Pear and Smoked Gouda Cheese Dutch Baby Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Bake

by: fiveandspice

November15,2010

4

8 Ratings

  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves about 6 to 8 as a side

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Author Notes

I'm always a little creeped out by eating something called a Dutch baby. But I get over it because they're so tasty and easy and lend themselves easily to all sorts of fun flavor combinations, making them a lovely dish for a festive meal. They're wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or a light supper. I actually learned to make them just a couple of years ago from a friend. Recently, she and I had a pear Dutch baby extravaganza (because we had pears and eggs!) playing with the pears and other promising flavors. And while the pear, lemon, cardamom one we had for dessert was lovely, I really thought this savory one, with it's blend of cheesy, smokey and slightly sweet, stole the show. —fiveandspice

Test Kitchen Notes

A delicious and beautiful Dutch baby with well balanced flavors of sweet pear, smokey cheese and the subtle taste of leeks. The pancake batter was velvety smooth and I loved the way it baked perfectly in the the cast iron skillet -- crispy brown edges and a tender center. Fiveandspice's savory and sweet Dutch baby would be a great weekend breakfast or brunch dish for a crowd. For really crispy brown edges, I baked mine for an additional 5 minutes. Note: the 6 tablespoons of butter used to prepare the cast iron skillet pooled at the top of the pancake after baking -- would suggest using 4 tablespoons. - jvcooks —jvcooks

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 8 tablespoonsbutter (preferably unsalted, but salted also works), divided
  • 1 medium leek, washed and sliced thinly (just the white and very beginning of the light green portion)
  • 2 medium pears, ripe but still firm, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4 inch slices
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cupsmilk (whole milk - it's the holidays, don't skimp!)
  • 1 1/4 cupsall purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/4 teaspoonground white pepper
  • 3/4 cupgrated smoked gouda cheese (smoked mozarella will also work if that's all you can find)
  • 1-2 tablespoonschopped fresh chives, to garnish (optional)
Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium and cook for about 3 minutes, until it starts taking on a little nutty smell. Add in the leeks, stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, stir in the pears and cook for another 3 or so minutes until they are browned and softened as well. Remove from the heat.
  2. Put the eggs, milk, flour, salt and pepper into a blender and whirr them at high speed for about a minute, until they are well combined.
  3. Plop the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter into a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or, if you don't have one, you can use a baking pan of a similar volume) and put the pan into the oven. Wait until the butter is completely melted and sizzling, then (carefully!) take the pan out and swirl the butter around to make sure the pan is coated.
  4. Spread the leek and pears on the bottom of the cast iron. Pour the egg mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle the cheese all over it and put it back into the oven for 20 minutes, until browned on top. The pancake will puff up as it bakes (though not as much as a dessert one that doesn't have the chunks of deliciousness).
  5. When finished, take the Dutch baby out of the oven and scatter the chives (or another fresh herb of your choice - like thyme or sage) across the top. Serve warm. If you want to, though, you can also make the Dutch baby ahead of time, set it aside, and then reheat it in a warm oven for 10-15 minutes right before serving.

Tags:

  • Pancake
  • American
  • Pear
  • Leek
  • Chive
  • Milk/Cream
  • Fruit
  • Cast Iron
  • Bake
  • Make Ahead
  • Entertaining
  • Mother's Day
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Vegetarian Holiday Side
  • Your Best Holiday Breakfast
  • Your Best Pears

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • karmaya

  • Emilia Rosa

  • JadeTree

  • Oui, Chef

  • SKK

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45 Reviews

kyurman December 4, 2022

Has anyone tried scaling this up? Maybe doing it in a 9x13 instead of a skillet? It looks so good; I'm afraid one won't be large enough.

Marcie December 4, 2022

If you scaled this down to 2 or 3 eggs, what size pan would you use?

TQ December 4, 2022

Would this work with a regular skillet? We don’t have a cast iron.

Nora S. December 4, 2022

Hi TQ - The adjustment I'd make to use a skillet that isn't cast iron or heavy weight would be to heat the butter on the stove top to be able to watch it and have control so the pan doesn't overheat which it could do while practically empty. Once you've added the ingredients it can go in the oven.
I've just reread the instructions... see section 3 where she says you can use a baking pan of similar volume, so there's your answer about using a lighter weight skillet!

Why not call it a Dutch Pancake?

NXL December 25, 2020

This is easy to make, tasty, dramatic. Perfect with mimosas on Christmas morning.

foodie2811 December 30, 2018

I loved this. I didn't have any fresh pears so I used pear fruit cups with the juice drained and it worked out great!

tia December 5, 2018

Has anyone used the wrought iron "Dutch Babies" pan with the little ball shaped sections?
I found one years ago at a sale in Minnesota. A friend who lives there told me what it is used for but was not able to find the recipe. This sounds like fun.

chocostashchick December 4, 2022

I believe you're describing an ebelskiver pan

Darian September 11, 2018

I made it exactly as written and my family loved it. Leftovers were great for breakfast the next morning!

