the strips whole, then crumbling.
Leave some bacon grease in the pan. Bacon grease will add plenty of flavor, as well as ensure that the pancakes don’t stick to the pan.
Pour pancake mixture into the skillet. The pan should be on medium heat for best results.
Add bacon to the runny side. Spread the bacon bits out evenly while the batter is still runny.
Cook each side for 1-2 minutes, then flip. Set edges, bubbles, and browning are good indicators that it’s ready to flip.
Repeat until the batter runs out. Serve warm and enjoy with toppings.
Pro Tips
- Sifting is key. I advise sifting the flour beforehand to avoid ending up with a lumpy batter.
- A blender can improve consistency. While a whisk and mixing bowl will work just fine, I like to use a blender to get the smoothest consistency.
- Overmixing will ruin the texture. Whether using a blender or whisk, it’s important to avoid overmixing the batter. This can result in overly dense pancakes.
- Gentle flipping gives the best results. Flipping pancakes too hard can result in them deflating.
- Toppings are encouraged. This recipe is easy to personalize with everyone’s favorite toppings. Some of the best toppings for bacon pancakes include maple syrup, extra bacon, or cream.
- An oven will keep big batches warm. Cooked pancakes can be kept in a low-temperature oven while the rest of the batch is being made.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Bacon Pancakes
Milk: I use regular milk, but non-dairy milk will also work just fine.
Bacon: Thin-cut or thick-cut bacon are equally great options, depending on preference. I like to have this prepped ahead of time so I can get right to making the pancakes!
Eggs: Leaving the eggs at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them will make them easier to mix in.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two ingredients are essential for fluffy bacon pancakes.
Brown Sugar: I love the rich flavor of brown sugar and prefer it over white sugar in this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the best and most commonly used flour for pancakes.
Butter: If the pan is too dry, even with bacon grease, adding some butter is an easy fix.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon Pancakes
How do I know when to flip pancakes?
Pancakes are ready to be flipped when the edges begin to settle and when bubbles start to form on the surface. The pancake should be turning a beautiful golden brown color at this point.
How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Having some grease in the pan will make it easy to flip the pancakes and avoid them getting stuck to the pan. Leftover bacon grease will do the trick, as well as add flavor, but butter can also be used if desired.
Alternatively, a non-stick pan can be used and will make flipping incredibly easy. Temperature is key as well! If the pan isn’t hot enough, the batter won’t release properly.
Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
Yes! Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. They will last in the freeze for up to three months if stored properly.
Bacon Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk Non-dairy milk also works
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 small eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz bacon strips diced and cooked
- 3 tbsp butter for cooking
Instructions
- Mix the milk with vanilla extract, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar in a blender. Pulse until combined. Then, incorporate flour and give it a short blend until smooth. I’ve used a blender for a smoother consistency, but you can get the job done just by using a whisker and a mixing bowl. In that case, I’d advise you to sift the flour first to avoid lumps. Whether using a blender or a whisk, be cautious not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a fluffy result.
- Cook diced bacon in a previously heated skillet until it gets brownish and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Use the same skillet to cook your pancakes. Place the skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tbsp of butter if necessary. Then, drop some pancake mixture into the skillet. On top of the pancake batter, add some cooked bacon while it is still runny. Cook the pancake for 1- 2 minutes or until the edges begin to settle. Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake before flipping. This indicates that the bottom is cooked. Flip gently to avoid deflating the pancakes. Repeat until you run out of batter.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, butter, or extra bacon on top. If making a large batch, warm the cooked pancakes in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.
Notes
- Leaving the bacon grease in the skillet adds a rich, smoky flavor to the pancakes. If you find it too greasy, you can drain a bit of the excess grease and keep a thin layer for added flavor. On the contrary, when it is too dry, add butter.
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