Happy Pancake Day! And I have a confession. For the longest time I thought it was a day for free pancakes at IHOP. Then I learned it was part of the big Mardi Gras celebration. It’s another name for the same day Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday. Luckily, I planned to make Corn Pancakes for today’s Bread Bakers Griddle Breads theme. It’s great when things work out that way.
I spotted the recipe months ago. It was in the Fall 2015 Publix Grape magazine. I didn’t pay much attention to it. I only noticed two things; corn and pancakes. Those are two things I very much enjoy. So I set the magazine aside in my pile of things to make. Then when the griddle breads theme was announced, I pulled it out and took a closer look.
There was a new ingredient for me to try. I heard of masa harina before yet never used it. It is corn flour and completely different than cornmeal. So off to Publix I went to get some. There I was standing in front of all the different flours and didn’t see it. Once again, thanks to my iPhone I did a search and saw it is also commonly called Maseca which is a brand. The bag says it is instant corn masa mix. So masa harina is corn flour aka Maseca aka instant corn masa mix aka masa de harina.
The pancakes needed a little kick. At least I thought so. What goes awesomely with corn? Peppers! I’ve paired Hatch chile with it in Hatch Chile Corn Quiche and Hatch Chile Shrimp Corn Chowder. This time I went with jalapeño pepper. It was a great decision. The sweet heat combo works wonderfully.
How are the Corn Pancakes? They are light and fluffy, to my complete surprise. I thought they would be dense because I’m so used to cornmeal. They are terrific smothered in chili, the same way you would pour syrup over regular pancakes. They are gluten-free too. Next time I make them I’ll leave out corn kernels and jalapeño for a traditional style to serve with butter and syrup.
One other update. I have to share a photo of my new puppy. He is a whippet and his name is Milo. The name means soldier or merciful. It’s perfect since that little soldier captured my heart. He’s so sweet and such a pretty boy.
What is your favorite griddle bread? Pancakes are mine. There are lots of other kinds too. Scroll down to see a big list of recipes by Bread Bakers from around the world. Each one is a click away. Thanks to Anshie of Spice Roots for hosting this month.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on the secret recipe for really crunchy granola!

Savory Corn Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups masa harina corn flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
Instructions
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Whisk together masa harina, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
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Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and oil in a medium bowl. Stir in corn and jalapeño.
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Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined and moistened. Mixture will thick and slightly lumpy.
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Heat a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat.
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Spoon 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto griddle and spread to an even layer.
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Cook until edges look dry and bottom is golden brown. Flip pancakes over and cook until bottom is golden brown.
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Serve immediately. You can keep cooked pancakes warm while cooking remaining pancakes by placing them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven.
Recipe Notes
Savory Corn Pancakes are filled with corn kernels and jalapeño peppers. Serve them topped with chili, pulled pork BBQ, or simply butter.
Recipe adapted from Publix Grape Magazine Fall 2015 Issue.
It’s time to get out your griddle. Oh yes! There are tasty breads to make whether it is Pancake Day or any other day. Check out these griddle bread recipes by talented Bread Bakers:
- Amaranth (Rajgira) Paratha from Herbivore Cucina
- Cheese and Potato Gözleme from Cook’s Hideout
- Corn Pancakes from Magnolia Days
- Cornmeal Griddle Cakes from Noshing With The Nolands
- English Muffins from La cocina de Aisha
- Fruity Hemp Seed Pancakes from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Griddle Scones from Hostess At Heart
- Homemade Corn Tortillas from Kylee Cooks
- Lachha Paratha – Indian Layered Flatbread from Sara’s Tasty Buds
- Masala Poli – Spicy Potato Masala Stuffed Poli from I Camp in my Kitchen
- Masala Roti from Sneha’s Recipe
- Paneer Kulchas – Griddle Fried Cottage Cheese Flatbread from Sizzling Tastebuds
- Paruppu Poorana Poli from Gayathri’s Cook Spot
- Peanut Butter and Apple Griddle Cakes from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Phool Makhana Parathas (Puffed Lotus Seeds Parathas) from Seduce Your Tastebuds
- Saffron Unleavened Bread from Kidsandchic
- Satpadi – Spiced Griddle Bread from Spiceroots
- Scallion Pancakes from A Shaggy Dough Story
- Sourdough English Muffins from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Spicy Loli – Breakfast Flatbread from Food Lust People Love
- Spinach and Feta Gözleme from Spill the Spices
- Stacked Apple Arepas from The Schizo Chef
- Staffordshire Oatcakes with a Bacon & Cheese Filling from Ruchik Randhap
- Stove-Top Muffins (Diphaphata) from Wholistic Woman
- Swedish Polar Bread from G’Gina’s Kitchenette
- Vitumbua (Coconut Rice Pancake Balls) from Mayuri’s Jikoni
- Welsh Cakes from Passion Kneaded
- Yeast Raised Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pancakes from Pastry Chef Online
What is Bread Bakers? It’s a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. You can see all our of lovely bread by following our Bread Bakers Pinterest Board. Links are also updated after each event on the Bread Bakers home page.
