Flavored pancakes with cheese and ham
When I first made these cheese and ham pancakes, I barely set the platter on the table before they were gone. It's a simple recipe, but I've noticed they disappear quickly, especially when there's a big hunger in the house. It seems like a good idea for a quick dinner or a more substantial brunch, without needing complicated ingredients.
Quick info
Total time: about 40-45 minutes
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4-5 people
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: appetizer or quick dinner
Ingredients
300 g all-purpose flour
400 ml milk
2 eggs
200 g ham
1 pack of Apetito cheese from Delaco (or a spreadable cheese if you can't find that one)
1 sachet of baking powder
nutmeg (preferably freshly grated)
hot paprika
dried oregano
fresh tarragon for garnish
Optional: ketchup for serving
Preparation method
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of nutmeg. Crack the eggs and add them over the flour.
2. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. You should get a thicker pancake batter than usual.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet, and you don’t need to add much oil. Cook the pancakes one by one, about halfway thick between a classic pancake and a pancake. Leave them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they get a little color.
4. While the pancakes are cooking, cut the ham into strips or cubes and lightly brown it in a dry skillet. Just enough to make it a little crispy.
5. After finishing the pancakes, sprinkle a pinch of oregano, hot paprika, and a little more nutmeg on each one.
6. Place pieces of fried ham and Apetito cheese on each pancake, then roll them up while they are still warm. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the pancake.
7. Arrange them on a platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh tarragon, and if you want, add a little ketchup on top or beside.
8. Serve them immediately while they are warm.
Why I make the recipe often
It’s quick, doesn’t require many dishes, and fits well when you don’t feel like cooking something complicated. I like that you can vary the filling if you don’t have exactly what’s in the recipe. Plus, it’s the kind of food that can be on the main table or as a snack, depending on your needs.
Tips and variations
Tips
1. For fluffier pancakes, don’t overbeat the batter after adding the baking powder.
2. If you use a good skillet, you don’t need much oil between pancakes.
3. Nutmeg is quite strong in taste, so start with a little and add more only if you feel it’s necessary.
Substitutions
1. The ham can be replaced with bacon, boiled chicken breast, or even sautéed mushrooms.
2. Apetito cheese can be replaced with a spreadable cheese, cream cheese, or even grated cheese if you want a more intense flavor.
3. For those who don’t eat spicy food, use sweet paprika instead of hot.
Variations
1. You can add spinach or parsley leaves to the batter if you want them to come out greener and with a fresh taste.
2. If you don’t have fresh tarragon, leave it out or use another herb you have.
Serving ideas
They go well with a simple salad of tomatoes or roasted peppers if you want to make them a complete lunch. They can also be served on a platter, cut into smaller pieces, for parties or meals with more guests.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can the pancakes be made in advance?
You can cook the pancakes a few hours ahead and fill them when you need to. Filled and rolled, however, they are best served immediately.
2. What type of cheese works if I can't find Apetito?
You can use any spreadable cream cheese or even grated cheese, although the texture and taste will be slightly different.
3. Are the pancakes fluffy or thin?
The batter is a bit thicker than classic pancakes, so they come out slightly fluffier, but not as much as pancakes. They are in between the two in thickness.
4. Can I exclude the ham for a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can omit the ham and use mushrooms, peppers, or sautéed spinach instead.
5. Can the quantity be doubled for more guests?
Yes, the ingredients can be doubled without any problem. Just adjust the skillet - it shouldn't be too small.
Nutritional values
Estimate per serving (out of 5):
Calories: approximately 400-450 kcal
Protein: 16-18 g
Fat: 12-15 g
Carbohydrates: 55-60 g
Values are approximate and depend on the exact type of ham and cheese used, as well as how big you make each pancake.
Storage and reheating
Simple pancakes (without filling) can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. Once filled with ham and cheese, they are harder to store because their texture becomes soft. If you want to reheat them, the easiest way is in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes on each side. I do not recommend keeping them for more than a day after they have been filled.
This is the recipe, uncomplicated and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients: 300 g white flour, 400 ml milk, 2 eggs, 200 g ham, 1 pack of Delaco Apetit cheese, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking powder, hot paprika, oregano, fresh tarragon
