Short Stack Pancakes Recipe

Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt until evenly combined.

Combine wet ingredients

In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the large egg with the milk (use a total of 3/4 cup — see note), melted butter and vanilla extract until combined.

Make the batter by pouring the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. It's okay if a few small lumps remain; do not overmix. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you preheat the cooking surface.

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot. Lightly grease with a little butter or neutral oil. The surface is ready when a few drops of water sizzle and evaporate on contact.

For a short stack (about 3 small pancakes), pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the hot surface, leaving space between pancakes. Cook until bubbles form across the surface and edges look set, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.

Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the second side until golden brown, about 45 seconds to 1 minute more. Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and keep loosely covered while you finish remaining batter.

While the batter rests or pancakes cook, cook the bacon or sausage: For bacon strips, lay strips in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until crisped to your liking, 6–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. For sausage links, cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C), about 8–10 minutes. Keep warm until serving.

Stack the pancakes on a plate (short stack: typically 2–3 pancakes). Place the two cooked bacon strips or two sausage links on the side or drape across the stack.

Add a pat (~1 tablespoon) of unsalted butter on top of the warm pancake stack so it begins to melt.

Sift or sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the pancakes for a dusting. Serve with maple syrup on the side or pour over the stack just before eating.

Serve immediately while pancakes and meat are hot.