Pancakes are often thought of as a breakfast-only food, but their versatility makes them a perfect candidate for dinner, too.
When you think beyond the traditional syrup and butter combo, pancakes open up a world of possibilities—savory, sweet, or a mix of both. They are quick to prepare, comforting, and loved by all ages, making them a fantastic choice for an easy, satisfying dinner.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding dinner ideas that are both delicious and simple can be challenging. Pancakes break that mold by offering endless creativity with minimal effort. From loaded veggie pancakes to cheesy delights and protein-packed options, these recipes prove pancakes are not just for the morning table anymore.
This post dives into the top 10 best dinner pancake recipes that will inspire you to make pancakes the star of your evening meal.
Whether you want something light or hearty, traditional or adventurous, there’s a pancake recipe here that fits your mood. Ready to rethink dinner? Let’s get cooking.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Dinner Pancake Recipes
- 1.1 1. Classic Savory Potato Pancakes (Latkes)
- 1.2 2. Cheesy Spinach Pancakes
- 1.3 3. Chickpea Flour (Besan) Pancakes
- 1.4 4. Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon
- 1.5 5. Zucchini and Herb Pancakes
- 1.6 6. Mushroom and Onion Pancakes
- 1.7 7. Corn and Jalapeño Pancakes
- 1.8 8. Lentil Pancakes (Dosa Style)
- 1.9 9. Cauliflower Pancakes
- 1.10 10. Banana and Oat Pancakes
- 2 Conclusion
- 3 FAQs
Top 10 Best Dinner Pancake Recipes
1. Classic Savory Potato Pancakes (Latkes)
Potato pancakes bring crispy comfort to your dinner plate with simple ingredients.
- Ingredients: grated potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, oil for frying
- Steps:
- Grate potatoes and squeeze out excess water.
- Mix with finely chopped onion, beaten eggs, flour, and seasoning.
- Fry spoonfuls in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with sour cream or applesauce.
2. Cheesy Spinach Pancakes
These pancakes sneak in veggies with gooey cheese for a balanced dinner.
- Ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, fresh spinach, shredded cheese, baking powder
- Steps:
- Whisk flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder.
- Fold in chopped spinach and cheese.
- Cook pancakes on a hot griddle until golden.
- Serve warm with a side salad.

3. Chickpea Flour (Besan) Pancakes
Gluten-free and protein-rich, these Indian-inspired pancakes are flavorful and filling.
- Ingredients: chickpea flour, water, turmeric, cumin, chopped onions, chili
- Steps:
- Mix chickpea flour with water to form a batter.
- Add spices and chopped veggies.
- Cook on a non-stick pan like a crepe until crispy edges form.
- Enjoy with chutney or yogurt.
4. Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon
A cozy and sweet dinner option packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Ingredients: mashed sweet potatoes, flour, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract
- Steps:
- Combine mashed sweet potatoes with flour, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Cook spoonfuls on a lightly greased pan until bubbles appear.
- Flip and cook until golden.
- Serve with maple syrup or honey.
5. Zucchini and Herb Pancakes
A light, fresh, and slightly crispy vegetable-packed dinner choice.
- Ingredients: grated zucchini, flour, eggs, fresh herbs, garlic powder
- Steps:
- Grate zucchini and squeeze out moisture.
- Mix with flour, eggs, herbs, and garlic powder.
- Fry on medium heat until browned.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
6. Mushroom and Onion Pancakes
Earthy mushrooms and sweet onions come together in this savory pancake.
- Ingredients: chopped mushrooms, caramelized onions, flour, eggs, milk
- Steps:
- Sauté mushrooms and onions until soft.
- Combine with pancake batter ingredients.
- Cook pancakes in a skillet until golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy.
7. Corn and Jalapeño Pancakes
A spicy and crunchy dinner pancake bursting with flavor.
- Ingredients: corn kernels, chopped jalapeños, flour, eggs, milk, baking powder
- Steps:
- Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
- Cook on a griddle until edges crisp up.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side.
- Serve with a creamy dipping sauce.
8. Lentil Pancakes (Dosa Style)
A protein-rich South Indian style dinner with a crispy texture.
- Ingredients: soaked and ground lentils and rice batter, salt
- Steps:
- Ferment the lentil-rice batter overnight.
- Spread thin on a hot non-stick pan.
- Cook until crisp and slightly browned.
- Serve with sambar or chutney.
9. Cauliflower Pancakes
A low-carb and nutritious option for a light dinner.
- Ingredients: grated cauliflower, eggs, flour, parmesan, herbs
- Steps:
- Mix all ingredients to form a batter.
- Fry spoonfuls until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a garlic yogurt dip.
10. Banana and Oat Pancakes
For a naturally sweet, wholesome dinner that feels like a treat.
- Ingredients: ripe bananas, rolled oats, eggs, cinnamon
- Steps:
- Blend bananas, oats, eggs, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Cook on a non-stick pan until bubbly, then flip.
- Serve with fresh fruit or nut butter.

Conclusion
Dinner pancakes are an exciting way to reinvent your evening meals.
These ten recipes prove pancakes don’t have to be limited to breakfast and can easily become nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying dinners. From the savory potato latkes to sweet banana oat delights, there’s something here for every palate and diet preference.
The beauty of dinner pancakes is their flexibility—you can tailor ingredients, add veggies or proteins, and create endless variations. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something comforting but quick.
So next time you wonder what’s for dinner, consider pancakes—they might just become your new favorite meal.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes, most batters can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours without losing quality.
2. Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?
All these pancake recipes are vegetarian-friendly and can be easily made vegan by swapping eggs for alternatives.
3. How can I make pancakes gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flours like chickpea flour, oat flour, or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
4. Can pancakes be frozen for later?
Yes, pancakes freeze well. Stack with parchment paper in between and store in a sealed bag.
5. What is the best way to reheat pancakes?
Reheat in a toaster or oven for crispy edges, or microwave for softer pancakes.
6. Can I add protein to pancakes?
Absolutely! Add lentils, chickpea flour, or protein powder to boost nutrition.