Easy & Fluffy Savory Cheese Pancakes with Sour Cream: Your New Favorite Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch!

Forget everything you thought you knew about pancakes! While sweet pancakes have long reigned supreme, these incredibly easy and fluffy savory cheese pancakes are here to revolutionize your breakfast, brunch, or even lunch routine. Infused with rich cheddar and made with the secret ingredient of sour cream, they offer a delightful tang and an unbeatable tender texture. They’re so quick to whip up, you won’t want to reserve them just for the weekend – any day is a good day for these delicious, customizable cheese pancakes.

Close up on a stack of 4 fluffy savory cheese pancakes topped with sour cream and green onions on a white plate

Why You’ll Adore These Savory Cheese Pancakes

There’s something uniquely satisfying about taking a classic comfort food and giving it an unexpected savory twist. Just like my popular Savory Cheese Scones, these cheese pancakes break the mold, proving that pancakes don’t always have to be drenched in syrup. Imagine starting your day, or enjoying a midday meal, with a stack of golden-brown pancakes bursting with cheesy flavor. These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re exceptionally light and wonderfully fluffy, creating the perfect canvas for an array of savory toppings. Whether you prefer a simple dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs, or something more substantial like smoked salmon and cream cheese, these pancakes can handle it all.

Moreover, their versatility extends to the batter itself – feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, meats, or aromatic herbs to truly make this basic recipe your own. The culinary possibilities are truly endless, making them a fantastic choice for creative cooks and picky eaters alike. They offer a delightful change from traditional sweet breakfasts and are so easy to customize, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheese Pancakes

Flatlay of ingredients including eggs, milk, sour cream, flour, salt, olive oil, and grated cheese

Creating these delectable savory cheese pancakes requires just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. However, don’t let their simplicity fool you; each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. This recipe is also incredibly adaptable, allowing for easy customization to perfectly match your personal preferences. Consider these pancakes your ideal starting point for a truly memorable meal!

To achieve the best results for these fluffy Savory Cheese Pancakes, you will need (full quantities available in the recipe card below):

Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly with other ingredients, ensuring a more uniform batter and a lighter, fluffier pancake.
Olive Oil: A good quality, mild-flavored olive oil is recommended. It adds a subtle richness without overpowering the cheese, contributing to the pancakes’ tender crumb.
Full Cream Milk: Whole milk provides richness and helps create a tender texture. For those with dietary restrictions, a dairy-free milk alternative works just as well.
Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient for extra tang and incredible moisture. Ensure your sour cream is at room temperature. If it’s too cold and stiff, it won’t incorporate smoothly, leading to lumps. A quick whisk or a few seconds in the microwave can help loosen it up.
Self-Rising Flour: To make this recipe even quicker and simpler, we use self-rising flour, which already contains leavening agents. This means no need for separate baking powder or baking soda! However, if you only have plain all-purpose flour on hand, don’t worry – you can easily substitute it (see the ‘Ingredient Substitution’ section below for ratios).
Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the savory notes of the cheese.
Grated Cheese: I personally love using a strong, sharp Cheddar Cheese for its robust flavor, which truly shines in these pancakes. However, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to use any type of hard grated cheese you prefer. Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses can yield fantastic results. We’ll delve deeper into cheese choices in the FAQ section.

Optional: Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite Spices! A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, a hint of chili for a kick, or even some cumin can elevate the flavor profile. Mustard powder also pairs wonderfully with cheese.

Just like for my 3-ingredient Banana Pancakes, I used Self-Rising Flour instead of regular flour. This cuts down on ingredients like baking powder, making the recipe even easier and quicker. But you can absolutely use Plain Flour instead – see the ratios below for a seamless swap.

Ingredient Substitutions for Your Savory Pancakes

Flexibility is key in the kitchen, and this recipe is wonderfully forgiving when it comes to substitutions:

Olive Oil: If olive oil isn’t your preference or simply unavailable, any neutral-flavored oil like canola, vegetable, or melted butter can be used as a direct substitute. Each will subtly alter the flavor, but the overall result will still be delicious.
Sour Cream: For a similar tang and texture, you can confidently swap sour cream for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or natural yogurt. Greek yogurt will make the pancakes slightly denser but equally moist and flavorful.
Self-Rising Flour: If you only have Plain / All-Purpose Flour, you can easily convert it. You’ll need to add extra leavening agents: for every cup of plain flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. This will ensure your pancakes are just as light and fluffy. Scroll down to the FAQ section below for precise ratios.

A stack of golden brown cheese pancakes topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh spring onions

How to Make Delicious Savory Cheese Pancakes

These savory pancakes are incredibly simple and quick to make. It almost took me longer to grate the cheese than it did to prepare the pancake batter! You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced techniques – just a bowl, a whisk, and a pan.

The process essentially breaks down into three straightforward steps: combining wet ingredients, adding dry ingredients, and then folding in the star of the show – the cheese. Easy peasy!

