Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes: the quick, soft and gooey dinner-saver recipe

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If you also have those evenings when you open the fridge and the desire to cook elaborate dishes is zero, this recipe will become your lifesaver like it did for us. Savory ham and cheese pancakes are now something we make whenever we don’t know what to put on the table for dinner or when friends arrive at the last minute; we always keep flour and baking powder in the pantry to improvise these spectacular savory pancakes.


They’ve become our “ace up the sleeve” because they solve dinner with very little effort: just a quick mix of the ingredients and in minutes your kitchen is filled with an inviting aroma that pleases everyone.

What I like most is seeing the cheese stretch as soon as you cut them in half, so get ready to say goodbye to boring dinners. Let yourself be won over by this soft shell that hides a savory heart of ham and cheese.

Below I leave you other tasty recipes to try and then, as always, right under the photo find out how to prepare the Savory ham and cheese pancakes 😉

See you soon with the next recipe, Ana Amalia!

Savory ham and cheese pancakes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: Budget-friendly
  • Preparation time: 15 Minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 Minutes
  • Portions: 4 People
  • Cooking methods: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: All seasons

Ingredients to make Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes

  • 1 7/8 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs (medium-large)
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 packet baking powder (for savory pies)
  • to taste salt
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 7 oz cooked ham
  • 7 oz latteria cheese (or Asiago or caciotta)
  • 1 tbsp chives (or parsley, for garnish)
  • to taste black pepper (ground)

Preparation of savory ham and cheese pancakes

  • To start preparing your pancakes, immediately work on the liquid base by pouring into a bowl the eggs together with a pinch of salt and the two tablespoons of olive oil, then beat everything with a hand whisk until well combined.

  • At this point you can slowly add the milk while continuing to mix gently, then proceed by incorporating the sifted flour and baking powder to avoid lumps, and work the batter vigorously until it appears smooth and thick.

  • Move on to cooking by heating a lightly oiled nonstick skillet and, when it’s hot, pour a ladle of batter forming a disk about 4–4 3/4 inches in diameter, letting it cook over low heat until the first bubbles appear on the surface.

  • Then flip the pancake with a spatula and brown it for another minute, then remove it from the pan and continue with the rest of the batter until finished, trying to make an even number of discs so you can form your sandwiches.

  • Once all the pancakes are ready, move on to filling by placing on half of the discs a generous slice of cooked ham and a slice of melting cheese, then cover with the remaining empty pancakes and put them back in the pan for a few moments over very low heat.

    I recommend covering the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt; when you see the filling starting to ooze from the edges, serve them hot, optionally garnished with some fresh chives or black pepper.

An extra idea

You can fill savory pancakes with a wide variety of fillings, from grilled vegetables to meat, shredded turkey or chicken with fresh veggies, ricotta seasoned with aromatic herbs, or chopped cold cuts mixed with cheese to form a mousse. Get creative and tell me how you filled them!!

Tips for Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes

Always use a measuring scoop; we use a soup ladle so each pancake is the same size.

Keep the heat very low, because with oil and whole milk in the batter they can brown quickly; a slow cook ensures the inside is fully cooked without burning the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Savory Ham and Cheese Pancakes

  • Can I prepare the batter in advance to get ahead?

    Certainly, you can prepare the batter a couple of hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator, but remember to add the baking powder only at the last moment before cooking so your pancakes stay puffed and soft like just-made.

  • What can I use instead of cooked ham if I want a different flavor?

    This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to replace the cooked ham with fragrant mortadella or speck for a stronger touch; the secret is always to choose a cured meat that pairs well with the melting cheese you’ve chosen.

  • Is it possible to cook them and reheat them later?

    Yes, savory pancakes are great reheated. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day and then quickly reheat them in a pan or in a hot oven for a few minutes; the cheese will become gooey again and the base will regain its original texture.

  • Can I substitute whole milk with lactose-free or plant-based milk?

    Absolutely yes, you can safely use lactose-free milk or an unsweetened plant-based beverage.

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Ana Amalia

From appetizer to dessert in the blink of an eye.

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