Oven-baked cheese pancakes

Baked Cheese Pancakes: a warm and comforting delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

In a world full of elaborate and sophisticated desserts, baked cheese pancakes are a simple yet extremely satisfying choice. This dish is a perfect combination of the fine texture of pancakes and the creamy cheese filling, resulting in a meal that brings a smile to anyone's face. With deep roots in culinary traditions, pancakes are a symbol of comfort and family meals. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or as dessert, these cheese pancakes are always welcome.

Necessary ingredients:

For the pancake batter:
- 3 fresh eggs
- 500 g flour
- 600 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 350 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 200 g sour cream
- 100 g sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 lemon essence
- 200 g sour cream to put on top

Preparing baked cheese pancakes:

1. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the milk, sugar, and salt. Mix well with a whisk or fork until the mixture is homogeneous. Start adding the flour gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Gradually, the batter will become fluid and smooth. It is important that the batter has a slightly thinner consistency than that for regular pancakes.

2. Cooking the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, and if necessary, grease it with a little oil or butter. Pour a small portion of the batter into the skillet, swirling it to evenly cover the bottom. Let the pancake cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a nice crust forms. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute on the other side. Repeat the process until you finish all the batter; you should get about 12-15 pancakes.

3. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon essences. Use a fork or mixer to achieve a smooth mixture. Ensure the cheese is well mixed to avoid large chunks.

4. Filling the pancakes: Place a tablespoon of cheese filling on each pancake, then gently roll the pancake to enclose the filling. Place the filled pancakes in a greased baking dish, seam side down, to prevent them from opening during baking.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once all the pancakes are nicely arranged in the dish, pour the remaining sour cream over them, smoothing it with a spatula. Bake the pancakes in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the sour cream turns golden and the pancakes are warm and fluffy.

6. Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let the pancakes rest for 5 minutes. Serve them warm, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or a fresh fruit sauce for added flavor. You can also add a spoonful of fruit jam for a delicious contrast.

Practical tip: If you want to add a personal touch, you can experiment with different flavors in the filling, such as grated orange zest or some chopped nuts for added texture. Additionally, pancakes can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits: Cheese pancakes are an excellent source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, while sour cream adds extra calcium. This dish is a good choice to start the day or to provide families with a comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of cheese?: Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a different taste. Ensure that the chosen cheese is well-drained to not affect the consistency of the filling.

- How can I store the pancakes?: If you have leftover pancakes, you can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or skillet.

- What drinks pair well with cheese pancakes?: Fresh coffee, herbal tea, or fresh fruit juice will pair wonderfully with these pancakes. If you want something more decadent, a sweet wine or fruit liqueur will perfectly complement the meal.

Baked cheese pancakes are a simple yet flavorful recipe that can bring joy to every meal. Experiment with various ingredients and adapt the recipe to your taste, and you will surely create a dish that will impress everyone. Enjoy!