These Potato-Filled Pancakes are a unique and delicious twist on traditional pancakes. With a savory mashed potato filling enclosed in a light, fluffy pancake, they make for a perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of crispy pancake and creamy potato filling, along with optional cheese and herbs, offers a comforting and flavorful meal.
Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings (approximately 8 pancakes)
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Breakfast
Ingredients:
For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) vanilla extract (optional)
For the Potato Filling:
- 2 medium potatoes (about 2 cups), peeled and boiled
- 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
1. Prepare the Potato Filling:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Mash the boiled potatoes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika (if using) for added flavor.
- Stir in the grated cheese and mix until well combined. Set the potato filling aside while you prepare the pancake batter.
2. Make the Pancake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using).
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
3. Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet, spreading it out into a round pancake shape.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the pancake from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining batter until all the pancakes are cooked.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Place a spoonful of the mashed potato filling in the center of each pancake.
- Fold the edges of the pancake over the filling to create a “pocket” or closed shape, enclosing the creamy potato filling inside.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of melted butter for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
5. Serve:
- Serve the potato-filled pancakes warm, with additional cheese on top or a side of sour cream for a tangy contrast to the rich filling.
Serving Suggestions:
-
With Sour Cream:
Serve the pancakes with a side of sour cream or a drizzle of yogurt for a tangy and creamy complement to the savory filling. -
Topped with Extra Cheese:
Add extra grated cheese on top while the pancakes are still warm so that it melts beautifully into the filling. -
With a Fresh Salad:
Serve these pancakes with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the potato filling. -
As a Side Dish:
These savory pancakes can also be served as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a hearty meal.
Cooking Tips:
-
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Overmixing the batter can result in dense pancakes. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. -
Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
For the best results, ensure your milk and butter are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. -
Adjust Consistency:
If the pancake batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. -
Keep Pancakes Warm:
To keep the pancakes warm while you cook the others, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F / 93°C) until all are ready. -
Make it Vegan:
Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for the egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Variations to Try:
-
Spicy Version:
Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the potato filling for a bit of heat. -
Meat Filling:
Swap the mashed potato filling for ground meat like sausage or beef for a heartier version of this dish. -
Herb-Infused Potato Filling:
Add chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the potato filling for a more aromatic flavor. -
Bacon and Cheese:
Mix crispy bacon bits and extra cheese into the filling for added flavor and texture. -
Vegetable-Filled Pancakes:
For a vegetarian twist, add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mashed potatoes for a nutrient-packed filling.
Conclusion:
These Potato-Filled Pancakes are the perfect combination of fluffy, tender pancakes and a creamy, savory potato filling. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they are a comforting and satisfying dish that can easily be customized with different fillings and toppings. Enjoy them as a main course with a side of fresh salad or as a fun, savory snack to share with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
-
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove to serve warm. -
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pancakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. -
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Sweet potatoes will add a slight sweetness to the filling, making for a unique twist. -
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free. -
Can I add cheese to the potato filling?
Yes, adding cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese to the potato filling will give it a creamy, cheesy texture that complements the pancakes perfectly.