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Sheet Pan Pancakes Christmas Morning Easy Make Ahead Feed Crowd
Christmas morning should be about opening gifts and drinking coffee, not standing over a hot stove flipping individual flapjacks. These sheet pan pancakes are the ultimate holiday hack for feeding a hungry crowd without the stress. Imagine fluffy, golden-brown pancakes that bake all at once in the oven while you enjoy the festivities with your family. It is the easiest way to serve a hot, delicious breakfast to everyone at the exact same time. Whether you have houseguests or just a very hungry family, this recipe ensures nobody waits for their turn at the griddle.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition values
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 34g
Why Make This Sheet Pan Pancakes Christmas Morning Easy Make Ahead Feed Crowd
This recipe is a game-changer for holiday hosting. First, it eliminates the “first person finished before the last person started” pancake dilemma. Everyone eats together. Second, you can customize different sections of the pan with various toppings like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts to satisfy every picky eater. Third, it is incredibly easy to make ahead. You can whisk the dry ingredients the night before and just add the wet ingredients when the kids wake up. Finally, cleanup is a breeze since you only use one bowl and one baking sheet.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Toppings: Fresh blueberries, chocolate chips, sliced strawberries, or festive sprinkles
- For serving: Maple syrup, whipped cream, and extra butter
Directions
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 12×17 inch rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan) with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For even easier removal, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper as well. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the pancakes fluffy.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to the edges using a spatula. Now comes the fun part: scatter your chosen toppings over the batter. You can create rows of different flavors or mix them all together for a festive look. Press the toppings lightly into the batter so they stay in place during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the sheet pan in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the pancake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you want a slightly crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 60 seconds, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Plating
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for two minutes. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to slice the giant pancake into 12 squares or rectangles. Serve immediately while hot with plenty of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and perhaps some festive holiday fruit.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Pancakes Christmas Morning Easy Make Ahead Feed Crowd
To get the best results, ensure your baking powder is fresh; this is what provides that essential holiday lift. When mixing, stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear to avoid a rubbery texture. If you want a truly decadent Christmas treat, brush the top of the baked pancake with a little extra melted butter right when it comes out of the oven. This adds a beautiful sheen and extra richness. For those who love crispy edges, preheat the empty baking sheet in the oven for five minutes before greasing it and adding the batter.
Delicious Variations
- Gingerbread Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of molasses to the batter for a warm, spicy holiday flavor.
- Eggnog Style: Replace the milk with high-quality eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Savory Version: Omit the sugar and vanilla, and top the batter with cooked crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives.
- Berry Blast: Use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries with a lemon zest mixed into the batter for a bright, tart contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boxed pancake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you certainly can. Simply follow the box instructions to make enough batter for about 10-12 standard pancakes, then pour it into the sheet pan and follow the same baking instructions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the toaster, a toaster oven, or the microwave for 30 seconds until warm.
Can I make the batter the night before?
While you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time, it is best to mix the wet and dry ingredients just before baking. This ensures the baking powder reacts correctly to give you a fluffy texture. However, you can bake the entire sheet the night before and reheat the squares in the oven at 350°F on Christmas morning.
What is the best size pan to use?
A standard half-sheet pan (13×18 inches) works best. If you use a smaller jelly roll pan, the pancakes will be thicker and may require a few extra minutes of baking time.
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! These freeze beautifully. Flash freeze the individual squares on a tray for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to two months.
Conclusion
Sheet pan pancakes are truly the ultimate Christmas morning breakfast solution. They take the stress out of hosting and allow you to spend more time making memories and less time flipping at the stove. With their fluffy texture and endless customization options, they are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Give this easy, crowd-pleasing method a try this holiday season and start a new, delicious tradition!
