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What to Serve with Pancakes (40+ Ideas)
- November 17, 2024
- Last Updated: November 19, 2024
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- Recipes
Pancakes are an easy family staple that so many people love! But have you ever wondered what you should serve with pancakes? This post will share 40+ ideas for every type of occasion!
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I remember growing up and my dad making blueberry pancakes. They were his claim to fame, but more importantly, a family staple that we all loved and enjoyed together.
I still feel like pancakes have that magic now, with three young kids of myself. But, what to serve with pancakes, can sometimes be tricky!
Especially if you’re doing pancakes for dinner, or breakfast for dinner. That’s a favorite in our house now!
But, not all pancakes are high in protein – unless you’re adding protein in or using or beloved Kodiak Cakes.
So, it’s nice to serve some protein-rich sides with pancakes, and add some colorful options too!
So, here are some of the best side dishes from around the interweb!
What Goes Well With Pancakes
Well, lucky for you, I reached out to several food enthusiasts and bloggers to get some options for what to serve with pancakes.
All of these options would go great with favorites like kodiak cake sheet pan pancakes, sweetpotato pancakes or whole wheat gingerbread pancakes.
These perfect sides for pancakes would add some flavor and nutrition and make your breakfast (or dinner) meal more balanced.
- eggs – The stellar, easy and traditional breakfast option. Eggs go great with pancakes because they are savory, high in protein and can help add satiety to your breakfast.
- bacon, ham or sausage (or plant-based options) – Again, focusing on adding protein to your pancake breakfast with these savory, salty options. To me, crispy bacon is the epitome of a pancake breakfast side!
- Potatoes or hash browns – Potatoes cooked in any way make a great side for pancakes! Shredded hash browns or even frozen hash browns in a bag can make an easy side. Spinach sweetpotato tater tots are a fun one for toddlers to get more veggies in.
- fruit or fruit salad – Mix all of your favorites into a bowl and you have a super-easy and very nutritious side for your pancakes! Plus, fruit adds a natural sweetness that many people crave. Even simple banana slices or fresh berries would take it up a notch, especially if you like sweet pancakes. You could even add them into the pancake batter.
- compote or syrup– A strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup or mixed fruit compote is a delicious topping, especially if you don’t love syrup!
- 100% fruit juice – You can also get a serving of fruit in with 100% fruit juice. We love orange juice and pomegranate juice, but there are plenty of option!
- kefir – A great way to add protein, probiotics, calcium and Vitamin D!
- cool whip or whipped cream – My kids love whipped cream on their pancakes, especially when we’re doing themes, like santa clause pancakes!
- nuts/seeds – Adding nuts/seeds on top of your pancakes for a crunchy texture, or nut butter, is a great way to add protein and healthy fats to your dish! Top with peanut butter or almond butter, or throw some pumpkin seeds or pecans on there!
- yogurt or cottage cheese – A staple and easy high-protein breakfast option!
- yogurt parfait – A cute and colorful way to add fruit, granola, etc.
- smoothies – I love to make one of these toddler smoothie recipes alongside our pancakes!
- overnight oats – I love to serve them up in these kid-friendly glasses, and just a little bit goes a long way!
What to Serve with Pancakes (Kid-Friendly)
Here are some thing to eat with pancakes – for every type of eater!
These are family-friendly and kid-friendly ideas, with options for sweet and savory, some made in the air fryer, some made in minutes, minimal ingredients, etc.
What to Serve with Pancakes
There are so many delicious options to serve with pancakes. This list has things from sweet to savory and everything in between!
Cinnamon peanut butter is a creamy, tasty peanut butter made in your own kitchen with only natural ingredients! If you've never tried peanut butter and cinnamon together, you're in for a real treat!
This Peanut Butter Coffee Smoothie is an easy, delicious coffee protein smoothie with a kick of caffeine. Enjoy it with breakfast or as an energizing snack!
This Orange and Mango Smoothie is the perfect cold and creamy post workout recovery smoothie. Enjoy the taste of the healthy creamsicle shake!
These cherry chocolate chip baked oatmeal cups are a fun new way to take oatmeal on the go, great for snacks, quick breakfasts and kid-friendly.
Apple pie overnight oats are a tasty high protein overnight oats recipe to start your day! Perfect for those warm fall mornings, or any time of year!
Cookie dough overnight oats are a healthy and delicious to your sweet tooth in the mornings. Overnight cookie dough oats can be made in advance and ready to take on the go or enjoy at home.
This Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole is an easy make ahead breakfast that you just pop in the oven in the morning! Enjoy this turkey sausage sweet potato egg casserole after a morning workout, for meal prep or with your favorite people!
These baked oranges are a delicious family-friendly snack! Enjoy them with this honey feta dip for more staying power.
Butternut squash egg muffins for baby are an easy, healthy recipe that work great for breakfast, as a snack, or for on the go! Made with wholesome veggies, protein and healthy fats, baby egg muffins are great for meal prep!
This Cranberry Strawberry Chia Jam is the perfect, hearty combination of tangy and sweet. Don't just save it for your Thanksgiving table - this cranberry jam recipe is great all year round.
Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats are a light and fruity make ahead breakfast. You'll want to make these every week!
This Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl recipe is a deliciously creamy snack, or can even be made into a meal with your favorite toppings.
This Sweet Potato Kale Hash recipe is an easy way to add veggies to your breakfast, and make the best vegan breakfast hash.
Cherry overnight oats with blueberries epitomize an easy, done-for-you breakfast! Full of protein, fiber and antioxidants, this meal prep breakfast is full of nutrition and cherry flavor.
