Delicious Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe

Oh, you guys, let me tell you about this Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby Pancake! Imagine this fluffy, golden pancake puffing up in the oven, like a warm hug on a plate… It’s all airy and eggy, then, bam, you get that salty bite from the ham and melty goodness of cheese. Seriously, it’s like brunch and a cozy dinner had a delicious baby! Perfectly satisfying for any meal, especially when you’ve got friends or family around to share it with… or maybe just to keep for yourself, you know?

Why You’ll Crave It

• This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, I mean who doesn’t love ham and cheese?
• It’s pretty quick—like, you can have this on the table in just 30 minutes!
• The way it puffs up in the oven and has those crispy edges… just heavenly.
• You can totally customize it, make it your own… swap in veggies or different cheeses if you want!
• Great for brunch, dinner, or even breakfast for dinner… because why not, right?

Honestly, my family fights over the last slice… like it’s a treasure or something!

What You’ll Need

• Eggs: 4 large, the fresher the better—I always say!
• Milk: 1 cup, whole milk gives the best texture, but use what you have!
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup, make sure it’s sifted for the fluffiest outcome.
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, oh the buttery goodness, right?
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, it enhances all those flavors.
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, just a little kick.
• Diced ham: 1 cup, leftover ham works great here.
• Shredded cheese: 1 cup, cheddar or Swiss, just go with what you like!
• Chopped fresh herbs: (optional) Some chives or parsley for that pop of color and flavor at the end!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Started!

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) because that’s going to help our pancake puff up beautifully. Then, grab that trusty 10-inch cast iron skillet—place it in the oven as it heats up. Why? Well, it makes the edges nice and crispy… and who doesn’t want that? Next, in a mixing bowl—just a regular bowl, nothing fancy—whisk together those eggs, milk, flour, and a pinch of salt until it’s all smooth and creamy. If you see lumps… no worries, just keep whisking! Then we’ll fold in our ham and shredded cheese gently because we need to keep that airiness! Careful, careful!

Once your oven is hot, carefully take the skillet out (don’t burn yourself, please!). Add in 2 tablespoons of butter, then right back into the oven until that butter is melted and bubbly… oh, it’s going to smell delightful! Now, pour your batter into the skillet, spreading it around a bit… then pop that back in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. It should puff up and become this glorious golden-brown masterpiece. Take it out—it’ll be a little wobbly, but that’s okay! Serve it right away because it’ll start to deflate once it cools down… and we don’t want that!

Good to Know

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try different cheeses like a sharp gouda—makes it extra special!
• You can easily swap the ham out for sautéed veggies if you want a veggie version. Zucchini or bell peppers are great choices.
• This pancake reheats well, just pop it in the oven for a few minutes to crispy it back up!

Serving Ideas

• Garnish with fresh herbs, or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.

Top Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients—they blend together better and help with fluffiness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pancake in advance?

Well, you can prepare the batter ahead of time, but… and this is key, it’s best to cook it fresh for that perfect fluffiness you want. Trust me on this!

What can I substitute for ham and cheese?

Really, you can toss in whatever strikes your fancy—like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a nice twist… maybe even some crumbled feta if you’re in that mood!

How do I store leftovers?

Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. A quick reheat in the oven or microwave works a treat!

Can I use a different type of pan?

Absolutely! A regular oven-safe pan works too, but just know the results might be a little different, not as crisp. But hey, it’ll still taste great!

What should I serve with a Dutch baby pancake?

You could go sweet with some syrup and fresh fruits, or keep it savory with a dollop of sour cream—it’s your call!

Conclusion

The ham and cheese Dutch baby pancake is just one of those dishes that feels welcoming and homey, you know? With its fluffy texture and savory flavor, it’s perfect for any time of day. Plus, you can play around with ingredients, making it a fun favorite for everyone in the family. Seriously, try it out and watch it become a star on your table!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Dutch Baby

Incorporate seasonal vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or spinach for a nutritious twist that everyone will enjoy!

Sweet Dutch Baby

Swap those savory fillings for something sweet—blueberries or bananas with a sprinkle of cinnamon is pure bliss!

Herbed Cheese Dutch Baby

Get creative with your cheeses and fresh herbs like dill or tarragon to elevate those flavors.

Breakfast Meat Combo

Add crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier twist that’ll delight anyone who loves breakfast!

Spiced Apple Dutch Baby

In the fall, sauté some apples with cinnamon and nutmeg, then layer them in for the coziest, seasonal dish!

Smoked Salmon Dutch Baby

Top it off with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers for a chic brunch option that feels fancy yet so easy!