Crafting these bacon-infused pancakes is just as straightforward as whipping up a traditional batch, but with a delicious, savory twist. We’ll be using my tried-and-true sour cream pancake recipe for the ultimate fluffy batter, ensuring your dippers are light, airy, and full of flavor. Follow these simple steps for breakfast perfection:

1. Prepare Your Crispy Bacon: This is a crucial first step, as the bacon needs to be fully cooked before it meets the pancake batter. I’m firmly on Team Crispy, as a good crunch is essential for that perfect texture contrast. You can cook your bacon to your preferred crispiness – whether that’s slightly chewy or extra-crispy. For truly perfect, evenly cooked bacon, I highly recommend baking it in the oven. Lay strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispiness. This method also results in less mess! Once cooked, drain on paper towels and set aside.
2. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure all the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is key for uniform rising and flavor in your pancakes.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy both work well), sour cream (this is our secret for extra tenderness and a slight tang), one large egg, and the melted unsalted butter. Ensure these are well combined.

4. Gently Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture directly into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir them together using a whisk or spatula just until they are combined. It’s absolutely essential not to overmix the batter! A slightly lumpy batter is the secret to achieving those coveted light and fluffy pancakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense pancakes – and we definitely don’t want that.
5. Heat the Griddle and Position Bacon: Place your griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a pat of butter or a spray of cooking oil. Once hot, arrange several slices of your pre-cooked, crispy bacon on the griddle, making sure to space them a few inches apart to allow room for the batter to spread and for easy flipping.
6. Spoon Batter Around and Over Bacon: This is the crucial step for creating our dippers! Using a small ladle or spoon, carefully spoon the pancake batter around each bacon slice, creating a small, circular pancake shape. Then, spoon a little more batter directly on top of the bacon to fully encase it. This technique ensures the bacon stays crispy while the pancake cooks evenly around it.




7. Cook and Flip to Golden Perfection: Allow each bacon pancake dipper to cook undisturbed until you see bubbles forming consistently across the surface and around the edges. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once you see these signs, carefully flip each dipper once and let it continue cooking on the second side until it’s beautifully golden brown, puffed, and no longer doughy in the center. Avoid flipping multiple times, as this can flatten your pancakes.




8. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your freshly cooked Bacon Pancake Dippers to a plate. Stack ’em high for a grand presentation! Don’t forget the essentials: a generous side of warm maple syrup for dipping, and perhaps a dollop of homemade butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips for Success

• For the Tiniest Taste-Testers: If you’re serving a younger crowd, consider making half-size portions. You can either slice the bacon strips in half before cooking them or simply break each cooked slice in half before encasing it in batter. This makes them even easier for little hands to manage.
• Keep Them Warm: To ensure all your dippers are served warm, you can transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and keep them in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) while you finish cooking the rest of the batch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Cook only a few dippers at a time to maintain consistent griddle temperature and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and lead to unevenly cooked pancakes.
• Test Your Griddle Temperature: To check if your griddle is ready, sprinkle a few drops of water on the hot surface. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready. If they just sit there, it’s not hot enough; if they instantly disappear in a puff of smoke, it’s too hot.

Toppings & Serving Suggestions

While these Bacon Pancake Dippers are utterly delicious on their own, a few extra touches can elevate them even further! Here are some creative topping and serving ideas to make your breakfast truly unforgettable:

Sweet Topping Ideas:

• Classic Maple Syrup: The quintessential choice! Warm it slightly for an even more luxurious dipping experience.
• Homemade Syrups: Experiment with a fresh strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or even a spiced apple syrup for seasonal flair.
• Whipped Cream: A cloud of homemade whipped cream adds a delightful richness and airy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant finish.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas add freshness, natural sweetness, and a pop of color.
• Chocolate Chips or Sauce: For an indulgent treat, sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter before flipping, or drizzle with chocolate sauce after cooking.
• Nut Butters: A swirl of peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread can add protein and a creamy texture.

Savory Enhancements:

• Chopped Chives or Scallions: A light sprinkle can add a fresh, oniony kick that complements the bacon beautifully.
• Hot Sauce Drizzle: For those who love a bit of heat, a minimal drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can create an unexpected, exciting contrast.

Complete Your Breakfast Spread:

To create a well-rounded and hearty breakfast, pair your Bacon Pancake Dippers with some delicious sides:

• Protein Power: Complement the meal with my healthy breakfast egg muffins, scrambled eggs, or a protein-packed smoothie (my kids absolutely love these vibrant and nutritious options!).
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fresh fruit adds a refreshing element and essential vitamins.
• Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: For a more substantial meal, crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes are always a hit.
• Beverages: Serve alongside glasses of fresh orange juice, milk, coffee, or tea.

For even more morning meal inspiration, be sure to check out my comprehensive roundup of quick and easy breakfast recipes!

One of the best features of these Bacon Pancake Dippers is how wonderfully they adapt to meal prep, making your busy mornings significantly easier!

• Storing Leftovers: Any remaining bacon pancakes can be stored in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per dipper, or for a crispier exterior, pop them into a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and lightly golden.
• Freezing for Future Feasts: These dippers are truly a freezer superstar! Prepare a large batch and let any leftovers cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and ice crystals. Once cooled, wrap each individual dipper securely in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and they’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
• Effortless Reheating from Frozen: When the morning breakfast rush hits, there’s no need to thaw! Simply grab one or a dozen frozen dippers. You can reheat them directly in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds (depending on your microwave’s power and how many you’re reheating) until they are warmed through. For a slightly crispier result, you can also place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or even a toaster oven. Once warm, they’re ready for dipping and devouring!

If you’re a true pancake enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful pancake creations from our kitchen: