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
Scale
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.
