Super Crispy Oatmeal Pancake
Crispy Oatmeal Pancakes! Use plain old leftover oatmeal to create a healthful yet golden brown and delicious Crispy Oatmeal Pancake. No flour, no eggs.
This transformation of a regular bowl of oatmeal into a crispy pancake was inspired by one of my favorite ways to use up leftover risotto. I form cold risotto into patties, then pan fry the patties until they’re crispy, golden brown and delicious. Same idea here.
I guess for some folks a bowl of oatmeal is the breakfast equivalent of steamed broccoli. It’s something you eat because it’s good for you, but it’s not terribly interesting.
If you’re one of those folks, this Crispy Oatmeal Pancake just might change your mind.
How to turn a bowl of oatmeal into a crispy pancake:
- “Old-fashioned” rolled oats are quick to cook and have no other ingredients added. But you can use whatever oatmeal you normally make. I think a Crispy Oatmeal Pancake made from steel cut oats would be fantastic.
- Just a little butter or pan spray is needed to keep the pancake from sticking to the pan.
- It’s easier to work with warm oatmeal to make a very thin pancake, but you can also use cold, leftover oatmeal. Just moisten your hands with a little water to pat the pancake flat.
- Dress the pancakes either sweet or savory.
Scroll through the process photos to see how to make Crispy Oatmeal Pancakes:
Aside from a tiny bit of butter used to fry the pancake, this crispy treat is just as healthful as a regular old bowl of oatmeal.
If you really want to be good you can use pan spray instead of butter, or if you want to be a little bad you can top the pancake with breakfast sausage and eggs.
The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination and what you’ve got in your pantry.
Super Crispy Oatmeal Pancake
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ oz old fashioned rolled oats (½ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
- 8 oz water (1 cup)
- pinch table salt
- 1 tablespoon Craisins (or raisins (optional))
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (plus more for serving, if desired)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts ((optional))
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons butter or pan spray
Instructions
- Combine1 ¾ oz old fashioned rolled oats, 8 oz water, pinch table salt, 1 tablespoon Craisins and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Microwave 3 minutes until thick and bubbling (the exact time may vary by microwave). Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Immediately pour the oatmeal onto a plate or other flat surface and spread to desired thickness. Set the pancake aside until completely cooled and set.
- The pancake can be made the night before, wrapped and refrigerated until morning.
- Melt 1 tsp butter in a non-stick skillet until it's beginning to brown. Use a knife or small spatula to separate the bottom of the pancake from the plate then flip it into the pan. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Do not move the pancake until the bottom is set to avoid having it break apart. Slide the pancake back onto the plate. Melt the remaining butter in the pan then flip the pancake into the pan. Cook the other side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Slide onto serving plate.
- Serve with maple syrup or top with fruit or savory toppings of your choice.
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I grew up having these from time to time for breakfast. My grandma would use the left over oatmeal from the morning before. She would form them in a couple pieces of wax paper and set overnight. I appreciate the reminder, memory!!
Thanks, Jenna. They’re so easy because it’s just basically oatmeal.
This looks so yummy! Oatmeal in pancakes can be so tricky but you look like you’ve mastered it beautifully in this recipe!
Definitely adding to the brunch menu!
Thanks, Mikaela!
Oh I LOVE this idea! I love a bowl of porridge but frying it up until it’s crispy?! Genius!
Thanks, Sasha. Crispy is always good, isn’t it?
LOL – I happen to like both oatmeal and steamed broccoli! But yes, this looks delicious, and it is nice to sometimes have a change of pace.
Hi Anne – I love both too! But I know some folks who need little coaxing…
Great idea! I love oatmeal but sometimes I need something juuuust a little bit different from the usual bowl…this will be a great option!
I love oatmeal too and eat it every day. But this was a nice change without the guilt of a heavy breakfast.
We always have leftover oatmeal and my husband is the only one who eats it. I think you’ve just solved our problem, and the kids will go for it, too. Excited to try this–thanks!
Yay!!!
This is such a genius idea! I’m much rather eat oatmeal in pancake form than in a bowl! Nomssss!
What an interesting idea! I have never thought of making a pancake out of oatmeal!