Breakfast for Dinner

One of my family’s favorite traditions growing up was having breakfast for dinner! We almost never ate a big breakfast in the morning. I never eat a big breakfast because I am half asleep until 10 am, even if I am out of bed by 6:30! I am officially NOT a morning person. But breakfast for dinner?! That is another question altogether! And the answer is always yes at our house! My kids love pancakes, waffles, Dutch babies, and crepes!

Dutch babies in particular, remind me of my eldest sister. She has invited us over to a dinner of Dutch babies many times since we became moms ourselves. And Dutch babies with fresh berries! Super-yum! When I make them here in Italy, it reminds me of sitting around her living room with my parents, my sisters and all of the cousins, just enjoying the chaos of being family. . .And so I love these “pancakes” even more. To make your very own breakfast-for-dinner, or to enjoy these protein packed pancakes for breakfast, follow these easy steps . . . and enjoy creating memories with your own family!

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F (218° C). Then take two glass pans and divide the 4 tablespoons of butter between the two pans (2 tbsp in each pan). I prefer to use an oven safe casserole dish because the pancake raises better and forms a bowl shape, leaving the center thinner and lighter in consistency. A pie pan will not raise as high around the edges and will result in a thicker pancake (scroll down to see the difference between a flatter pan, such as a pie pan, and a taller pan, such as a oven safe casserole dish). Either one works fine, it depends on the result you would like to obtain. After you have divided the butter between the two pans, place the pans in the oven until the butter is completely melted. Place pans on stovetop until you are ready.

Measure the 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the 1/2 tsp baking powder into a mixing bowl and whisk with a fork.

Add the three eggs to the mix and whisk with fork until clumps begin to disappear. Add 1/2 cup of milk and continue to mix until blended.

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans with melted butter. Place the pans in the oven. Bake for 10-20 minutes (keep a close eye on them the first time you bake them because every oven is different). Do not open the oven while baking or they will deflate. The edges should be golden brown and the center still yellow. You can test it by sticking a sharp knife edge into the center to see if it is cooked all the way through.

This shows you the difference between a dish with a tall rim and a pie pan.

Remove from dish and place on plate. You can fill them with whatever suits you! We love fresh fruit and powdered sugar, but Nutella or maple syrup are just as tasty! Below I have included my grandmas recipe for “Grandma’s Goop”, which is a family favorite on Dutch babies! Enjoy! I hope your family will enjoy their own chaotic and delicious breakfast for dinner!