Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate dinner that blurs the cozy line between breakfast and a full-on feast, Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter are about to become your new obsession. Imagine fluffy, golden pancakes loaded with spiced chorizo, melty cheddar, and scallions, all crowned with crispy bacon and a dollop of zingy chilli butter. The whole lot is finished with a luscious drizzle of golden syrup, making every bite an epic combination of salty, smoky, cheesy, and sweet. Perfect for a relaxed evening or when you just need something a little extra special, this dish transforms humble pantry staples into a meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pancakes come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each earning its place for deeper flavors, great textures, and pops of color. Let’s quickly go through what makes each component absolutely essential for that Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter magic.
- Chorizo: Smoky, spicy, and a beautifully vibrant addition, it provides bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: The trusty base that delivers those thick, fluffy pancakes we all love.
- Baking powder: Don’t skimp! A whole tablespoon ensures exceptional lift and tenderness.
- Salt: A simple pinch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness from the final drizzle.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind your batter for pancakes that never fall apart.
- Milk (full or half-fat): Keeps things moist and creamy; go for full-fat if you want ultra-indulgence.
- Spring onions (scallions): These bring pops of freshness and a gentle bite, woven throughout the pancakes.
- Unsalted butter: Just a touch in the pan crisps up the pancakes beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
- Cheddar cheese (grated): Melts into gooey pockets—you’ll always wish for a bit more in every bite.
- Salted butter (slightly softened): The base for your fiery, fragrant chilli butter, which takes this dish over the top.
- Green chilli (finely chopped): You choose the heat! Jalapenos or chilies of your choice add a brightness that sings.
- Streaky bacon: Crispy, salty bits give the final stack unbeatable texture and flavor.
- Golden syrup: Drizzle on top for a glossy finish and a whisper of sweetness that rounds everything out perfectly.
How to Make Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter
Step 1: Prepare and Sizzle the Chorizo
Start your journey by turning on your oven to its lowest setting—this is your pancake-warming haven. Then, grab your favorite frying pan and place your chorizo chunks onto high heat. You want them to really sizzle for a minute or two, just until they start releasing those signature spicy oils. Once their color deepens and your kitchen carries that unmistakable chorizo aroma, slide them onto a plate so they’re ready for the next, cheesy step.
Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
Now, it’s batter time! In a large mixing bowl, toss in your flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and that all-important egg. Begin to whisk (a balloon whisk or fork works just fine), slowly adding the milk as you go. The batter should feel thick—almost spoonable—so don’t be nervous if it seems a bit lumpy. Resist the urge to keep stirring; those lumps promise pancakes with perfect texture. Fold in three-quarters of your finely chopped spring onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 3: Mix Up the Chilli Butter
Time for the secret weapon: the chilli butter. In a small bowl, stir together the softened salted butter and green chilli until they’re completely combined. For a firmer finish, pop it in the fridge to set, or leave it at room temperature for an ultra-spreadable texture. This is the flavor kicker that makes Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter shine.
Step 4: Sizzle and Flip!
Heat up your largest non-stick frying pan (or griddle if you have one) with a little melted unsalted butter brushed all over. Ladle on the batter—aim for about a quarter cup per pancake. Watch for bubbles cropping up on the top after a minute or so. That’s your cue: now, sprinkle some cooked chorizo and cheddar cheese onto each little pancake cloud.
Step 5: Pancake Perfection
With your cheese and chorizo in place, flip the pancakes carefully. Let them cook on the other side for another couple of minutes until cooked through, golden, and the kitchen smells utterly irresistible. Since this recipe delivers about a dozen pancakes, you’ll work in batches—just keep the cooked ones stashed in the cozy oven to stay warm and perfect.
Step 6: The Ultimate Assembly
Build your glorious stack by layering the pancakes, then heap on the crisped bacon, scatter over the remaining spring onions, and add a generous spoonful of that zingy chilli butter right on top. Don’t forget the golden syrup drizzle—this is the final touch that elevates Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter into a dinner you’ll rave about!
How to Serve Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter
Garnishes
A dish this vibrant deserves a finishing touch. Sprinkle the last of your spring onions for a bit of color and crunch, add extra chilli butter for those who love more heat, and serve with lemon wedges if you fancy a bright, zesty lift. Extra bacon bits on top never hurt, and don’t skip the golden syrup—it’s the sweet element that balances out all the savory goodness.
Side Dishes
Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter are fabulous on their own, but they also shine with a simple salad of fresh greens or peppery arugula for contrast. You might also want to set out a bowl of creamy coleslaw, some warm, buttered corn, or—if you’re feeling totally decadent—roasted potatoes for the heartiest dinner event.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the pancakes into showstopping snacks by making mini versions for a party, or pile them on a board with dips and extra toppings for a brunch-style spread. You can even serve them in a stack with layers of chilli butter and bacon between each pancake for a dramatic, drool-worthy tower everyone will want a piece of.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have leftover Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days—keep the bacon and chilli butter separate for ultimate freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, layer the cooled pancakes between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month. Bacon bits and chilli butter can be frozen separately; just wrap the butter well to prevent freezer smell.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat pancakes in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) covered with foil to trap the moisture, or pop them in the toaster for a quick fix. Warm the chilli butter gently in the microwave or at room temperature so it’s ready to spread on your hot pancakes.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix your pancake batter up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using; don’t worry if it thickens a little, as that can lead to even fluffier pancakes.
What can I use instead of chorizo?
If chorizo isn’t your thing, try using smoked sausage, cooked chopped ham, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian twist. The key is choosing something bold and flavorful to keep the spirit of Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter alive.
Is there a good substitute for golden syrup?
Yes! Maple syrup, honey, or even a touch of agave can work beautifully, bringing that essential hit of sweetness to balance all the savory elements.
Do the pancakes have to be served hot?
They’re at their absolute best when served fresh and hot, with the cheese melty and the chilli butter just starting to melt. But they’re also delicious cold or at room temperature—perfect for lunchboxes or a portable brunch.
How spicy is the chilli butter?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! Use milder peppers for a subtle kick or swap in hotter chillies if you like your pancakes with serious heat. You’re in control, so taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
Once you dig into your first stack of Savoury Dinner Pancakes with Chilli Butter, you’ll see why this is my go-to recipe for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. Don’t be surprised if your friends and family start requesting it on repeat—trust me, it’s impossible to resist. Go on, give it a try and dive headfirst into the most flavor-packed pancakes of your life!
