Orange and Cheese Pancakes

These delightful orange and cheese pancakes offer a unique twist on traditional pancakes, combining savory and sweet flavors to create an irresistible breakfast treat or even a sweet-savory dessert. The tangy freshness of the orange zest mingles perfectly with the creamy richness of the cheese, creating an intriguing blend of flavors that is sure to awaken your taste buds. This recipe is both easy to follow and quick to prepare, using common kitchen ingredients, yet the result is something entirely unique and sophisticated. Each bite delivers a light, fluffy texture with a slightly crispy edge, thanks to the thin batter and careful cooking method. Ideal for a lazy weekend brunch or an elegant addition to a special breakfast occasion, these pancakes can be accompanied by a variety of toppings. Serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, or garnish with fresh fruit for a refreshing touch. Whether you're a pancake enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, this recipe promises to be a delightful culinary adventure. Once mastered, it can be customized in numerous ways to suit different palates or dietary preferences. Enjoy the process of making these pancakes as much as indulging in the delicious results! Bon appétit!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 ml milk
• 3 eggs
• 7 tablespoons flour
• 50 g cheese
• 1 orange
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Beat the eggs lightly: In a bowl, crack the eggs and gently whisk them with the salt and sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.

2. Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the flour to the egg mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. You want a smooth, consistent batter without any clumps.

3. Grate the cheese: Using a fine grater, shred the cheese and then fold it into the batter. Stir thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.

4. Prepare the orange: Zest the orange carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. Then, juice the orange, reserving 2 tablespoons of juice.

5. Combine the citrus elements: Add the orange zest and juice to the batter, gently folding them in to combine the flavors well.

6. Stir in the oil: Add the oil to the mixture, ensuring even incorporation for a silky batter.

7. Heat the milk lightly: Warm the milk slightly until it is just above room temperature, then pour it into the batter while stirring. This helps to achieve a smoother consistency.

8. Mix thoroughly: Continue stirring until you have a homogeneous batter. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the batter to thicken slightly.

9. Prepare to cook: Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat. It’s important not to use too high of a temperature to prevent burning.

10. Cook the pancakes: Pour a small amount of batter onto the preheated pan. Tilt the pan in circular motions to spread the batter thinly and evenly over the surface.

11. Monitor cooking: Watch as the pancakes start to set around the edges. When bubbles form on the surface and begin to pop, it’s time to flip.

12. Flip the pancake carefully: Use a spatula to gently flip the pancake over, cooking the other side until it reaches a light golden-brown color.

13. Repeat the process: Continue cooking the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a consistent cooking rate.

14. Serve immediately: For the best texture and taste, these pancakes are most enjoyable when served fresh and warm.

Tips

• Substitute dairy-free cheese and milk for a vegan-friendly option.
• Add a dash of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
• Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding batter to avoid sticking and to achieve a nice crisp edge.

Nutrition

Estimate per serving:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbs: 25g

Variations

• For extra zestiness: Add more orange zest or a touch of lemon zest for a citrus burst.
• Savory option: Skip the sugar and orange juice; add herbs or spices like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness and moisture.
• Garnish with fresh orange slices or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
• Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a refreshing meal.

Best Places

1. The Pancake Bakery - Known for its cozy atmosphere and wide variety of pancake flavors. Location: Prinsengracht 191, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2. Clinton St. Baking Company - Famous for its all-day brunch and fluffy pancakes. Location: 4 Clinton St, New York, USA.
3. Granger & Co. - Offers thick, ricotta-based hotcakes popular worldwide. Location: 237-239 Pavilion Rd, London, UK.
4. Bubby's - A go-to place for classic American style pancakes. Location: 120 Hudson St, New York, USA.
5. Pancakes on the Rocks - Popular for its sweet and savory variety. Location: 4 Hickson Rd, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia.
6. Koyama Wave - Offers a fusion twist on traditional pancakes. Location: 232 Jalan Besar, Singapore.
7. Flipper's - Celebrated for its soufflé pancakes. Location: 6 Chome-1-50 Minamiaoyama, Tokyo, Japan.
8. The Revolving Door - A unique pancake menu with seasonal twists. Location: 509 Thames St, Newport, USA.
9. Café Nuvo - Known for its innovative pancake pairings. Location: Grand Street, Soho, London, UK.
10. Brother Hubbard - Offers a delightful brunch with inventive pancakes. Location: 153 Capel St, Dublin 1, Ireland.