How is the monthly theme determined? We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient.
Would you like to join in the fun? If you are a food blogger, send an email with your blog name and url to Stacy at [email protected].
Stacy says
Milo is an absolutely beautiful boy, Renee! I know how much you’ve missed your dogs and while he can never replace the ones who went before, Milo is gonna fill your heart and home with love, I can tell.
I always have masa harina in my freezer since I haul it from Texas to Dubai each summer, mostly for making arepas, but now I’m going to try your lovely corn pancakes!
Mayuri Patel says
We grew up drinking Milo, which is much like Bournvita or chocolate malt. Now I know why they probably called it Milo..to be strong like a soldier. Puppy Milo looks so handsome. Was wondering if I could use white maize flour instead of masa harina which is usually made from yellow corn. Another savoury pancake to add to my ever long list of to do:)
Renee says
I honestly do not know how white maize flour compares to masa harina (sorry). Perhaps someone in the Bread Bakers group could help answer the question.
Georgina says
Rene, both Milo and your lovely Corn Pancakes have won my heart! He is such a handsome boy <3 <3 Corn and Jalapenos yummmm
Ansh says
Oh my Goodness. Milo is Adorbs! Such a darling boy. I know how happy you are to have him. He is such a joy.
The corn- pancakes are delightful. I am down for a savory thing any day and these are fluffy, spicy and so beautiful.
Looking forward to hearing about your adventures with Milo. Hugs to you both.
Tara says
Your corn pancakes are absolutely gorgeous but nothing beats that new puppy!! I am so happy that you got Milo and he is sure one lucky dog!!
Julie at Hostess At Heart says
I love pancakes, and think this version would definitely be good with lots of different filling for any meal. They are cooked to perfections!
Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says
Such a pretty boy! So happy for you!
Your pancakes look delicious! I happen to have some masa harina in my freezer…. I just might have to make these!!
Robin @ A Shaggy Dough Story says
I don’t know what I like looking at more, your pancakes or that handsome boy Milo. You go enjoy that pup. I’ll definitely enjoy making (and eating) the pancakes. Thanks for sharing the recipe and because it can’t be said enough…MORE MILO!
Smruti | Herbivore Cucina says
I love pancakes and this sure is absolutely lovely. Pinned this one, making it soon 🙂
Wendy @ Wholistic Woman says
I love cornmeal/flour in any shape, so I will need to give these a try! Thanks for sharing the photo of Milo. I have two Italian Greyhounds and sighthounds are such loving creatures.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I love the idea of smothering these corn cakes in chili. Milo is certainly a handsome soldier.
Jenni says
Lovely pancakes–and the jalapenos are perfect in them! Milo is gorgeous, Renee! I’m so happy for you (and for him)!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I’m so glad for you and your new found puppy love! Those pancakes are a great way to celebrate!
Bob says
Johnny Cakes
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
aw milo is beautiful!!!
and so are these corn pancakes! I wish I’d made them for myself today!
Mireille says
love the flavors you used in these
Shireen says
Such beautiful pancakes! I always look forward to your posts because your pictures are so good and your narrative is really interesting…loved Milo looking all smart and dashing! Oh the joy of having a new pup in the house!!
Kalyani says
happy to visit u as part of Breadbakers.. these look so scrumptious 🙂 I love corn too !
Pavani says
Lovely looking corn pancakes — so soft & fluffy. Milo looks adorable.
rocio says
Delicious pancakes with corn !!!
A_Boleyn says
Great looking pancakes. I’m always looking for ways to use the bag of masa harina that I bought a while ago to make tamales. Pupusas are great and I’ve even tried the flour as a base for tlayuda aka Mexican pizza.
Julia says
WOW! so simple, yet SO tasty! This is fantastic, yum. Thanks for the recipe.