If you’re in the mood for something delightfully different yet irresistibly delicious, this Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe is exactly what you need. Puffy, golden, and bursting with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon, it’s a perfect show-stopping dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Quick yet impressive: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes but looks like something you’d find at a fancy brunch spot.
Flavor-packed comfort: The combo of sharp cheddar and crispy bacon transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food.
Perfect for sharing: Served straight from the skillet, it brings a warm, communal vibe to the table.
Versatile and customizable: Add your favorite herbs or tweak the cheese and bacon to suit your tastes easily.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic behind this Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. The eggs provide lift and structure, the cheese adds the perfect melty sharpness, and crispy bacon brings that mouthwatering savory crunch that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and better puff during baking.
- All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect structure without weighing down the Dutch baby.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the batter.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Go for a bold, flavorful cheese that melts beautifully.
- Bacon: Crisp it up well for texture contrast; turkey bacon works too but won’t be quite as crispy.
- Fresh parsley & chives: These herbs add a fresh pop of color and brightness to balance the savory heaviness.
- Butter: Essential for that golden skillet coating and flavor in the batter.
- Honey or hot honey (optional): A little drizzle adds an exciting sweet or spicy touch that takes it over the top.
How to Make Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet and Oven
Start by placing a cast-iron skillet in your oven and preheat to a roaring 425°F (220°C). That sizzling hot skillet is the secret to the Dutch baby puffing up perfectly, creating those gorgeous crispy edges and airy center everyone loves.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
While the oven works its magic, combine the eggs, flour, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth and just a little frothy. Taking a brief 5-minute pause here lets the batter relax, which helps build that airy texture.
Step 3: Pour and Top
Carefully retrieve the scorching hot skillet, swirl in a tablespoon of butter to coat every inch, and immediately pour in your luscious batter. Next, evenly sprinkle the sharp cheddar and the crispy, crumbled bacon on top – this will melt and crisper up beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the Dutch baby for about 20–25 minutes until it’s puffed up tall, gorgeously golden, and crispy around the edges. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered at the oven door!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish it off by sprinkling fresh parsley and chives for a little green brightness, then optionally add a drizzle of honey or hot honey for a playful sweet-spicy twist. Slice it right in the skillet and serve warm for maximum wow-factor and flavor.
How to Serve Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives are classic garnishes that bring brightness and color. For a fun twist, consider a light dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Dutch baby pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Fresh fruit or a tangy tomato salad also complements the rich cheddar and bacon beautifully, balancing the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a brunch centerpiece by serving it family-style in the skillet? Or cut it into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with a sprinkling of extra herbs and a side of hot honey for dipping – perfect for casual gatherings or sharing with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the Dutch baby is best fresh, leftovers are great for a quick reheated snack or a tasty addition to breakfast the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture as close to original as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Dutch baby slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to revive the crisp edges and warm through evenly. Avoid microwaving, which can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make this Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it’s one that performs well with baking for the best puff and texture.
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What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
You can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish, but a cast-iron skillet is preferred for its even heat retention, which helps achieve that perfect rise and crispiness. If using another pan, watch baking time closely, as it may vary.
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Can I add other toppings aside from bacon and cheddar?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Consider sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella, or fresh veggies like spinach or tomatoes for a personalized twist.
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Should I serve the Dutch baby immediately?
Yes! Dutch babies are at their best right out of the oven when they’re fluffy, crispy, and warm. They tend to deflate as they cool but remain delicious — just keep in mind the texture will change.
Final Thoughts
There’s something just so fun and satisfying about making this Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe—it’s a dish that feels fancy but is totally doable. I can’t wait for you to try it, savor those crispy edges and melty cheese, and see how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine.
Print
Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Cheddar & Bacon Dutch Baby is a delightful oven-baked pancake that puffs up golden and crispy around the edges, filled with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for a perfect savory breakfast or brunch dish. Infused with fresh herbs and an optional drizzle of honey, it balances rich, cheesy flavors with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Batter
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp chives (optional)
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp butter (for the skillet)
Optional Serving
- Drizzle of honey or hot honey (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet and Oven: Place a 10–12 inch cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the skillet is very hot for optimal puffing.
- Prepare Batter: In a blender, combine eggs, all-purpose flour, whole milk, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth and slightly frothy. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid for better texture.
- Butter the Hot Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Swirl it around to coat the skillet evenly, preventing sticking and aiding browning.
- Add Batter and Toppings: Immediately pour the rested batter into the buttered skillet. Evenly sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the crumbled crispy bacon over the batter.
- Bake the Dutch Baby: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the Dutch baby is puffed up and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional chives on top. For a sweet-savory contrast, drizzle with honey or hot honey if desired. Slice and serve warm straight from the skillet.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding batter to achieve the best rise and crispy edges.
- Customize the toppings with other herbs like thyme or rosemary and different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as the Dutch baby will deflate slightly as it cools.
- Handle the hot skillet with care when removing from the oven and pouring batter.