Here is how to make these fluffy savory cheese pancakes:

Place the Eggs, Olive Oil, Milk, and Sour Cream in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture (*).
Add the Self-Rising Flour and Salt. For the fluffiest pancakes without any unwelcome lumps, I highly recommend sifting the flour before adding it to the wet ingredients. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and free of any flour pockets. At this point, you could also stir in any optional spices you’d like to include.

(*) A crucial tip here: if your sour cream is particularly cold or stiff straight from the fridge, it might clump. A quick whisk on its own or a few seconds in the microwave can help it reach a more blendable consistency. You want it smooth and pourable to integrate seamlessly with the other liquids.

Process shot showing wet ingredients mixed and dry ingredients being added to make savory cheese pancake batter

The last step is to add the Grated Cheese. Simply mix it into the batter with a whisk, making sure it is fully mixed in to avoid pockets of cheese. This ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness. Note that if you grate the cheese yourself, I recommend grating it before starting to make this recipe to save time.

At this point, your basic pancake batter is ready and you can add any other fillings you would like. Make sure to mix them in well so that they are evenly incorporated into the batter! Alternatively, toppings can also be added over the cooking pancakes in the pan.

The last step is the cooking of the pancakes. And this one is no different than cooking any sweet pancakes – you will just need a Pan! I used my Cast Iron Crêpe Pan that is just as perfect for cooking pancakes. But you could also use a Non-Stick Skillet or regular Cast Iron Pan – or any utensil you usually use for pancakes.

Heat your chosen pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease it with a touch of oil or butter. Using an ice cream scoop or a ladle will help you pour consistent amounts of batter, leading to uniformly sized pancakes. Pour a portion of the batter onto the hot pan and let it cook for about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip when you see bubbles appearing on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 2 minutes or until it’s beautifully golden brown on both sides. Repeat this process until all your batter is used up.

These pancakes are absolutely best enjoyed immediately, while they are warm and at their fluffiest. However, if you need to prepare them in advance, they can be easily reheated in a microwave for a few seconds before serving, or gently warmed in a dry pan.

Process shots showing grated cheese being mixed into pancake batter and pancakes cooking in a pan

Expert Tips for the Best Savory Cheese Pancakes

If the Sour Cream is too cold or seems rather hard, place it in the microwave for a few seconds or whisk it vigorously to smooth it out. If the sour cream is too stiff when mixed with the rest of the wet ingredients, it will create unwanted lumps in your batter.
If the Wet Ingredients seem lumpy after mixing them together (usually because the Sour Cream was too cold or hard), you can use an Immersion Blender to smooth it out for a few seconds. This will ensure a perfectly consistent batter.
Make sure to sift the Flour before adding it to the batter to avoid creating lumps. This simple step contributes significantly to the fluffy texture of your pancakes.
The Cheese can be grated very finely or more coarsely, depending on the texture of pancakes you desire. A finer grate will melt more uniformly, while a coarser grate will result in delightful “pockets” of gooey, melted cheese throughout the pancakes.
Depending on the type of Pan you use, you might need to grease it slightly between cooking each pancake, or every few pancakes, to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful browning.
Adjust the temperature of the stove while cooking pancakes if they seem to brown very quickly (reduce heat) or take a long time to cook through (increase heat). Consistency is key for evenly cooked pancakes.
To get round and even pancakes, use a large round cookie cutter or pastry ring placed in the pan as a guide when pouring the batter. An ice cream scoop or consistent ladle also helps with portion control.
Flip the pancakes once you start seeing plenty of bubbles on the surface and the edges begin to look set and dry. This indicates the underside is golden and ready for flipping.

Side view of a stack of fluffy cheese pancakes, showing their airy texture

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Cheese Pancakes

What type of Cheese is best to use?

For this recipe, I initially used Cheddar Cheese, which offers a robust and satisfying flavor. I’ve also experimented with Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. While all are delicious, my personal preference leans towards a cheese with a stronger, more assertive taste. However, the choice is entirely up to you! You can basically use any type of grated cheese in these pancakes you’d like, but the variety you pick will affect the texture of the pancakes.

A grated hard cheese like Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère will blend very well within the pancake batter, creating a uniform cheesy flavor throughout. In comparison, a cheese that tends to melt into gooey pockets with heat, like Mozzarella, will create delightful pockets of melted cheese inside the pancakes. Both options are equally delicious, just offering different textural experiences!

You can also use multiple cheeses if you want to vary both taste and texture! For instance, a blend of Mozzarella and Cheddar works exceptionally well together.

How to make Self-Rising Flour at home?

You can very easily make your own blend of Self-Rising Flour at home by simply mixing Plain/All-Purpose Flour with Baking Powder and Salt. This homemade blend can be kept for months in a sealed jar or container, just like any other flour!

To make this specific recipe with Plain or All-Purpose Flour instead of self-rising, for every 225 grams (1 ½ cups) of plain flour, you will need to add 1 ½ teaspoons of Baking Powder and ½ teaspoon of Baking Soda. This ensures your pancakes get the perfect lift and fluffy texture.