Janine October 9, 2017

This was awesome! I used smoked cheddar instead of smoked gouda.

karmaya July 17, 2015

reminds me of lovely David Eyres' Pancake recipe and also yorkshire pudding. :Like the iea of blue cheese, and might try stilton - classic combo with pears. reading other's suggestions and results always great at food52!

Emilia R. March 21, 2013

Yum! I think Blue Cheese might be great too, since it goes nicely with pears. I might give it a try, if you don't mind me changing the recipe a bit...

fiveandspice March 21, 2013

I think blue cheese would be fantastic. Make the recipe your own! :)

JadeTree October 16, 2012

Made this for a weeknight meal and success for all, including the one-year-old! My husband said that the smoked Gouda and leeks made him crave ham, with or in the (disturbingly named) Dutch baby, but I feel that the effect of ham was achieved by those ingredients. A quibble for another dinner time. (Thinly shaved prosciutto scattered in with the leeks and pears...?) There were cries of anxiety when I got out the sauté pan, but it came together very quickly. Served with a green salad with herbs and the sharp tenderness of the greens was a perfect jive. Loved it - thanks :)

fiveandspice October 17, 2012

Dutch baby is, indeed, a disturbing name. And I don't really know where it came from. If you ever feel overly creeped out by it, you can always call them oven pancakes! I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this one! Shaved prosciutto scattered in there sounds like a marvelous idea.

JenGnsbrg September 26, 2012

Making this for this evening and realized that I only have Skim Milk...Crossing my fingers that it will come out ok without the whole milk.....wondering if perhaps yogurt might help the situation?

fiveandspice September 26, 2012

I bet skim milk will work out alright.

CookingLovely October 8, 2011

My husband and I made this together for Saturday brunch. We had fun cooking together and the results where delicious. Thank you for the recipes.

fiveandspice October 9, 2011

Yay! I'm glad you liked it!

Oui, C. September 30, 2011

I've never made a dutch baby, but all that's gonna change with this one.

fiveandspice October 2, 2011

Thanks OuiChef! I hope you enjoy it!

SKK September 12, 2011

LOL - so glad you said what you did about the name 'Dutch Baby' - and dymnyno gives me an alternate name - German Pancakes! Look forward to trying the recipe without the creepy name!

fiveandspice September 13, 2011

Haha, thanks! If calling them German Pancakes makes you feel better, go for it! I learned about them as Dutch babies and so (somewhat unfortunately), in my mind they will always be Dutch Babies! :)

lorigoldsby September 12, 2011

F&S....this recipe reminds me why I love everything you post! For those that haven't tried a "Dutch baby"....get your stuff together! I just know this will be a wonderful savory addition to the fall table.

fiveandspice September 12, 2011

Thank you lorigoldsby, that is just too sweet of you! :)

Midge September 12, 2011

Oh, wow does this ever sound tasty. Saving!

fiveandspice September 12, 2011

Thank you Midge!! And, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you'll have time to bake this week and share one of your wonderful recipes with us for this contest!

Midge September 12, 2011

You're so sweet fiveandspice. Between work and travel I haven't had the chance to think about recipes too much but it's sure fun perusing everyone's elses.

boulangere September 11, 2011

A Dutch Baby is one of the first things my daughter learned to make in Girl Scouts, and she loves them to this day. When I talked to her this morning, she said she thinks she'll be here for Thanksgiving AND Christmas. I'm looking forward to making your lovely version for her. Thank you.

fiveandspice September 12, 2011

Thanks boulangere! Lucky you to have her home for the holidays! I'm sure you'll have so much fun.

Punk K. February 21, 2011

This dish is light and tasty. I cut down the size of the recipe though. If you want to do the same just cut the milk and flower to 2/3c. and use 2 eggs. I used 1 pear and could easily have used two. Also next time I might play with the seasoning of the pear leek combo, just to add some more zing (I tend to like some heat in my food.)

fiveandspice February 21, 2011

So glad you enjoyed it!

AntoniaJames November 22, 2010

I'm making this for breakfast this Saturday. What a wonderful recipe! ;o)

fiveandspice November 22, 2010

Thanks AJ! I can't wait to give your Autumn hash a try :).

