Herb & Cheese Dutch Baby

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Moderate (requires quick preparation and oven handling)

Description

A Dutch Baby is a puffy, oven-baked pancake with crispy edges and a tender center. This savory version is infused with fresh herbs and melted cheese, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It’s quick to prepare, visually impressive, and packed with rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅔ cup whole milk

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or sharp cheddar)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional toppings:

  • Sour cream or crème fraîche

  • Fresh arugula or microgreens

  • Crispy prosciutto or bacon

  • Extra herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Batter

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

• In a blender or large bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, thyme, chives, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth (about 30 seconds). Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while the oven heats.

2. Heat the Pan & Add Butter

• Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet (or oven-safe pan) in the oven for 3 minutes to heat.

• Carefully remove the hot skillet and add butter, swirling to melt and coat the pan.

3. Pour Batter & Add Cheese

• Quickly pour the batter into the hot skillet.

• Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

4. Bake Until Puffed & Golden

• Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the Dutch Baby is puffed and golden brown around the edges. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes to prevent deflating.

5. Serve Immediately

• Remove from the oven and let it sit for 1-2 minutes (it will deflate slightly).

• Slice into wedges and serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh greens, or crispy bacon.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 280

• Fat: 16g (Saturated: 9g)

• Carbohydrates: 19g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g)

• Protein: 14g

• Sodium: 480mg

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and vegan butter, and skip the cheese (or use dairy-free cheese).

• Extra Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic to the batter.

Conclusion

This Herb & Cheese Dutch Baby is a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. With its crispy edges, fluffy center, and rich cheesy-herb flavor, it’s a versatile recipe that works for any meal. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for the best texture!