Pancakes with bacon might sound a bit over the top, but let’s be honest, that is exactly why it works.

Fluffy pancakes, crispy streaky bacon and a good drizzle of maple syrup is one of those sweet and salty combinations that just makes sense. It is perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, Pancake Day, Father’s Day, or any morning where you fancy something a bit more special than toast.

This recipe uses simple homemade pancakes stacked with crispy bacon and maple syrup. Keep the pancakes small so you can pile them up properly, then finish with a few rashers of streaky bacon on top.

What Bacon Works Best with Pancakes?

Streaky bacon is the best choice for pancakes with bacon.

It crisps up nicely, has a good balance of fat and flavour, and works brilliantly with maple syrup. Back bacon is still tasty, but streaky bacon gives you that proper crispy, salty contrast against the soft pancakes.

If you like your bacon really crisp, grill it or fry it until the edges are golden and the fat has rendered properly.

Should Pancakes with Bacon Be Sweet or Savoury?

The best pancakes with bacon are a bit of both.

The pancakes are lightly sweet, the bacon is salty and crispy, and the maple syrup brings it all together. That sweet and salty mix is the whole point.

You can keep it simple with just pancakes, bacon and maple syrup, or add blueberries, banana, butter, fried eggs or even a little chilli honey if you want to make it more of a brunch dish.

Pancakes with Bacon Recipe

This is a simple recipe for fluffy pancakes with crispy streaky bacon and maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 250g streaky bacon
• Maple syrup, to serve
• 200g plain flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 large egg
• 300ml milk
• Butter, for cooking

Method

1. Cook the bacon - Fry or grill the streaky bacon until crisp, then set aside somewhere warm.
2. Mix the dry ingredients - Add the flour, sugar and baking powder to a bowl and mix together.
3. Mix the wet ingredients - Measure the milk into a jug, then add the egg and vanilla essence. Beat with a fork until well combined.
4. Make the batter - Make a well in the flour mixture, then slowly pour in the wet ingredients while whisking. Whisk until the batter is smooth and lump free.
5. Heat the pan - Heat a small amount of butter in a medium frying pan over a moderate heat.
6. Cook the pancakes - Add a small amount of batter to the pan. Keep the pancakes around 3 to 4 inches across so you can stack them easily.
7. Flip - Cook until golden underneath, then flip and cook the other side until golden.
8. Stack and serve - Stack 3 or 4 pancakes on a plate, add a couple of rashers of crispy streaky bacon, and drizzle with maple syrup.

How Do You Keep Bacon Crispy for Pancakes?

To keep bacon crispy while you make the pancakes, cook it first and keep it warm on a plate lined with kitchen paper.

If you are making a bigger batch, you can keep the bacon warm in a low oven while you cook the pancakes. Do not cover it tightly, or the steam can soften the bacon.

Can You Make the Pancake Batter Ahead?

Yes, you can make the pancake batter a little ahead of time.

Mix the batter, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Give it a quick stir before using. If it has thickened too much, loosen it with a splash of milk.

For the best texture, cook the pancakes fresh rather than making them too far in advance.

What to Serve with Pancakes and Bacon

Pancakes with bacon are already pretty good on their own, but you can add a few extras if you want to turn them into a proper brunch.

Good toppings and sides include:

• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Blueberries
• Banana slices
• Fried eggs
• Scrambled eggs
• Hash browns
• Greek yoghurt
• Honey
• A pinch of cinnamon

Scatter a few blueberries on top if you’re feeling a little guilty.

Tips for Better Pancakes with Bacon

• Use streaky bacon if you want proper crispy bacon.
• Cook the bacon first, then keep it warm while you make the pancakes.
• Keep the pancakes small so they are easier to stack.
• Do not have the pan too hot, or the outside will brown before the middle cooks.
• Use maple syrup for the classic sweet and salty finish.

Final Thoughts

Pancakes with bacon are simple, indulgent and absolutely worth making when you fancy a proper breakfast or brunch.

The key is crispy streaky bacon, soft fluffy pancakes and plenty of maple syrup. Keep the pancakes small, stack them high, and serve while everything is warm.

FAQs

Can you eat pancakes with bacon?

Yes, pancakes with bacon are a classic sweet and salty combination. Crispy bacon works especially well with fluffy pancakes and maple syrup.

What bacon is best with pancakes?

Streaky bacon is best with pancakes because it crisps up well and gives a salty contrast to the sweet pancakes and syrup.

Do you put maple syrup on bacon pancakes?

Yes, maple syrup works brilliantly with bacon pancakes. The sweetness of the syrup balances the salty bacon.

Can you use back bacon instead of streaky bacon?

Yes, you can use back bacon, but streaky bacon is better if you want a crispier finish.

Can you make pancakes with bacon for brunch?

Yes, pancakes with bacon are perfect for brunch. Serve with eggs, hash browns, fruit, butter or extra maple syrup.

How do you stop pancakes from burning?

Cook pancakes over a moderate heat rather than a high heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will brown before the middle has cooked properly.