Are you craving a delicious and easy breakfast that's guaranteed to brighten your morning? Look no further! These fluffy half-and-half pancakes are the perfect recipe for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight treat. Using half-and-half in the batter creates incredibly tender and moist pancakes, far superior to those made with just milk. Get ready to experience pancake perfection! This recipe is a staple for homemade cooking, offering a delicious dish that's both simple and satisfying – ideal for those seeking quick dinner ideas or healthy meals that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe is designed to be easily accessible, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This ensures it fits perfectly within your easy recipes collection!
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups half-and-half
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Instructions: Let's Make Some Pancakes!
Follow these simple steps for perfectly fluffy pancakes every time. This recipe is great for both beginner and experienced cooks, adding to your repertoire of best recipes.
Step 1: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to avoid lumps in your batter.
Step 2: Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, egg, and melted butter.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so aim for a few gentle stirs until no dry flour remains. A few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your fluffy half-and-half pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings. Consider fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Pancake Perfection
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, leading to fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust the heat: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're cooking too slowly, increase the heat.
- Use a good quality pan: A non-stick pan will prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
Variations: Get Creative!
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy pancake recipe is perfect for adding to your collection of food recipes, especially for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!