I know, kids need a balanced breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, kale smoothies, avocado toast.....and whatever else we dream up when we are feeling ambitious, but let’s be real, sometimes pancakes and whip cream are what everyone really needs. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and well received. When it comes down to it, pancakes are a breakfast staple for a reason!  

Because they are endlessly versatile and convenient, pancakes are one of my go-to breakfast offerings. When you finish with breakfast, if there are any to spare, toss them into the freezer and heat them on school mornings as you run out the door.  

If you have recipe that you love to use for pancakes, insert it here! Personally, I never make mine homemade. I use a boxed mix and follow the instructions on the back to make my base.  

Although you can’t go wrong with plain pancakes, this blog post is going to dive into some options to change up those delicious little golden circles.  

First things first, consider size. My kids love mini pancakes, frequently referred to as “silver dollar” pancakes. If you have a spatula that can handle it, impress your kids with giant pancakes. If you are willing to put yourself out there, try making some fun shapes or letters!  

Next, consider how you will make your pancakes. Whether you choose to use a skillet or a griddle, it is important that you allow it to heat up completely before beginning. A nice consistent medium temperature is all you need for perfect little pancakes. If you want golden crunchy edges, put lots of butter on you surface before beginning. If you want consistently colored smooth pancakes, don’t add puddles of butter, but be sure you have a pre-heated non-stick skillet.  

Finally, it is time to make some pancakes- check out below for some fun ideas!  

Scrambled Pancake Piles

A stack of plain pancakes  

Scrambled eggs  

Shredded cheese  

Crumbled bacon  

Sliced avocado  

Sausage Pancake Wraps

Plain Pancake  

Quarter slice of cheese  

Sausage link  

After flipping pancakes once, place cheese on top of cooked pancake side while still on the skillet to melt. Once cooked, lay sausage link flat on top of pancake and roll it up as you eat it!  

Ham and Cheese Pancakes  

Thick Pancake Batter  

Chopped Ham  

Shredded Cheese  

Mix pancake batter, ham, and cheese and pour on a hot skillet  

Cinnamon Sugar Pancakes

Pancake mix with a teaspoon of cinnamon and vanilla added in addition to box instructions  

Cinnamon Sugar Glaze:  

½ stick of butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon: heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals until sugar is dissolved and drizzle over pancakes as you serve them  

Confetti Pancakes 

Usual Pancake base –dye them light pink or blue for extra fun!  

Confetti Sprinkles  

Whipped cream  

Chocolate chip pancakes with optional add ins 

Usual pancake base 

Mini chocolate chips sprinkled in pancakes just after pouring them on the skillet, you can also use peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips!  

(Optional: add in sweetened shredded coconut or chopped nuts!)

Reese Cup Pancakes  

Usual pancake base  

Chopped up Reese’s cups sprinkled in pancakes just after pouring them on the skillet