Savory Dutch Baby Pancakes with Mushrooms
- Jen Vondenbrink

- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Easy

When you hear "Dutch Baby," your mind probably drifts to a warm, puffy pancake, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with lemon juice or maple syrup, or my version with strawberries. And while I love a sweet Dutch Baby as much as the next person, I'm here to let you in on a little secret: the savory Dutch Baby is a game-changer.
If you've never had a savory Dutch Baby, you're in for a treat. Imagine a light, airy, eggy pancake that puffs up in the oven, creating a perfect vessel for all sorts of delicious fillings. It's a fantastic option for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner.
My go-to savory Dutch Baby filling is a combination of mushrooms, shallots, and thyme. The earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and fragrant thyme (especially when freshly picked from my herb garden) are absolutely delicious. I cook mine in a cast-iron skillet, and it is ready in under 30 minutes! It's the kind of meal that feels special without being complicated at all.
A Little Slice of History
Now, you might be wondering where this delightful dish comes from. The "Dutch Baby" name is a bit of a misnomer. The story goes that these pancakes were first created in the early 1900s at a Seattle diner called Manca's Cafe. The recipe was inspired by German pancakes, or Pfannkuchen - which are also delicious. The owner's daughter is said to have mispronounced "Deutsch" (German) as "Dutch," and the name stuck. So, this "Dutch" baby is actually an American creation with German roots!
Savory Variations to Inspire You
The beauty of the savory Dutch Baby is its versatility. Once you have the basic concept down, you can experiment with a wide range of fillings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
The Classic: Ham, Gruyère, and a sprinkle of chives. Okay, this is another favorite!
Mediterranean: Feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Italian-Inspired: Prosciutto, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Veggie Lover's: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and onions with a dollop of goat cheese.
Spicy and Smoky: Chorizo, cheddar, and a bit of cilantro.
Breakfast for Dinner: Bacon or sausage, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.
The possibilities are truly endless. Think of your favorite omelet or quiche fillings, and you're on the right track.
Give the Savory Dutch Baby a Try
So, the next time you're craving something a little different, I encourage you to give the savory Dutch Baby a try. It's a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to become a new favorite.
This recipe is part of my Downhome Autumn Menu Ideas Guide which is full of other delicious dishes such as Buttermilk Roasted Chicken, Tarte Tatin full of delicious apples, Hearty Lentil Soup with Kale & Chorizo, and Cranberry Bars.
This is a free guide, so if you want some inspiration for quick, easy, delicious meals go ahead and download my Downhome Autumn Menu Ideas.






These are perfect any time of day...even room temperature.