Name: Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; ½ cup milk; Butter, for cooking; 1½ cups flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon mild chili powder; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4-5 scallions, chopped; Pumpkin seeds, for garnish; Syrup, for serving

If you’re looking to give your breakfast a flavorful upgrade, this Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine fluffy pumpkin-infused pancakes with sharp cheddar and a subtle kick of chili powder—pure autumn comfort on a plate.

A stack of four thick golden-yellow pancakes with visible green herbs cooked inside, placed on a white plate. The pancakes have a slightly crispy texture on the edges and are glazed with a shiny syrup. The top pancake is sprinkled with green pumpkin seeds and thin light green vegetable strips. Behind the plate, there is a glass of bright orange juice, and a silver fork is lying on the white marbled surface next to the plate. The background is a soft blue color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these pancakes. They’re the perfect balance between sweet and savory with just a touch of heat, plus they look gorgeous stacked high on your brunch table.

Unique Flavor Combo: Pumpkin puree and sharp cheddar blend beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying taste.
Seasonal and Comforting: Perfect for fall mornings when you want something hearty and warming.
Easy to Customize: Tweak the chili powder level or choose different cheese types for your favorite spin.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 25 minutes, so you can enjoy a special breakfast even on busy days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make these pumpkin cheddar pancakes so special. When you shop, opt for fresh shredded cheddar for melting magic and real pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a simple mound of white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl holding fine white baking powder, a tiny white bowl with coarse kosher salt, a tiny white bowl containing reddish-brown mild chili powder, a small pile of shredded vibrant orange cheddar cheese, a neat bunch of fresh green scallions with white bulbs and leafy tops, a scattering of fresh green pumpkin seeds, and a small white bowl of golden syrup placed separately, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable fall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender; whole milk is my go-to for creaminess.
Butter: Essential for cooking the pancakes with a golden crust and added flavor.
Flour: The foundation for fluffy, structured pancakes.
Baking Powder: Gives the batter lift so your pancakes turn out light and airy.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
Mild Chili Powder: Adds a subtle warm heat that plays nicely with the pumpkin and cheddar.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates pockets of savory goodness inside each pancake.
Scallions: Fresh, green, and slightly oniony, they bring brightness and texture.
Pumpkin Seeds: Crunchy garnish for that extra fall flair and nutty flavor.
Syrup: Optional, but a drizzle balances the savory with a hint of sweetness perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe is how flexible it is—perfect for tailoring to your taste buds or dietary needs without losing any of that comforting flavor.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend once, and the pancakes came out just as fluffy and delicious. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding gluten but still want to enjoy these savory flavors.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little extra heat, try increasing the mild chili powder a bit or adding a pinch of cayenne to the dry mix. It gives the pancakes a nice edge without overpowering the pumpkin and cheddar.
Milk Alternatives: Using almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk works wonderfully here—just make sure to choose an unsweetened option to keep that savory balance.
Cheese Swap: If sharp cheddar isn’t your thing, a good-quality Monterey Jack or Gouda adds a creamy melt that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice.
Extra Veggies: Fold in some finely chopped roasted red peppers or even corn kernels alongside the scallions for additional sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe

A round stack of three bright orange pancakes sits on a white plate, each layer thick and fluffy with slightly uneven edges. The top pancake is sprinkled with green herbs and light green pumpkin seeds, with a few thin white and green onion slices scattered on top and around the stack. A silver fork lifts a piece from the side, showing the soft, airy texture inside. A glass of orange juice and a small white bowl of dark brown syrup sit nearby, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Pumpkin Base

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and stirring together the pumpkin puree, one large egg, and half a cup of milk. I like to mix this until the surface looks smooth and creamy, which helps ensure a tender pancake texture later on. This step only takes a minute or two but sets the stage for a luscious batter.

Step 2: Sift and Spice the Dry Ingredients

Next, in a separate bowl whisk together 1½ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon mild chili powder. Whisking these together breaks up any clumps and evenly distributes the chili powder to give every bite a gentle warmth.

Step 3: Bring It All Together—Carefully

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. Combine until just incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can make pancakes tough. If your batter feels too thick to pour smoothly, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it's the perfect consistency—rich but pourable. Hold off on adding the cheddar cheese and scallions for now; they join the pancakes a bit later.

Step 4: Heat Things Up and Butter the Pan

Warm your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. When hot, toss in a small pat of butter and let it melt, bubbling gently across the surface. This butter coats the pan and adds that golden, crispy edge every pancake dreams of.

Step 5: Pour, Cook, and Cheese

Use a ⅓ cup measure to ladle the batter onto your griddle, spacing pancakes comfortably apart. Let them cook undisturbed until the edges become firm and start to brown lightly—that’s your cue they’re ready for the cheddar and scallions. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and chopped scallions over the cooking side now, allowing them to warm and melt slightly before the flip.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip each pancake to cook the other side, about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and fluffy all the way through. Cooking the cheese side second lets it melt perfectly inside, infusing flavor every bite.

Step 7: Serve with Crunch and Sweetness

Stack your pancakes on a warm plate, then garnish with crunchy pumpkin seeds and a few extra scallions for freshness. Serve with syrup on the side; it’s that lovely sweet-savory contrast that makes these pancakes so crave-worthy.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe means paying attention to a few small details that make a big difference. These tips will help you get fluffy texture, balanced flavors, and an irresistible finish every time.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of delightfully fluffy ones.
Butter the Griddle Well: A well-buttered, hot griddle not only prevents sticking but adds that subtle richness to the crust and flavor.
Add Cheese and Scallions at the Right Time: Sprinkle them on right before flipping to let the cheese melt without burning and the scallions stay fresh and bright.
Keep Them Warm: Avoid soggy pancakes by placing finished ones on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest. This keeps them perfectly warm and crisp.

How to Serve Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe

A small round pancake layer is cooking in a gray pan with bubbles and melted butter around its edges; the pancake is topped with thin, bright orange shredded cheese and fresh, chopped green onions scattered across the surface. The batter looks light tan and fluffy, and the ingredients are spread evenly over the pancake’s center on the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The pumpkin seeds and extra chopped scallions sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and fresh bite. For an even more elevated presentation, consider a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of a tangy maple mustard sauce to complement the mild chili powder’s warmth without overpowering the cheddar’s sharpness.

Side Dishes

Pair your savory pancakes with crisp breakfast sausages or a heap of sautéed spinach for a balanced meal. A simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil can brighten up the plate, while roasted sweet potatoes make a comforting, autumn-inspired side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Then stack them between pieces of parchment paper and seal tightly in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

You can try substituting the egg with a flax or chia egg and using a plant-based milk along with a vegan butter alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary from the original.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar works beautifully to add a robust flavor that stands up to the pumpkin and chili powder. Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the batter up to 2 hours before cooking. If it thickens, just add a splash of milk to loosen it before pouring onto the griddle.

Are these pancakes spicy?

They carry a mild warmth from the chili powder, which enhances the savory profile without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

These Savory Pumpkin Cheddar Pancakes Recipe blend the cozy charm of fall flavors with a surprisingly delightful savory kick. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast, their fluffy texture, melty cheese, and just a hint of chili make every bite memorable. I hope this recipe becomes a seasonal favorite in your home, bringing warmth and smiles to your table!