St Patricks Day Green Pancakes

The morning I made these green pancakes for my kids, I set the blender on the counter without saying a word. They watched the spinach disappear into the milk, eyes wide as the mixture turned the most brilliant emerald. My daughter whispered "Are we really eating grass for breakfast?" but one bite later, she was asking for seconds.

Last year I brought a stack to our neighborhood brunch and watched adults hesitate before trying them. The same neighbor who swore hed never eat vegetables for breakfast went back for three. Theres something magical about turning the ordinary into something festive.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Forms the tender structure that makes these pancakes light and airy, just like traditional breakfast pancakes
• Fresh baby spinach: Creates that stunning natural green color and blends into a completely smooth liquid that tastes surprisingly mild
• Milk: Essential for achieving the right batter consistency and helps the spinach blend into a silky puree
• Egg: Provides structure and richness so the pancakes hold together beautifully on the griddle
• Melted butter: Adds that irresistible buttery flavor and helps create golden crispy edges
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes these taste like a special occasion treat

Instructions

Blend the green base:

Pour the milk and spinach into your blender and let it run until completely smooth with no visible bits of green remaining

Add the wet ingredients:

Crack in the egg, pour in the melted butter and vanilla, then give it another quick whirl to combine everything

Mix the dry foundation:

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until well combined

Combine the batters:

Pour the vibrant green mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined, leaving some small lumps

Heat your cooking surface:

Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small pat of butter to coat the surface

Cook the first side:

Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and wait 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form across the surface and edges appear set

Flip and finish:

Carefully turn each pancake and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through

Save

My friend Sarah texted me at midnight after serving these to her family, saying her vegetable hating son had declared them the best pancakes ever. Sometimes the best victories are the quiet ones at the breakfast table.

Making Them Ahead

Ive learned that the spinach mixture can be blended the night before and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The color stays surprisingly vibrant overnight. In the morning, just give it a quick stir before mixing with the dry ingredients.

Getting That Perfect Green

Fresh spinach matters here. Wilted or old leaves will give you a muddy army green instead of that bright St Patricks Day emerald. Also avoid cooking the pancakes too long, as extended heat will gradually dull that beautiful color.

Serving Ideas

These are fantastic topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries for a red, white and green presentation that looks festive on any holiday table.

• A drizzle of warm maple syrup highlights the vanilla flavor perfectly
• Fresh berries add brightness and make the plate feel extra special
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar mimics morning frost on shamrock fields

Save

May your St Patricks Day morning be filled with green pancakes, warm syrup, and the happy sound of seconds being requested.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve the green color?

Blending fresh baby spinach with milk until smooth imparts a vibrant natural green tint without overpowering flavor.

→ Can I substitute the flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can add nuttiness, and gluten-free blends work for alternative diets with slight texture differences.

→ What is the best cooking temperature?

Medium heat on a nonstick skillet allows golden edges and tender centers without burning.

→ How to keep pancakes fluffy?

Mix dry and wet ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to maintain light, airy pancakes.

→ What toppings complement these pancakes?

Maple syrup, fresh berries, and Greek yogurt add sweetness and texture that enhance the mild spinach flavor.