Pancake Tacos

Pancakes and tacos—two breakfast (and lunch!) favorites combined into one mouthwatering creation. Pancake tacos are a fun, handheld breakfast that combines fluffy pancakes with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Think of them as a more interactive version of your usual pancake stack, where you fold each pancake like a taco and fill it with delicious ingredients. They’re the ultimate customizable meal, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

The beauty of pancake tacos is in their versatility. You can fill them with anything from scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a savory breakfast taco, to fresh fruit, Nutella, and whipped cream for a sweet treat. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend brunch, a quick breakfast for a busy weekday, or a fun family dinner, these pancake tacos offer endless possibilities. Plus, they’re easy to make and so much fun to eat!

I first discovered pancake tacos when I was trying to come up with a new way to serve breakfast that would please my entire family. Some of us love savory breakfasts like eggs and bacon, while others prefer something sweeter like fruit and yogurt. Pancake tacos ended up being the perfect solution because everyone could build their own “taco” with their favorite fillings. The idea took off, and now it’s become one of our go-to meals whenever we want something fun and customizable.

Why You’ll Love These Pancake Tacos

1. Super Fun to Make and Eat: The idea of folding a pancake like a taco makes this meal both interactive and fun, especially for kids. Everyone can create their own personalized pancake taco by choosing their favorite fillings.
2. Customizable Fillings: Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or a little bit of both, pancake tacos allow you to choose whatever fillings you like. The options are endless, and the result is always delicious!
3. Perfect for Families and Groups: Pancake tacos are great for family meals or brunch parties. You can set up a “pancake taco bar” with different fillings and toppings so that everyone can make their own creations.
4. Great for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner: Pancake tacos work for any meal of the day. They’re perfect for breakfast, but they’re also great for brunch or even breakfast-for-dinner.
5. Quick and Easy to Make: Pancake tacos come together in just 30 minutes, making them a fast and easy meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 pancake tacos

Nutritional Information (per pancake taco)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Carbs: 33g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the fillings you choose.)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the pancakes and a variety of both sweet and savory fillings. You can always swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences!

For the Pancakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk, almond milk, or any preferred type)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Savory Fillings:

• 4 large eggs, scrambled
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• ½ cup diced avocado
• ½ cup salsa
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Sweet Fillings:

• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
• ½ cup Nutella (or peanut butter)
• Whipped cream
• Banana slices
• Maple syrup

Optional Extras:

• Greek yogurt (for a healthier option in sweet tacos)
• Smoked salmon (for a savory twist with scrambled eggs)
• Chopped nuts (to add texture to sweet pancake tacos)
• Honey or agave syrup (alternative sweeteners to maple syrup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—it’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat up your skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, pour the pancake batter onto the skillet to form small, round pancakes. You want these pancakes to be about 4-5 inches in diameter—just the right size to fold into taco shells. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Fillings

While your pancakes are cooking, prepare the fillings. For savory pancake tacos, scramble the eggs in a skillet until fully cooked, then set aside. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set out the shredded cheese, diced avocado, salsa, and any other savory toppings. For sweet pancake tacos, wash and slice the berries, prepare the whipped cream, and set out Nutella, peanut butter, or maple syrup for spreading.

Step 4: Assemble the Pancake Tacos

Once your pancakes and fillings are ready, it’s time to assemble your pancake tacos! Lay a pancake flat and gently fold it like a taco shell. For savory tacos, add a spoonful of scrambled eggs, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and a handful of shredded cheese. You can also add diced avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor. For sweet tacos, spread a layer of Nutella or peanut butter inside the pancake, then add fresh berries, banana slices, and a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your pancake tacos immediately while they’re still warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh, and the combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a treat! Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fillings, and let everyone customize their own pancake taco creations.

How to Serve

• Brunch Spread: Set up a pancake taco bar with both savory and sweet fillings, allowing your guests to create their own personalized tacos. This is a fun and interactive way to serve breakfast or brunch, especially if you’re hosting a crowd.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner: Pancake tacos are perfect for a fun, laid-back dinner. Serve them with breakfast sides like roasted potatoes, sausages, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Pancake tacos are a hit with kids! Let them help prepare the pancakes and fillings, and encourage them to get creative with their taco combinations. The handheld nature of pancake tacos makes them easy for little ones to eat.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Make-Ahead Pancakes: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can make the pancakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat the pancakes in the toaster or oven before serving, and you’ll have a quick, easy breakfast ready to go.
2. Perfect Pancake Size: To make the perfect pancake “taco shell,” aim for pancakes that are about 4-5 inches in diameter. This size makes them easy to fold and hold the fillings without breaking.
3. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pancake taco fillings! Try adding different fruits, meats, cheeses, or sauces to keep things interesting. You can even mix and match savory and sweet ingredients for a unique flavor experience.
4. Keep Pancakes Warm: To keep the pancakes warm while you’re cooking multiple batches, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This way, everyone gets to enjoy their pancakes hot and fresh.
5. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. You’ll still get fluffy, delicious pancakes without the gluten!

Recipe Variations

1. Mediterranean-Inspired Pancake Tacos:

For a fresh, flavorful twist, fill your pancakes with scrambled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Top with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

2. Chicken and Waffles Pancake Tacos:

For a Southern-inspired version, fill your pancakes with crispy fried chicken tenders and drizzle with maple syrup or honey butter. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat if you like your breakfast with a bit of spice.

3. Vegan Pancake Tacos:

Make your pancakes vegan by using almond milk and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in the batter. Fill your pancake tacos with scrambled tofu, sautéed veggies, and avocado for a delicious plant-based meal.

4. Cinnamon Roll Pancake Tacos:

For a sweet treat, spread cinnamon-sugar butter inside each pancake and top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. Add fresh berries or banana slices to balance the sweetness.

5. Dessert Pancake Tacos:

Turn pancake tacos into a decadent dessert by filling them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and fresh berries. Top with crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fun, indulgent twist.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the toaster or oven before assembling your pancake tacos.

Freezing Pancakes:

Pancakes freeze beautifully! To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with a small piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Place the stack in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pancakes in the toaster or oven until warm.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Griddle: A wide skillet or griddle allows you to cook multiple pancakes at once, which is helpful when making a big batch.
• Whisk: For mixing the pancake batter evenly and ensuring there are no lumps.
• Spatula: A thin spatula makes flipping pancakes easier and helps prevent tearing.
• Measuring Cups: Use these to portion out the pancake batter so that all your pancakes are the same size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pancake mix?

Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of pancake mix, feel free to use it. Simply prepare the mix according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe.

2. Can I make gluten-free pancake tacos?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder. This ensures that the pancakes hold their shape and texture.

3. How do I keep the pancakes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your skillet or griddle is preheated and well-greased with butter or oil before pouring the batter. If you’re using a nonstick pan, you may not need as much grease, but butter will add extra flavor to the pancakes.

4. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the pancakes in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat them in the toaster or oven before adding your fillings.

5. How do I keep the pancakes soft and foldable?

For softer pancakes that fold easily without breaking, make sure not to overcook them. You can also add a little extra milk to the batter for thinner, more pliable pancakes.

Conclusion

Pancake tacos are a fun, creative, and delicious way to enjoy breakfast or brunch. Whether you go for sweet or savory fillings—or a mix of both—these handheld pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. They’re easy to make, completely customizable, and perfect for any meal of the day. The combination of fluffy pancakes and your favorite fillings makes every bite a delightful experience.

I hope you give this recipe a try and get creative with your own pancake taco combinations! Don’t forget to take a photo of your creations and share them with me—I’d love to see how you personalize your pancake tacos. Enjoy!

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