If you love spaghetti but crave a fun and crispy twist on this classic, you are in for a treat with this Spaghetti Pancakes Recipe. Imagine perfectly golden, crunchy edges hugging tender pasta inside, creating a delightful texture combo that will make your taste buds dance. These spaghetti pancakes are super versatile, coming together quickly with simple ingredients that turn your leftover pasta into a new favorite meal. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a playful brunch dish, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect spaghetti pancake texture and flavor. Each element plays an important role, from binding to seasoning, making the dish irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
- 12 ounces cooked spaghetti: The star of the show, day-old pasta works best to hold together nicely.
- 2 large eggs beaten: Acts as the binding agent to keep the pancakes intact.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to each bite.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the mixture and ensures the eggs and cheese blend smoothly with the pasta.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying: Essential for creating that perfectly crisp exterior.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce for serving (optional): Offers a tangy, savory dipping partner to balance the richness.
How to Make Spaghetti Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Spaghetti Mixture
Start by placing your cooked spaghetti in a large mixing bowl. Using kitchen scissors to cut it slightly helps make tossing easier and ensures the strands bind better. Add the beaten eggs, Parmesan, mozzarella, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Toss everything thoroughly until the spaghetti is evenly coated, which lays the foundation for those delicious pancakes.
Step 2: Heat and Oil Your Skillet
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and warm up the olive oil. The oil is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior of the pancakes.
Step 3: Form and Cook the Pancakes
Scoop roughly one cup of the spaghetti mixture into the skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to compact the mixture into a pancake shape about half an inch thick. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, letting the bottom develop a deep golden brown crust.
Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side until it is also golden brown and the center is fully set. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, adding more olive oil as needed to keep things crisp and nonstick.
How to Serve Spaghetti Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to garnish these delectable spaghetti pancakes is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a grating of Parmesan cheese to enhance the overall flavor and add a bright, inviting look. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
Pair your spaghetti pancakes with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balance, or serve alongside roasted vegetables to keep the plate vibrant and nutritious. They also shine with a side of garlic bread for true Italian-American comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your spaghetti pancakes like mini burgers layered with slices of tomato and fresh basil leaves, then drizzled with marinara sauce. This adds a fun, elegant touch ideal for impressing guests or transforming your meal into a shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spaghetti pancakes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes them an ideal make-ahead option when you want to enjoy them for lunch or dinner later in the week without extra effort.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked spaghetti pancakes by placing parchment paper between each pancake and stacking them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, so you always have a quick meal option on hand.
Reheating
To bring the pancakes back to life, reheat them in a preheated skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating in a skillet preserves their golden crust and texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spaghetti for this recipe?
Fresh spaghetti is more delicate and likely won’t hold together as well during cooking. For the best spaghetti pancakes, day-old, cooked spaghetti works best because it’s firmer and less sticky.
How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Simply swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta cooked al dente. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, making it a delicious gluten-free twist.
Is it necessary to add milk?
The milk helps soften the beaten eggs and cheese mixture, making it easier to coat the spaghetti evenly and creating a creamier interior.
Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?
Absolutely! Add cooked ground beef, sautéed veggies, or even some chili flakes to customize and boost the flavor of your spaghetti pancakes.
Are spaghetti pancakes suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids often love the crispy texture and cheesy flavors, especially when served with their favorite dipping sauce like marinara.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Pancakes Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking to reinvent leftover spaghetti into something exciting and delicious. Crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, these pancakes bring new life to pasta night and are sure to become a new favorite with friends and family. Give it a try and watch how quickly these golden delights disappear from your plate!
Print
Spaghetti Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Pancakes are a creative and delicious way to transform leftover cooked spaghetti into a crispy, cheesy main course dish. These golden pancakes combine cooked spaghetti with eggs, Parmesan, mozzarella, and seasonings, pan-fried until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Served warm with optional marinara sauce, they make a satisfying Italian-American meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces cooked spaghetti
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti mixture: Place the cooked spaghetti in a large mixing bowl and cut it slightly with kitchen scissors to make it easier to mix. Add the beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley if using. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Form and cook pancakes: Scoop about 1 cup of the spaghetti mixture into the skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to shape it into a round pancake about 1/2-inch thick. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and cook other side: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is also golden and the center is cooked through and set.
- Repeat cooking: Remove the cooked pancake to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti pancakes warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- This recipe works best with day-old spaghetti as it holds together better.
- You can add cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, or red pepper flakes to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- For crispier pancakes, press the mixture firmly while cooking.
- Use a nonstick skillet and adequate oil to prevent sticking and ensure an even golden crust.
- The pancakes can be kept warm in a low oven if cooking in batches.
