Growing up, Sundays were always my favorite day of the week. Not just because it meant no school, but because my mom would make her famous Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby for brunch. I can still remember the delightful aroma wafting through the house as the Dutch Baby baked to golden perfection in the oven. The savory bacon and sharp cheddar cheese were the perfect combination, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Mom would slice it up into four generous portions, and we’d all enjoy our own slice, savoring every bite. To this day, that Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby recipe holds a special place in my heart – it’s the ultimate comfort food that takes me back to those happy childhood memories.
Why This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby is truly a game-changer. What sets it apart is the unique technique of baking the Dutch Baby in a cast-iron skillet. This creates the most incredible crispy edges and a soft, fluffy interior – the perfect contrast of textures. And of course, the addition of cheddar cheese and bacon takes this dish to the next level. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your new go-to for brunch or even a quick and satisfying dinner. This recipe makes 4 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby, you’ll need:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby Instructions
Preparing Your Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a 10-inch cast-iron skillet for baking the Dutch Baby to perfection.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
2- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, pour the batter into the hot skillet. Sprinkle the 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
3- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the Dutch Baby is puffed up and golden brown.
4- Keep an eye on it towards the end, as you want the edges to be crispy but not burnt.
5- Once out of the oven, let the Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby cool for a minute or two before slicing it into 4 equal portions.
6- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby, make sure to use a hot, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. This helps create that iconic crispy edge. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough texture. And keep a close eye on it in the oven, as Dutch Babies can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.
Serving and Storing Your Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
Perfect Pairings for Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby is the ultimate crowd-pleasing brunch dish. Serve it with a fresh fruit salad, a side of roasted potatoes, and a mimosa or bloody mary for a truly indulgent meal. It also makes a satisfying dinner when paired with a crisp green salad. Each of the 4 servings is a generous slice, so it’s sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through. You can also make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a super quick and easy breakfast or brunch on busy mornings.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
Creative Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby Variations
For a fun twist, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for a different variety, like pepper jack or gouda. You could also add in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix in a handful of chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. In the fall, try a version with diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The possibilities are endless!
Making Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby Diet-Friendly
To make this Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a lower-carb version, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead. And for a dairy-free option, swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend. Just make sure to use about 1 cup, the same as the cheddar in the original recipe.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 4 servings, with each serving being 1 slice of the Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby.
Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a super quick and easy breakfast or brunch.
Q: What if my Dutch Baby doesn’t puff up?
A: Don’t worry, even if it doesn’t puff up dramatically, it will still be delicious. Make sure not to overmix the batter, and be sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. The key is getting that nice, crispy edge.
Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby! Featuring a fluffy, egg-based pancake with crispy edges, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon throughout. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
– 3 eggs
– 3/4 cup milk
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. – In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3. – Add the flour, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
4. – Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon.
5. – Melt the butter in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat.
6. – Pour the batter into the hot skillet and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
7. – Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the Dutch Baby is puffed and golden-brown.
8. – Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with additional bacon crumbles and fresh chives, if desired.
Notes
For a savory twist, you can also add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the batter. For a sweeter version, top the Dutch Baby with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy edges, fluffy interior, and incredible flavor, it’s a brunch dish that will become a new household favorite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I can’t wait to hear what you think! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out.
