Friday, June 6, 2014

Mancakes! A Father’s Day Brunch Classic

This amazing bacon, green onion, and cheddar corn pancakes recipe was originally planned as a “breakfast for dinner” post, but when I tasted how incredible they came out, I decided to do them as a Father’s Day brunch special instead. 

I realize Father’s Day Brunch isn’t actually a thing, but just in case it becomes a great tradition someday, I figured I’d get this into the search engines nice and early. Plus, I really wanted to call them “mancakes.”

Sweet/savory hybrids can be tricky sometimes, but I think this worked beautifully. We are talking about bacon, cheese, and onions after all, so it wasn't that big a shock. And the way the chipotle-spiced maple syrup brought everything together was a risk well rewarded.

As far as the texture goes, these were surprisingly tender, and fairly light for corn pancakes. My only regret is not cooking extra bacon to top these with. So, why not surprise the man in your life, and whip up a batch of these soon? Enjoy!


Ingredients for about 12 Mancakes:
8 oz bacon
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tbsp baking powder
pinch freshly ground black pepper
pinch cayenne
3/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/3 cups milk
2 oz grated sharp cheddar (about 1/2 cup)
serve with warm maple syrup spiked with chipotle to taste

29 comments:

Billy said...

Marie Callendar's used to to do a Father's Day brunch.

Unknown said...

Is there an alternative to chipotle? Another chilli spice you think would work the same? I can't seem to find chipotle in my local store. I live in the uk! They look delicious!!

Unknown said...

why the cornmeal?

Chef John said...

Flavor and texture!

Chef John said...

gjohnston870, try a hot spanish paprika!

Travis said...

I'm thinking maybe adding a bit of bourbon to that maple syrup...

Unknown said...

It's dinner time and I want these NOW!

Sandy said...

In my experience, the bacon/cheddar/green onion trifecta is a winner. I made some corn muffins with the same flavor combo for a Memorial Day BBQ, and everyone went crazy over them. Pancakes are the logical next step!

Unknown said...

Flavor and texture: flexture!

Anders Lund said...

Saw this post last night, made them for brunch today. They are so nice... thank you!

Estoy_Listo said...

Mancakes comes closest to meeting Dad's inner most desires. Hail to you, Chef John.

TheRealJnani said...

These look amazing. I must try them soon.

Skyjackie737 said...

These look awesome! Cant wait to make them on Sunday. I agree with Mark Anderson....Thanks Chef John!

Unknown said...

we don't get chepotle here, would chilli flakes be an appropriate alternative?

Unknown said...

Just finished a plate of these; amazing! I wanted more but they are filling. I subbed hot smoked paprika for chipotle, worked perfectly.

Thanks Chef!

Dreampie said...

Incredibly tasty! My guests loved these "man cakes", I think the catchy name added to the success. I fried some thin strips of Chorizo sausage with the bacon - perfect! I will be making these again and again. Also a great snack for the bike ride.

Leigh said...

I made'em, and we couldn't stuff our faces fast enough. I was laughing with my mouth full the whole time, because I couldn't get over how amazing they were. Every time someone took their first bite they would audibly sigh...Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Anonymous said...

I saw this recipe when it was first published and put my wife on notice that this is what I wanted for my Father's Day brunch. I took a break from mulching and made a half-recipe yesterday morning, which yielded eight mancakes. They really hit the spot! I'm usually good for three pancakes, but I could have easily eaten the whole recipe! I took it a little easy on the cayenne b/c I wanted my kids to try them (they are young and not very adventuresome with their food) but in retrospect I should have doubled it instead -- more for me! The chipotle syrup was definitely a nice touch.

Anyway, thanks for the great recipe, Chef John! I will definitely make these again!

Unknown said...

My 8 year old watches you channel. He has a real interest in cooking and I have been showing him all I know. After insisting that I make these over and over, I gave in and made them (with his help, of course). I am now wishing I had made them sooner. Wow!

Unknown said...

Made these this morning but without the chipotle since I didn't have it. They were amazing!

Unknown said...

Made these as per the recipe and they were very good. The leftover the next were even better

Faith said...

Made these this weekend and they were perfect! Easy to make, and SOOO delicious. I feel sorry for those who can't find chipotle, cause that was a perfect addition to the syrup. Can't wait to make them again!

Unknown said...

Chef John I couldn't find any cornmeal at the supermarket, can I do the mancakes without it?

Unknown said...

How long can I store the left over mancake batter in the fridge for?

Tom_MacIver said...

Wow, Chef John hits a new record, which is not actually surprising for him. These were excellent,as described.

superbowl said...

If you would add eggs in the mixture & then fry it a little bit, food will be more crispy.
regards:



Father's Day quotes


Patricia said...

Where's the method for the pancakes? All the ingredients are here but no way to assemble
Like making a cake with no directions
L
Patricia Sulek

Tony Wiltshire said...

Just made these...Frigging awesome!!!

Tony Wiltshire said...

Awesome sauce John just amazing. Just consumed my first of many batches of these bad boys.