Creative Fillings & Toppings Ideas

Flavorful Filling Ideas for Your Pancake Batter

As explained above, this savory pancake recipe is truly a fantastic base that can be customized with your favorite ingredients (although I personally love them plain!). Integrating additional ingredients directly into the batter or sprinkling them over the pancakes as they cook can elevate the flavor and texture significantly.

For example, you could add:

Veggies: Finely diced corn, sautéed mushrooms, chopped onions (caramelized or fresh), sun-dried tomatoes, or even lightly sautéed spinach can add wonderful flavor and texture.
Meat: Transform your pancakes into a heartier meal with diced cooked ham, crispy bacon bits, thinly sliced bresaola, or finely chopped salami. Cooked sausage crumbles or shredded chicken can also be fantastic additions.
Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly. Chives, parsley, dill, basil, or even a touch of thyme, finely chopped, will add a fragrant, fresh element.

Irresistible Savory Pancake Toppings

The toppings are where you can truly let your imagination run wild! To go with this dish, I simply topped the pancakes with a little bit of cool Sour Cream, fresh chopped Spring Onions (Scallions), and a generous grind of Salt and freshly cracked Black Pepper. But the possibilities are truly infinite, catering to every craving!

Savory jams, delicious sauces, or rich spreads, as well as cooked veggies like sautéed mushrooms or deeply flavorful caramelized onions, will be absolutely delicious too. Or go all in with the cheese with some creamy Cream Cheese or chunky Cottage Cheese.

Here are a few savory topping ideas to inspire you:

A simple Poached, Fried, or Scrambled Egg for a classic breakfast addition.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese – a delightful combination that brings a bagel-like experience!
Sautéed Mushrooms with Onions or Garlic for an earthy, aromatic touch.
Caramelized Onion Chutney from Milk and Pop, offering a sweet and tangy counterpoint.
Bacon Jam from House of Nash Eats, for a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet indulgence.
Smashed avocado with a squeeze of lime and chili flakes for a fresh, creamy, and zesty option.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy, salty burst of flavor.

A beautifully presented stack of savory cheese pancakes on a white plate, ready to be served

More Delightful Savoury Breakfast Recipes

Cheddar and Broccoli Quiche
Gruyère and Leek Tart
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
Cheddar and Spinach Muffins
Spinach and Feta Quiche
Cheese and Tomato Quiche
Zucchini Muffins with Goat’s Cheese
Sweet Potato Bread Buns

I am so excited to share that my debut cookbook
“Bite-Sized French Pastries for the Beginner Baker”
is now available for purchase!

Find out more

Cover of the cookbook 'Bite-Sized French Pastries for the Beginner Baker'

Savory Cheese Pancakes Recipe

Savory Cheese Pancakes

★★★★★ (5/5 from 12 votes)

These super light and fluffy Savory Cheese Pancakes make a delicious and original dish to serve for breakfast, brunch or even lunch with your favourite toppings.

Servings: 4 Pancakes

Author: Sylvie

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
15 mins

Total Time
25 mins

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 large Eggs
30 ml (2 tablespoons) Olive Oil
125 ml (1/2 cup) Full Cream / Whole Milk
125 gr (1/2 cup) Sour Cream
225 gr (1 1/2 cup) Self-Rising Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
50 gr (1 cup) Grated Cheddar Cheese, or your preferred type of grated cheese
Optional: your choice of Spices

Instructions

Finely grate the Cheddar Cheese (or your preferred cheese) and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Eggs, Olive Oil, Milk and Sour Cream until smooth.
Sift in the Self-Rising Flour and Salt and whisk until smooth and no lumps remain. Optional: any of your favourite spices can be added with the rest of the dry ingredients too.
Add the Grated Cheese and fold it into the batter. It should be evenly distributed to avoid pockets of cheese.
Heat up a large saucepan (crepe pan, skillet or non-stick pan) on medium high and lightly grease it with oil or butter. Pour some Pancake Batter on the heated saucepan and leave to cook for about 2 minutes, or until you see bubbles appear on the surface. Flip the pancake and leave to cook for another 2 minutes (approx.), or until golden. Repeat until you have cooked all the batter.
Top with your choice of toppings and eat straight away while still warm.

Notes

Yield: This recipe will make approximately 5 large pancakes, suitable for 2 or 3 people.

Ingredient Notes:

Self-Rising Flour can be replaced by the same amount of Plain/All-Purpose Flour with the addition of 1 1/2 teasp. of Baking Powder and 1/2 teasp. of Baking Soda.

Instruction Notes:

If the Sour Cream seems hard or stiff when it comes out the fridge, I recommend heating it up for a few seconds or whisking it to loosen it. If too hard when added to the rest of the wet ingredients, it will create lumps.
It is important to sift the Dry Ingredients to avoid creating any lumps in the batter.
The time it will take for your pancakes to cook will depend on the temperature of your pan, and the type of pan you use. Simply check the color if you are unsure – they should look golden.

Nutrition (per serving)

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