Golden-brown salty pancakes with ham and cheese on a brunch table

Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese – A Comfort Classic with a Gourmet Twist

by

There’s something incredibly comforting about the scent of pancakes sizzling on the griddle. Growing up in a small Italian household, weekends meant food and laughter my nonna would make her signature savory pancakes filled with meats and cheeses she had on hand. Inspired by her culinary magic, I’ve adapted her method into a more universal favorite: Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese.

These pancakes are perfect for brunch, a cozy lunch, or even a quick dinner. They combine the fluffiness of classic pancakes with the irresistible umami of aged ham and gooey cheese. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: Swap out cheeses or add herbs to suit your taste.
  • Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love them!
  • Ingredients Salty Pancakes with Ham and Cheese

For the Pancakes:

Sliced ham and grated cheese on a wooden board
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Filling Options:

  • 100g thinly sliced ham (like prosciutto or cooked Parma ham)
  • 100g grated cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or fontina work beautifully)
  • Optional: finely chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

Mixing pancake batter in a bowl on a wooden table
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in milk and olive oil.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix some lumps are fine.

Preheat and Pour

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan. Gently spread it to form a circle.

Add the Magic

Salty pancake cooking in a pan with visible cheese and ham
  1. While the top is still wet, sprinkle a bit of cheese and place strips of ham over it.
  2. Spoon a tiny bit of batter over the filling to seal it inside.

Flip & Finish

  1. When bubbles form and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes), flip carefully.
  2. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Served salty pancakes with ham, cheese, and sour cream
  • Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey mustard.
  • Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted cherry tomatoes.
  • These also reheat beautifully perfect for packed lunches!

Recipe Tips

  • For extra crispiness, lightly butter the pan between batches.
  • Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika to the batter.
  • Using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet adds a delicious golden crust.

Culinary Heritage & Inspiration

While this recipe is modernized, the idea of savory pancakes has deep roots in European cooking. Think of French galettes or Austrian blintzes simple, rustic, and hearty. The ham and cheese combo? That’s a nod to the classic Croque Monsieur, folded into a fluffy pancake hug.

Share Your Creations

Did you try this salty pancake recipe? Snap a photo and tag it with #SavoryBrunchMagic or leave your favorite add-ins in the comments! I’d love to see your twist on this comforting classic.