Savoury pancakes: 18 delicious dinner pancakes to try this Pancake Day

From chicken to cheese, from bacon to fish, here are the best savoury pancake recipes to try for dinner this Pancake Day.

When you think of pancakes, you tend to think of them as sweet, stacked high and drizzled in maple syrup or crepe-style pancakes dusted with sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, however, pancakes can be served as a savoury option too.

Savoury toppings are becoming more and more popular amongst us Brits. According to a recent study conducted by food subscription service, HelloFresh, which revealed the UK's top 10 pancake toppings, bacon was rated fourth favourite and spinach was rated sixth as one of the best pancake fillings commonly Googled on Pancake Day. HelloFresh says; "Spinach pancakes are also another savoury favourite, incorporating a splash of colour and a healthy twist, spinach adds some green goodness to the simple pancake dish."

Whether pancakes are part of your epic fry-up for breakfast, grilled with cheese as a bread alternative for lunch, or stuffed full of tender chicken, spicy tomato sauce, and roasted peppers, there are plenty of ways to serve your favourite pancake recipe for dinner. You could even give a go at making a pancake in an air fryer this Pancake Day too.

Savoury pancake recipes and ideas

1. Cheese pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins

These pancakes are not just packed with cheese, they are also filled with tender broccoli florets - a great nutritional boost. The rich Cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce and broccoli pair perfectly together. A thin, crepe-style pancake would work best with this filling.

Get the recipe: Cheese pancakes

2. Sweetcorn pancakes

Serves: 6-8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins

If you're a fan of sweetcorn, you really must try this combination. Sweetcorn tossed with fresh spring onion, red chillies, and coriander. Drizzle in soy sauce and Sriracha chilli sauce for an extra punch of spice. A simple savoury twist on a crepe-style pancake.

Get the recipe: Sweetcorn pancakes

3. Italian crespelle pancakes

Serves: 8 | Skill level: Med | Total time: 45 mins

A mouthwatering combination of soft pancakes and rich ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling with fresh spinach leaves, garlic, onion, and grated nutmeg. Smothered in tomato sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked in the oven for half an hour until golden and crisp on top. Perfect for sharing.

Get the recipe: Italian crespelle pancakes

4. Cornmeal pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Med | Total time: 2 hours

These delicious, easy-to-make cornmeal pancakes are served with a spicy peanut chicken curry. In this recipe, we use chicken thighs however you could easily swap for leftover chicken which will speed up the cooking time. Add red chillies to taste - the more chillies, the spicier the pancakes will be.

Get the recipe: Cornmeal pancakes

5. Joe Wicks' pancakes

Serves: 1-2 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins

A mixture of both sweet and savoury, Joe Wicks brings three American classics together - pancakes, bacon, and maple syrup. These pancakes are on the healthier side however as they are made with bananas. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the banana, and the maple syrup really work wonders.

Get the recipe: Joe Wicks' pancakes

6. Chicken and spring onion pancakes

Serves: 1 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins

A speedy one-pan meal is certainly a great way to serve pancakes on Pancake Day for dinner. Crepe-style pancakes are packed with tender chunks of chicken, and spring onions, and seasoned with nutmeg. You could even swap the chicken for other cooked meats or leftovers instead such as pork or beef.

Get the recipe: Chicken and spring onion pancakes

7. Bacon and cheese pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time:  35 mins

Take savoury pancakes to the next level with this four-step recipe. These thick pancakes are made with rye flour, and buttermilk and are bejeweled with dried sour cherries for a burst of sweetness in every bite. Topped with streaky bacon, earthy walnuts, and strong blue cheese, these pancakes certainly don't shy away from flavour.

Get the recipe: Bacon and cheese pancakes

8. Avocado pancakes

Serves: 1-2 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins

If you're a fan of avocado you're going to love these extra soft, spongey pancakes made with avocado. It takes just four steps to make them, and they're perfect served with goat's cheese and homemade salsa verde. Or you could simply serve them as they are, drizzled with lime juice.

Get the recipe: Avocado pancakes

9. Salmon pancakes

Serves: 3-4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins

These salmon and mushroom-packed pancakes are served with a wonderfully creamy Hollandaise sauce which just brings the whole dish together. It takes five steps to make these pancakes. Garnish with chopped fresh dill and enjoy in under half an hour.

Get the recipe: Salmon pancakes

10. Squash pancakes

Serves: 4-6 | Skill level: | Total time: 40 mins

At just 144 calories, these squash pancakes are a great option for vegetarians made with butternut squash, vegetable stock, and watercress. The addition of Stilton cheese makes these pancakes a flavour-packed choice. This recipe would work just as well with other cheeses too. 

Get the recipe: Squash pancakes

11. Chicken pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins

Think chicken and leek pie filling, but served in a soft pancake crepe-style wrap. The hint of wholegrain mustard gives the filling a warming spice. Pancakes are best warmed before serving so make them fresh or reheat them in the microwave before adding your filling.

Get the recipe: Chicken pancakes

12. Crispy duck pancakes

Serves: 10 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins

Traditionally duck pancakes are made with Chinese, wafer-thin pancakes, however, you could easily adapt this recipe to suit the style of pancake you've made. Crepes would work best. The lightly spiced, tender pieces of duck and sticky sweet hoisin sauce work wonders together.

Get the recipe: Crispy duck pancakes

13. Panchiladas

Serves: 2 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins

It takes just a handful of ingredients to make these hearty 'Panchiladas' - a pancake twist on the classic Mexican dish - enchiladas. Tender strips of chicken, roasted red peppers, tomato sauce, jalapeno peppers, and mounds of grated cheese - what more could you want for dinner? 

Get the recipe: Panchiladas

14. Mexican pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins

A simple pancake dinner that can be on the table in just 45 minutes. A chilly infused mince filling with onion, tomatoes, and soya beans. The cheese coating gives the pancakes a golden crunch. Serve with fresh salad and enjoy.

Get the recipe: Mexican pancakes

15. Thai pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins

These Pad Thai pancakes are delicate yet bursting with heaps of flavour and taste. The mix of vegetables, beansprouts, and roasted salted peanuts give a crunch of bite, the lime and tamarind paste add a vibrant, zingy flavour and the soft tiger prawns make these pancakes extra special. 

Get the recipe: Thai pancakes

16. Schnitzcake

Serves: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins

Schnitzcake is a delicious spin on a German classic, Schnitzel. Succulent pork escallops are cooked in a buttery pancake mixture and fried on a pan. The pancake mixture coats the pork in a crisp, yet soft golden coating - almost like it's been deep-fried. Serve with watercress.

Get the recipe: Schnitzcake

17. Fish pancakes

Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins

These smokey fish pancakes are 495 calories per serving making them a hearty dinner choice on Pancake Day - sure to keep you fuller for longer thanks to the protein from the smoked haddock. The cream cheese, capers, and parsley make a light and refreshing dip to serve alongside this dish.

Get the recipe: Fish pancakes

18. Ham and cheese pancakes

Serves: 12 | Skill level: Med | Total time: 35 mins

A really simple, yet effective way to make the most out of leftover pancakes. Swap the usual slices of bread for pancakes and load them with melted Cheddar cheese and shredded ham hock. Roll and serve as they are with a side of ketchup or give them a healthy twist and serve with a fresh leaf salad.

Get the recipe: Ham and cheese pancakes

Related Features:

• What to do with leftover pancakes
• Best flour for pancakes and other common pancake questions answered
• How many calories are in a pancake?

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