If you’re craving a brunch that’s impressive yet incredibly straightforward, meet your new favorite: the Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe. This golden, puffy skillet pancake bursts with the comforting flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a light and airy batter. It’s the kind of dish that looks like it took hours but comes together in no time, making it perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special breakfast treat that feels both cozy and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From eggs that give it structure to sharp cheddar that melts into cheesy pockets and crispy bacon adding salty crunch, every component works together to create a breakfast masterpiece.
- 4 large eggs: These provide the rich, airy structure that makes the Dutch baby puff so beautifully.
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature: Adds moisture and richness to keep the batter tender and smooth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter, giving it body and that light, pancake-like texture.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Enhances all the savory flavors, balancing the cheese and bacon perfectly.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: A gentle kick that lifts the flavors and adds warmth.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Offers a sharp, melty, gooey cheesiness that’s absolutely essential here.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Brings smoky, salty crunch that contrasts so well with the fluffy batter.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Used to coat the skillet for a golden-edge crisp and indulgent flavor.
- Drizzle of honey or hot sauce: The perfect finishing touch to add a sweet or spicy note, tailored to your taste.
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild onion bite for brightness.
How to Make Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F and place your 10-inch cast iron skillet inside. This step ensures the pan is hot enough to create those delightfully crispy edges we all adore in a Dutch baby. The high heat sets the batter instantly, helping it to puff up with that signature airy texture.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
While the skillet is heating, toss your eggs, whole milk, all-purpose flour, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth—this guarantees a lump-free batter that will rise evenly and cook into the perfect golden base for your toppings. It’s simplicity at its finest.
Step 3: Melt Butter in Skillet
With oven mitts on, carefully remove the smoking-hot skillet from the oven. Immediately add the unsalted butter and swirl it around so it melts and coats every inch of the pan. This not only imparts rich flavor but also helps the Dutch baby develop that irresistible crispness around the edges.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour the velvety batter into the sizzling skillet. Right away, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. The heat from the skillet and oven will melt the cheese into luscious pockets while the bacon crisps up further, infusing the dish with smoky, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake Till Puffy and Golden
Pop the skillet back into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, watching it puff up like a glorious golden cloud. This baking time guarantees the Dutch baby is cooked through while achieving a beautifully golden crust with a tender, almost custardy interior.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once out of the oven, it’s time to enjoy your Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe hot. Add your favorite drizzle—whether a sweet honey touch or a spicy hot sauce kick—and scatter freshly chopped chives or green onions for that fresh, vivid finish.
How to Serve Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Dutch baby with fresh chives or green onions instantly brightens the dish, adding delicate onion notes and a pop of green that’s as pretty as it is flavorful. A light drizzle of honey introduces a gorgeous contrast to the savory bacon and cheddar, while hot sauce lovers can spice things up with a few drops for zesty warmth.
Side Dishes
This dish really shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to keep the brunch feeling fresh and balanced. For a classic brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a tall glass of freshly squeezed juice to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Dutch baby right in the cast iron skillet for a rustic, family-style experience. Alternatively, slice it into wedges and plate individual portions garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a brunch that looks gourmet and feels special. Sharing it straight from the pan makes for the most inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which may be rare!), let them cool, then loosely cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep for up to 2 days and remain tasty for easy reheating.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the Dutch baby’s perfect crisp and puffiness, you can freeze cooled slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to revive that crisp edge and warm the cheese back to melty perfection. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the texture soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a non-cast iron skillet for this recipe?
Yes, though a cast iron skillet is preferred for even heat distribution and crispy edges. If you use a different oven-safe skillet, be sure it can handle high heat and heat your oven well to compensate.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup, and you’ll still get a great puff and texture.
Can I substitute another cheese for cheddar?
Sharp cheddar delivers a unique, tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella for a milder or nuttier taste.
What’s the best way to get the Dutch baby to puff up perfectly?
Make sure your skillet is fully preheated before adding the batter, and bake the Dutch baby at a high temperature without opening the oven door to maintain heat for maximum puffiness.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While you can mix the batter in advance and store it covered in the fridge for a few hours, it’s best enjoyed fresh to get the best rise and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to the aroma of a warm, cheesy pancake filled with crispy bacon and fresh herbs. The Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe is a fantastic way to treat yourself or impress your brunch guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to for any lazy weekend when you want comfort food that feels a little fancy. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby: Easy Skillet Brunch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby is an easy and impressive skillet brunch recipe that combines a light, fluffy pancake-like base with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, baked to golden perfection. Topped with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect savory breakfast or brunch dish to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Drizzle of honey or hot sauce
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Skillet: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven to heat up thoroughly; this step ensures the butter sizzles and the Dutch baby puffs beautifully.
- Prepare Batter: In a blender, combine the eggs, whole milk, all-purpose flour, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and free of lumps, which will give the Dutch baby a tender texture.
- Butter the Skillet: Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Immediately add the unsalted butter and swirl it around, coating the entire bottom and slightly up the sides to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add Batter and Toppings: Pour the smooth batter evenly into the hot, buttered skillet. Quickly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the top so they meld into the batter as it bakes.
- Bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the Dutch baby has puffed up considerably and has a gorgeous golden brown color on top and edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot. Top with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce and sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Be sure the skillet is thoroughly heated before adding butter and batter; this helps achieve the classic puff.
- Use whole milk at room temperature for best batter consistency and fluffiness.
- For a spicier version, swap the hot sauce drizzle for sriracha or your favorite chili sauce.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Serve immediately as the Dutch baby will deflate as it cools.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.
