
Bacon pancakes blend two breakfast icons into one unbeatable morning treat Each bite brings together a fluffy pancake base with the salty smoky crunch of bacon making for the ultimate sweet and savory comfort food
My family instantly fell for these pancakes on a snowy Sunday we always laugh about who claims the crispiest bacon piece and nobody ever skips seconds when these are on the table
Ingredients
- Milk or non dairy milk: makes the batter rich and blends with other flavors Look for whole milk if you want extra fluffy pancakes
- Vanilla extract: brings a hint of sweetness and warmth Aim for pure vanilla for best taste
- Small eggs: bind everything while adding tenderness Choose fresh eggs for the fluffiest pancakes
- Baking powder and baking soda: help the pancakes rise and become airy Check they are fresh for the best lift
- Salt: balances sweet and savory to keep every bite flavorful Use fine sea salt for even mixing
- Brown sugar: adds moisture and a subtle caramel note Try dark brown sugar for more depth
- All purpose flour: creates the classic pancake base Sift flour before using to keep your batter extra smooth
- Bacon strips diced and crisped: are the star look for center cut bacon with plenty of meat and a little fat Cook until golden but not burnt for the perfect crunch
- Butter for cooking: makes rich golden edges Choose unsalted butter so you can control saltiness
Step by Step Instructions
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- Combine the milk vanilla eggs baking powder baking soda salt and brown sugar in a blender or large mixing bowl Start on low and blend until just mixed capturing air bubbles for fluffiness
- Add the Flour:
- Pour in sifted flour Pulse or gently whisk by hand until the batter is smooth Stop as soon as the flour disappears to avoid tough pancakes
- Prepare the Bacon:
- Dice strips of bacon and cook them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat Stir as needed and cook until crisp and deep golden Remove bacon and set aside but leave some grease in the pan for added flavor
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat the skillet over medium low and add a dab of butter if needed Spoon in some pancake batter and sprinkle cooked bacon bits right on top of the still wet batter on the skillet Cook for one to two minutes until edges dry and bubbles pop on top
- Flip and Finish:
- Carefully flip the pancake and cook until golden and set The bacon will crisp more on this side Repeat with the rest of the batter adding a little more butter or bacon grease as needed
- Serve Warm:
- Stack the pancakes and top with maple syrup soft butter or extra bacon Serve them hot so every bite has the contrast of fluffy cake and crispy bacon

I find myself sneaking a little extra bacon into the batter every time since it is the one ingredient my kids always want more of We once tried this with maple syrup candied bacon and it disappeared in minutes at a big family reunion
Storage Tips
These pancakes keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days Layer them with parchment so they do not stick together and reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven For freezing stack pancakes between sheets of wax paper and seal in a freezer bag They reheat straight from frozen in the oven just as fluffy as the day they were made
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily sub turkey bacon or even plant based bacon crisps for the pork version with delicious results Gluten free flour blends also work but add a bit more milk if the batter seems thick If you are out of brown sugar regular granulated or coconut sugar gives good flavor too
Serving Suggestions
Bacon pancakes shine as a main but they pair well with soft scrambled eggs or fresh fruit A drizzle of maple syrup brings out the salty sweet magic you can also top with a fried egg for a heartier twist If you are feeling indulgent a dollop of whipped cream transforms it into brunch dessert

Cultural Context
Bacon pancakes are a modern twist on classic American diner fare They celebrate the tradition of hearty breakfasts and the love for combining sweet with savory The technique of cooking the bacon into the batter makes every bite seamless and fun
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut, smoked bacon is ideal, as it offers a hearty texture and rich, smoky flavor after crisping in a skillet.
- → Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy options like almond or oat milk blend well and yield a similarly tender pancake texture.
- → How do I keep the pancakes fluffy?
Mix the batter just until combined, avoid overblending, and let the baking powder and soda do their lifting work.
- → Should I save the bacon grease?
Leaving a thin layer of bacon grease in the skillet adds depth and helps brown the pancakes beautifully.
- → What's the serving suggestion?
These pancakes are delicious served with maple syrup, a pat of butter, or more crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.