Pear and Smoked Gouda Cheese Dutch Baby Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What flavors go well with smoked Gouda? ›

For a cheeseboard or a small snack plate: pair our Smoked Gouda with raw vegetables (think broccoli, cucumber, & tomatoes), cured meats, and pumpernickel bread. Enjoy it with an Amber ale or Lager. For a simple meal: Smoked Gouda adds great flavor atop sandwiches, melted on burgers, and shredded into dips & spreads.

Are Gouda and smoked Gouda the same? ›

Smoked Gouda is a bit nuttier tasting than the regular Gouda. Containing 45% butterfat, it's buttery, creamy and smooth with sweet and salty notes. As with all cheeses, be sure to enjoy it at room temperature and it will literally melt on your tongue.

How do you serve Dutch Gouda? ›

Pairing gouda

Especially on a cheese board, we suggest mixing fresh fruit—like apples, peaches, or pears—alongside dried fruit—dried apricots and cherries—for extra variety. If you have an aged gouda on hand, which is sweeter and more complex, opt for a sweet pairing with chocolate or even a brownie.

What to do with Dutch Gouda? ›

  1. Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole. 1 review. Here's a simple yet yummy garden recipe my granny used to make. ...
  2. Mushroom and Smoked Gouda Puff. 2 reviews. It's so very easy, but it looks and tastes gourmet. ...
  3. Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket. 6 reviews. ...
  4. Smoked Gouda & Swiss Chard Strata. 2 reviews.

What is the best way to eat smoked Gouda cheese? ›

Smoked Gouda is often used as an ingredient in recipes like soups, sauces, and casseroles because of its meltability and mild flavor. You can also add it to sandwiches or omelets for extra flavor! If you're looking for something more savory than sweet then smoked gouda is the way to go!

What fruit goes well with smoked cheese? ›

Smoked Gouda may not be a favourite, but it works well on a cheeseboard. If you have a lot more than you bargained for, then slice it up and try it with some figs instead. The smokiness of the cheese is easily balanced with a bite of mild fig fruit, toning down the complexity and making it a delicious treat!

What fruit goes with Gouda cheese? ›

Pears, apples, berries, and even peaches and apricots pair beautifully with smoked Gouda. (So do grilled polenta slices, but that's another post for another time.) It's that whole “savory/smoky + sweetness = sublimity” equation.

What crackers go with Gouda cheese? ›

Aged cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, and Manchego) → Multigrain and/or whole wheat crackers, seeded crackers, flatbreads, olive oil crackers.

Why doesn't smoked Gouda melt? ›

Smoked gouda cheese maintains its melting qualities: unlike aging, smoking doesn't affect how melty it is, so younger, semi-soft smoked gouda cheese melts just as well as a non-smoked one.

How healthy is Gouda cheese? ›

Similarly, gouda cheese also contains saturated fats, but the presence of calcium, vitamin D and protein makes it a heart-healthy food. Furthermore, a 2021 study shows a positive relationship between consuming dairy fat and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Do you need to refrigerate Gouda? ›

Gouda cheeses remain perfectly fine outside the refrigerator. When the cheese is hot, 'sweaty' or soft at delivery, simply put the cheese in the refrigerator and you will see that the cheese becomes 'hard' again (the heat during transport will not compromise the quality and / or the taste of the cheese).

Is Dutch Gouda a good melting cheese? ›

Gouda is a great melting cheese; Often used in homemade macaroni and cheese. It works well on any cheese board, compiled with other cheeses. You can use Gouda in a lot of dishes including cheese based soups, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches and in fondue.

What do you eat with Dutch smoked cheese? ›

Smoked cheese can be added to omelettes, pizza, soufflés, au gratins, fondues, etc., adding a smoky sharpness with every bite. Keep it simple by introducing smoked cheese in between toasted wheat bread slices with refreshing cucumber and tomato slices.

How long does gouda last in the fridge? ›

3–4 weeks

What Flavours go with smoked cheese? ›

The sweetness of crisp apple slices pairs well with a smoked provolone. And a bacon-smoked cheddar marvelous mashed potatoes, fabulous fajitas, and champion cheese dips. For Mo beverages, smoked cheeses like the solid, salt-of-the-earth types – try a bock, porter, brown ale, weiss beer, or pale ale.

What spices go well with Gouda cheese? ›

Gouda with oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage. Monterey Jack is paired nicely with dill or oregano, as the strong cheese tastes great with these distinctly flavored herbs.

What compliments smoked cheese? ›

  • Apple Sauce.
  • Black Seedless Grapes.
  • Clementine Wedges.
  • Figs.
  • Pomegranate.
  • Red Currants.

What does Gouda cheese taste good on? ›

Gouda is a great melting cheese; Often used in homemade macaroni and cheese. It works well on any cheese board, compiled with other cheeses. You can use Gouda in a lot of dishes including cheese based soups, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches and in fondue.

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