This cantaloupe mango smoothie is great for kids. Make it in minutes with just 5 simple ingredients.
This veggie sweet potato avocado breakfast pizza is filling with both complex carbohydrates and satiating protein. It's also bursting with flavor and a great way to start the day with veggies!
Cherry Chocolate Chia Pudding is a great way to use those summer cherries. Great as a breakfast, snack or dessert, this chocolate cherry pudding recipe with cherries and chocolate is an easy vegan dessert.
Banana chia pudding is like a healthy banana pudding in a glass, filled with nourishing ingredients like bananas, chia seeds, milk and shredded coconut.
This carrot banana smoothie is an easy, whole-foods smoothie filled with flavor, nutrition and only 6 key ingredients. Great any time of year, it has the perfect hint of creaminess and spice.
A delicious and nutritious, protein-packed frittata that is great for any meal of the day. It's easy to make in advance and great for crowds.
This Mushroom and Asparagus Quiche is a convenient and easy veggie quiche, full of protein, nutrients and vegetables, for a delicious meal any time of day!
You'll never guess that beans are in this smoothie. This healthy chocolate bean smoothie is made with bananas, beans, dates, yogurt, milk and spinach to make the tastiest mint chocolate chip smoothie, plus it's full of filling fiber and protein.
This savory Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble is a perfect quick and savory breakfast option. It's ready in 20 minutes, full of nourishing veggies, can be made in bulk, and is great for those busy mornings!
A banana pear smoothie is a delicious and easy way to up your fiber intake to help with satiety, digestion, blood sugar balance and more! This pear and banana smoothie offers both fruit and veggies as well as 15 grams of protein!
This Skillet Breakfast Scramble is a tasty and nutritious one-pan meal that should not be limited to just breakfast. A healthy breakfast scramble full of protein, veggies and lots of flavor, it is great for group gatherings or meals that can last you throughout the week!
These stewed pears have just four ingredients and are quick and easy to make alongside pancakes.
Air Fryer bacon takes less than 15 minutes and is perfect to serve with pancakes, waffles, eggs and more
Combine caramel, apple and cinnamon to make this velvety oatmeal smoothie.
Make this easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work to serve alongside pancakes for an extra serving of fruit.
Make the perfect thick and creamy yogurt for breakfast and top with honey, fruit, and granola
This simple fruit salad is tossed in a sweet citrus dressing for a delicious and easy summer side dish for pancakes.
Photo Credit:
littlehealthybites.com
Mini Egg Bites {with Cottage Cheese and Veggies} - Healthy Kids Recipes
Made with protein-rich cottage cheese and lots of veggies, these mini egg bites for toddlers are the perfect healthy breakfast
This nourishing hot chocolate provides extra protein and a warming sensation alongside pancakes.
This ceamy Easy Raspberry Smoothie with Greek Yogurt is going to be your new favorite tasty treat to serve alongside pancakes or waffles.
Start your little one’s day off right with a hearty dose of veggies and protein in these delicious Zucchini Frittata Muffins alongside your pancakes.
These lemon blueberry baked oatmeal cups are super easy to make to serve alongside pancakes.
Soft and tender on the inside and golden crispy on the outside, these home fries are a perfect side for pancakes.
This easy mousse comes together so quickly and is a favorite among chocolate peanut butter lovers!
Chocolate gravy is a great topping for pancakes for the whole family!
These chicken breakfast patties are a high-protein, savory option and side for sweet pancakes!
The easy, quintessential breakfast foods that makes a great side for pancakes.
These potatoes also offer veggies, like onions and peppers, to serve alongside your pancakes.
What to Serve with Pancakes for Dinner
While most of the above sides for pancakes are for breakfast or brunch, you may also enjoy breakfast for dinner, occasionally, and need some dinner sides for pancakes!
The principle still stands that getting some protein in, and fruits and/or veggies, will be an important part of making a balanced meal.
With that said, here are some of our favorite sides for pancakes for dinner.
- Bacon and/or eggs – As mentioned above, these are just all-around staples that pair beautifully with pancakes!
- Sausage or pork – These air fryer sausage and veggies are a great alternative!
- Potatoes – There are so many ways to eat potatoes! Home fries, skillet potatoes, baked potatoes, hasselback, etc! I’ll often re-use sweetpotato leftovers as a side for pancakes with dinner.
- Mac and cheese – If you want a creamy, hearty side for pancakes, this sweetpotato mac and cheese is a favorite! Or this toddler mac and cheese for toddlers.
- Roasted veggies – These roasted sweetpotatoes and carrots caramelize in the oven, making them naturally sweeter, but still providing so much nutrition!
- Oven baked cheesy baked sweetpotatoes
- Veggie fries – These could be potato fries, sweetpotato fries or air fryer sweetpotato wedges, air fryer butternut squash fries, etc. We also love these crispy parsnip fries! All are great savory sides for pancakes!
- Bowl of cereal – Sometimes we just have no energy to cook! A bowl of energy is an easy side.
- Smoothies/protein shake– Similar to above, smoothies are good every time of day!
- Yogurt parfait – Again, a no-cook way to add protein. Layer yogurt, fruit and granola for a heart side.
The next time you ask yourself what goes with pancakes, use this detailed list of ideas to make your meal a little more balanced and flavorful.
Sarah Schlichter is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition. As a mom of 3, she specializes in family nutrition, sports nutrition and intuitive eating. She also co-hosts the podcast, Managing Mealtime Madness. Learn More About Sarah
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