If you love pancakes but find yourself craving a savory spin that’s still utterly comforting, allow me to introduce you to these Cheese & Chive Pancakes! With crisp, golden edges, a lusciously cheesy interior, and the fresh pop of chives in every bite, they’re the kind of recipe that turns a simple breakfast or snack into a true event. Whether you’re making a leisurely brunch or a quick lunch, Cheese & Chive Pancakes deliver a burst of flavor, warmth, and joy with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheese & Chive Pancakes is all about everyday ingredients coming together to create pure delight. Each one plays a key role, balancing the richness, fluffiness, and color that make these pancakes truly irresistible.
- Self-raising flour: Ensures your pancakes puff up light and proud, so every bite is fluffy and satisfying.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! It brings out the full flavor of those cheeses and ties all the savory elements together.
- Milk: Gives the batter its smooth texture and helps everything blend like a dream.
- Egg: Binds the batter for structure and a touch of richness.
- Mature Cheddar cheese (coarsely grated): The superstar! Adds delicious sharpness, creamy melt, and a gorgeously savory bite.
- Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Delivers nutty undertones and a bit of salty punch, making each pancake sing with flavor.
- Chives (finely chopped): For fresh, green flecks and a gentle oniony brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Butter + oil (for cooking): This combo ensures a golden, crisp exterior and prevents sticking.
- To serve – butter & extra grated cheese (optional): If you want to nudge these pancakes into pure bliss territory, don’t hold back on the toppings!
How to Make Cheese & Chive Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Let’s start simple: sift your self-raising flour and salt into a big mixing bowl. Sifting isn’t just for show; it helps keep lumps out and makes the pancakes ultra-fluffy—so totally worth the extra minute!
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until they’re nicely combined. You want a smooth, creamy mixture to help bring your batter together later on. No fancy techniques here, just a quick whisk will do the trick!
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the milk-and-egg mixture slowly into the well in your flour and salt, whisking as you go. This gradual approach means no clumps and a smooth-as-silk batter—exactly what you want for the best Cheese & Chive Pancakes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Chives
Here’s where the magic happens! Gently fold the grated Cheddar, Parmesan, and chopped chives into your batter. Folding (not mixing) keeps everything light, so you get pockets of cheese and pops of chive in every bite.
Step 5: Heat the Pan with Butter and Oil
Add your measured butter and oil to a small saucepan, heat until the butter melts, then remove from the heat. Brush your frying pan or griddle with this blend. The combination of fats creates beautifully golden pancakes without burning.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Once your pan is medium-hot and sizzly, drop in a tablespoon of batter for each pancake, leaving a little room between each one. Cook until small bubbles appear at the edges and the underside is golden—about two and a half minutes per side. Flip, cook the second side until golden, and repeat. Adjust the heat as needed; every stovetop is unique!
Step 7: Keep Warm and Serve
As each batch finishes, wrap the pancakes in a clean tea towel to keep them warm and fluffy while you finish the rest. Give the pan a light brush of butter and oil between each batch, and prepare to dig in to your freshly made Cheese & Chive Pancakes!
How to Serve Cheese & Chive Pancakes

Garnishes
A flourish of extra grated cheese and a pat of butter on top of your pancakes takes them from great to irresistible. The warmth of the pancakes melts the toppings, coaxing out even more flavor and aroma. For added color, toss on a few extra chives or a grind of black pepper.
Side Dishes
Cheese & Chive Pancakes are incredibly versatile on the plate. Pair them with crispy streaky bacon or smoked salmon for a lovely brunch, or keep things vegetarian with a crisp salad, grilled tomatoes, or roasted veggies. Don’t forget a cup of strong tea or a fresh coffee alongside!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack ‘em high for a showstopping brunch spread, cut into wedges for sharing at gatherings, or serve mini versions as party snacks. You could even top each pancake with a dollop of crème fraîche or a soft-poached egg for a luxurious meal that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Cheese & Chive Pancakes in an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh for two to three days. They’re just as tasty the next day as a quick snack or an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Freezing
Got extra pancakes? Let them cool completely, then layer between parchment and freeze in a sealed bag or container. They’ll easily keep for up to a month and reheat beautifully whenever you’re craving something savory and comforting.
Reheating
To bring your pancakes back to life, use a microwave for the softest result—just pop them in for 20–30 seconds until hot. Alternatively, warm them briefly in a skillet over low heat if you like that crispy edge refreshed. They taste just as wonderful as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I make Cheese & Chive Pancakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free alternative (be sure it already includes a raising agent), and you’ll have fluffy pancakes without the gluten. Just keep an eye on the batter’s consistency, as different blends can vary.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely. While mature Cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices for deep flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, Red Leicester, or even a bit of blue cheese for a bold twist. Just stick to similar quantities to keep the texture right.
How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
Look for bubbles appearing around the edges and a gentle golden color underneath (about two and a half minutes). If they resist when you try to flip, give them another 30 seconds—they should lift easily when done.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, Cheese & Chive Pancakes are perfect for feeding a crew! Just double or triple all the ingredients, and cook in batches, keeping finished pancakes warm as you go. Gather everyone around and enjoy.
Are these pancakes suitable for lunchboxes?
They’re brilliant cold or at room temperature, so pop them into lunchboxes for a savory treat. Pack with a small tub of crème fraîche or chutney for dipping and you’ve got a lunch to look forward to!
Final Thoughts
There’s so much to love about Cheese & Chive Pancakes: they’re simple yet special, perfect for sharing, and endlessly adaptable. Give these a try and let their cheesy, herby flavor win you over—your brunch table will never be the same!
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Cheese & Chive Pancakes Recipe
Cheese & Chive Pancakes are fluffy, savory British-style pancakes packed with mature Cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh chives. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, a light meal, or snack, these golden drop scones come together quickly and are irresistibly cheesy. Enjoy them warm, topped with butter and extra cheese, or prep ahead for easy lunches. Vegetarian and satisfying, they showcase simple flavors with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 pancakes (approx)
Ingredients
For the pancake batter
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 250ml milk
- 1 egg
- 110g mature Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 40g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 10–15g chives, finely chopped
For cooking the pancakes
- 10g butter
- 1 tsp oil
To serve (optional)
- Butter
- Grated cheese
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and salt into a large mixing bowl to aerate and evenly distribute the salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a jug or bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well blended.
- Make the Batter: Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Gradually pour in the milk and egg mixture, whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Add Cheese and Chives: Gently fold in the grated Cheddar, Parmesan, and chopped chives until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare Cooking Fat: Place the butter and oil in a small saucepan and heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly brush with the melted butter and oil mixture; it should sizzle when ready.
- Cook Pancakes: Drop 1 tablespoon of batter per pancake onto the pan, spacing them apart. Cook until bubbles appear around the edges and the underside is golden (about 2½ minutes), then flip and cook the other side for another 2–2½ minutes.
- Repeat: Wrap cooked pancakes in a clean tea towel to keep warm. Continue cooking remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy the pancakes warm with butter and a little extra grated cheese on top, if desired. They can be reheated in the microwave to maintain their fluffy texture.
Notes
- Cooking a test pancake first helps perfect the temperature and ensures each one is golden and cooked through.
- Pancakes can be made ahead, refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
- For a fluffy result, do not overmix the batter after adding cheese and chives.
- These pancakes are delicious plain or paired with smoked salmon, a fried egg, or roasted tomatoes for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British, Scottish, Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 226mg
- Fat: 5.4g
- Saturated Fat: 3.0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7.4g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 4.3g
- Cholesterol: 21mg