Yogurt Cornmeal Pancakes

These tender cornmeal pancakes have a sunny, lightly crisp edge and a subtle tang from plain yogurt. Serve them warm with maple syrup, berries, or a pat of butter for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Prep: 12 min · Cook: 18 min · Total: 30 min · Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp neutral oil (for the griddle)
- 0.5 tsp fine salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 0.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cups yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 4 tbsp maple syrup (for serving)
- 2 large large eggs
- 1 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) for 10 minutes so finished pancakes can stay warm without drying out.
- Whisk 1 cups yellow cornmeal, 0.75 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 0.5 tsp baking soda, and 0.5 tsp fine salt in a large mixing bowl for about 30 seconds, until the leaveners are evenly distributed and no clumps remain.
- Whisk 1 cups plain whole-milk yogurt, 0.5 cups whole milk, 2 large eggs, 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a medium bowl for about 45 seconds, until the eggs are fully blended and the mixture looks smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula for 30-45 seconds, just until no dry streaks remain; the batter should be thick, slightly grainy from the cornmeal, and a little lumpy rather than perfectly smooth.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for 5 minutes so the cornmeal hydrates and the batter thickens to a scoopable consistency.
- Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or large nonstick griddle over medium heat for 2 minutes, then brush the surface with about 0.5 tsp neutral oil; the pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates within 2 seconds.
- Scoop the batter onto the hot skillet in 0.25-cup portions, leaving at least 1 inch between pancakes, and gently spread each portion to about 4 inches wide with the back of the measuring cup.
- Cook the pancakes over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the edges look set, the bottoms are deep golden brown, and small bubbles appear and begin to hold on the surface.
- Flip each pancake with a thin spatula and cook the second side for 1.5-2 minutes, until golden brown and the centers spring back lightly when pressed; for egg safety, the center of each pancake should be fully set and reach 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer if checked.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to the warm baking sheet in the 200°F (95°C) oven, arranging them in a single layer, while you cook the remaining batter.
- Wipe out any dark crumbs with a paper towel, brush the skillet with another 0.5 tsp neutral oil as needed, and repeat cooking in batches for 12-14 minutes total, adjusting the heat between medium and medium-low if the pancakes brown before the centers set.
- Serve the pancakes warm on plates with 4 tbsp maple syrup divided over the servings, and add extra butter or fruit if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 377
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 603 mg
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