10 Cornmeal Pancakes

stack of pancakes on ceramic plate with butter
Photo: lutzflcat

Cornmeal pancakes (variations include arepas and Johnny Cakes) are truly the best of both worlds: They are cooked like pancakes, but taste like cornbread. They're perfect for when you're craving a more savory breakfast — and one that pairs well with other breakfast staples like bacon and eggs. Plus, they're more dense and hearty than your standard buttermilk pancakes. This collection of favorite cornmeal pancake recipes will give you all the breakfast inspiration you need.

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Cornbread Pancakes

pancakes in tin dish
Stacy Shawver

The buttermilk in this recipe gives you the classic buttery flavor of traditional pancakes, but with the density and crunch of cornmeal pancakes. Reviewer Millie says, "Love that crunchy crust that comes from the cornmeal! My first time making cornmeal pancakes - won't be my last!"

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Blue Cornmeal Pancakes

A stack of dark brown pancakes on a white plate, topped with maple syrup and a sprinkling of pine nuts
Buckwheat Queen

Made from whole blue corn, blue cornmeal has a sweet flavor and a stunning blue color that will stand out on the breakfast table. Recipe creator UBERGRRL suggests serving these pancakes with homemade peach or raspberry spread.

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Whole Grain Pancakes

pancakes stack with blueberries
Scotdog

These healthy, whole-grain pancakes are made with whole-wheat flour, rolled oats, cornmeal, flaxseed, brown sugar, and of course, buttermilk. Reviewer Sarah Jo suggests letting the batter sit to allow the dry ingredients to soak up the wet.

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Multigrain Pancakes

pancakes on paper plate
Gina

Start your day on the right foot with these multigrain pancakes made with whole grains, non-fat yogurt, and skim milk. Try adding chopped fruit, nuts, or chocolate to the batter, as recipe creator 9KATIE9 suggests.

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Mancakes

savory pancakes with syrup and green onions
Mancakes | Photo by Chef John.

This is the ultimate savory breakfast compilation: "Sweet/savory hybrids can be tricky sometimes but I think this worked beautifully. We are talking about bacon, cheese, and onions after all, so it wasn't that big of a shock," says Chef John. "The way the chipotle-spiced maple syrup brought everything together was a risk well rewarded."

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Pumpkin Cornmeal Pancakes

stack of pumpkin pancakes with syrup
Buckwheat Queen

Add sweet, fall flavor to your cornmeal pancakes with the help of brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin. Reviewer Bea Alcaraz has a unique alternative to maple syrup that pairs well with this recipe: Try cutting up a banana and letting it simmer in a skillet with a little butter. Smear it on top of the pancakes and serve.

07 of 11

Cornbread Cakes

pancakes stacked on blue plate
Paula

Self-rising cornmeal, eggs, buttermilk, and butter combine to make a cornbread alternative that's great for camping or outdoor eating.

08 of 11

Raised Griddle Cakes

a closeup of four pancakes arrayed on a white plate, topped with a pat of butter and maple syrup
Cookin Up A Storm

"This is a very old-fashioned version of cornmeal pancakes which rise overnight. It came to our family via my great grandmother and dates back to the mid 1870s," says recipe creator TBURRISS.

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Arepas (Corn Griddle Cakes)

Arepas (Corn Griddle Cakes)
Buckwheat Queen

Arepas, or South American cornmeal patties, are a popular snack in Columbia and Venezuela. They have a crispy outside and a fluffy inside, and are often cooked on a griddle. Top with cheese, butter, eggs, and more.

10 of 11

Jordan's Cornmeal Pancakes

stack of pancakes on ceramic plate with butter
lutzflcat

"Admittedly, I can be a bit of a pancake snob, but gotta tell you these pancakes are good," says Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat. "They cooked up beautifully, they taste great, and they have just a little hint of sweetness."

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Related:

Lemon Polenta Cake
Buckwheat Queen
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