Looking for a breakfast recipe that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes? This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby is light, puffy, cheesy, crispy, and unbelievably delicious. Imagine a golden, airy oven-baked pancake filled with melted cheddar and smoky bacon—perfect for brunch, weekends, or an easy comfort-food dinner.
Whether you’re feeding guests or treating yourself, this savory Dutch baby is guaranteed to impress!
What Is a Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby?
A Dutch baby—also called a puffy pancake or German pancake—is a simple batter that bakes into a light, soufflé-like dish. Traditionally, Dutch babies are sweet, but the savory version is a total game changer.
This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby combines:
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A fluffy, oven-puffed pancake base
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Rich, sharp cheddar cheese
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Crispy bacon pieces
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Fresh herbs for brightness
It’s like the perfect mashup between an omelet, a quiche, and a breakfast pizza. The best part? The oven does all the work!
Why This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby Works So Well
This recipe is beloved because:
Fast & Easy
The batter requires only 5 minutes and common ingredients.
One-Pan Recipe
Everything is cooked in a cast-iron skillet—less cleanup.
Perfect Brunch Food
Golden, dramatic rise + delicious savory flavors = guaranteed “wow” effect.
Versatile
Serve it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer.
Customizable
Add veggies, different cheeses, spices, or toppings.
This dish is your new go-to for effortless hosting.
Ingredients for Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
Here is everything you need to make the perfect savory Dutch baby.
For the Dutch Baby Batter:
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3 large eggs
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup whole milk (room temperature preferred)
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1 tbsp melted butter
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Filling:
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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4–6 slices cooked crispy bacon, chopped
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1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
the Skillet:
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2 tbsp butter (to melt in the pan before adding batter)
Optional Add-ins:
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
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A pinch of garlic powder
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A sprinkle of red pepper flakes
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Sautéed onions or mushrooms
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Spinach, tomatoes, or roasted peppers
Required Kitchen Tools
To make the best Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby, you’ll need:
Cast Iron Skillet (10 or 12 inch)
Essential for high heat and perfect puffing.
Blender or Mixing Bowl
A blender creates the smoothest batter, but a whisk bowl works too.
Oven
Must be preheated properly for the Dutch baby to rise.
Spatula & Knife
For chopping bacon and serving.
A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended, but any oven-safe pan can work.
How to Make a Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a perfect, puffy, golden Dutch baby every time.
Step 1 — Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place your cast-iron skillet inside to heat up.
A hot pan is the secret to a dramatic rise.
Step 2 — Cook the Bacon
Cook 4–6 slices of bacon until crispy.
Remove from the pan and chop into pieces.
You can also bake bacon in the oven while prepping everything else.
Step 3 — Prepare the Batter
In a blender, combine:
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3 eggs
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½ cup flour
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½ cup milk
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1 tbsp melted butter
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp pepper
Blend for 20–30 seconds until smooth.
No blender? Whisk well until lump-free.
Step 4 — Heat the Butter in the Skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
Add 2 tbsp of butter to the skillet.
Swirl to melt completely and coat the edges.
The butter should sizzle — that’s perfect.
Step 5 — Add Cheese & Batter
Sprinkle half of the cheddar into the hot skillet.
Pour the batter directly on top.
Finish with the rest of the cheddar.
This layering creates the perfect texture and flavor.
Step 6 — Bake
Place the skillet back into the oven and bake for:
18–22 minutes,
or until the Dutch baby is puffed, golden, and crisp around the edges.
Avoid opening the oven — the puff may collapse!
Step 7 — Add Bacon & Herbs
As soon as the Dutch baby is out of the oven:
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Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top
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Add chopped chives or parsley
The steam will lightly warm the bacon without making it soggy.
Step 8 — Serve Immediately
Dutch babies deflate naturally (which is normal), so serve right away for the most impressive presentation.
Cut into slices like pizza and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
These professional kitchen secrets ensure a perfect, puffy result every time:
1. Use room-temperature eggs & milk
This helps the Dutch baby rise higher.
2. Preheat the skillet properly
A very hot skillet = dramatic puff.
3. Don’t overmix
You want a smooth but airy batter.
4. Keep the oven door closed
Opening it early causes collapse.
5. Use high-quality cheddar
Sharp cheddar brings the best flavor.
6. Add bacon at the end
Prevents it from drying out during baking.
7. Eat immediately
Dutch babies are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations of Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
Want to customize your Dutch baby? Try these ideas:
Southwest Dutch Baby
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Add diced jalapeños
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Smoked paprika
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Pepper jack cheese
Loaded Breakfast Dutch Baby
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Add cooked sausage
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Diced potatoes
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Green onions
Vegetarian Dutch Baby
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Sautéed mushrooms
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Spinach
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Sun-dried tomatoes
Italian Style
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Mozzarella cheese
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Pancetta
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Fresh basil
Spicy Version
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Chili crisp drizzle
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Sharp cheddar
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Red pepper flakes
Approximate Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
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Calories: 370
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Protein: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fat: 26g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 2g
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Sodium: 720mg
Values may vary depending on bacon and cheese type.
What to Serve With Your Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
This recipe pairs beautifully with:
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Fresh mixed greens
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A simple fruit salad
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Tomato slices
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Fresh avocado
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Hot sauce or sriracha
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Sour cream
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A drizzle of maple syrup (YES—sweet + salty = magic)
Perfect for brunch boards or breakfast spreads.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Although best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers:
Refrigerate:
Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheat:
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Oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
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Air fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes
Avoid microwaving—it becomes mushy.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby is everything you want in a breakfast or brunch recipe—simple, comforting, impressive, and packed with flavor. With its crispy edges, fluffy center, melted cheddar, and smoky bacon, it’s guaranteed to become one of your signature dishes.

Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
Ingredients
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