Korean Cheese Pancake

Introduction

Korean Cheese Pancakes (Cheese Hotteok, 치즈호떡) bring the irresistible magic of street food right to your kitchen! A savory twist on the classic Korean sweet pancake, these golden, pan-fried delights are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and bursting with gooey, melty cheese. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crisp dough and warm, stretchy cheese—pure comfort food bliss.

I still remember the first time I made these at home. As soon as they hit the pan, the sizzle filled the kitchen with an aroma so tempting that everyone gathered around, impatiently waiting for that first cheesy pull. The beauty of Cheese Hotteok is its versatility—you can keep it simple with mozzarella for that classic stretch or mix in cheddar, gouda, or even spicy pepper jack for a fun twist.

These pancakes are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fun addition to brunch, Cheese Hotteok is always a hit. Dip them in honey for a sweet-savory combo, pair them with a spicy gochujang sauce for a kick, or enjoy them just as they are—warm, crispy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. However you serve them, one thing’s for sure: they’ll disappear fast!

Perfect for:

• Quick snacks
• Breakfast or brunch
• Cheese lovers
• Street food fans
• Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Korean Cheese Pancake

Here’s why Korean Cheese Pancakes will be your new go-to snack:

• Crispy Yet Chewy Texture: The dough creates a crisp outer layer while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
• Melty Cheese Filling: The gooey cheese filling makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: Requires only a few ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Customizable: You can mix different cheeses or add ingredients like green onions, kimchi, or spicy seasonings.
• Great for Any Time of Day: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, snack, or side dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (including dough resting time)
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes (includes dough resting)
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: 4 pancakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Korean Cheese Pancakes:

• For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk or water (about 100°F / 38°C)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the dough)
• Filling:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• Cooking:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating the perfect cheesy pull.
• Flour-Based Dough: Creates a slightly chewy yet crispy pancake shell.
• Yeast: Helps the dough develop a light and slightly fluffy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Adds a sharper, slightly tangy cheese flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Korean Cheese Pancakes:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour in the warm milk (or water) while stirring. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Assemble the Pancakes:

5. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions.
6. Flatten and Fill: Take one piece of dough, flatten it into a small circle, and place a generous amount of cheese in the center.
7. Seal the Pancake: Fold the edges over the cheese and pinch to seal, ensuring no cheese leaks out during cooking. Gently flatten the dough ball into a round pancake shape.
8. Repeat: Repeat for the remaining dough pieces.

Cook the Pancakes:

9. Heat the Pan: In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-low heat.
10. Cook the Pancakes: Place the pancakes seam-side down in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and press gently with a spatula to flatten slightly.
11. Melt the Cheese: Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until both sides are golden and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
12. Serve Hot: Remove from the pan and let cool for a minute before serving.

How to Serve Korean Cheese Pancake

Korean Cheese Pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic with Honey or Syrup – Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the pancake for a sweet and savory balance.
• With Spicy Gochujang Sauce – Serve with a dipping sauce made of gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame seeds for a spicy kick.
• Topped with Scallions and Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions and sesame seeds for added aroma and crunch.
• With Kimchi on the Side – Pair it with aged kimchi for a tangy, fermented contrast to the gooey cheese.
• Stuffed with Extra Fillings – Add ham, mushrooms, or corn inside for a heartier version before serving.
• With a Side of Pickled Radish – Serve alongside pickled yellow radish (danmuji) to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Dipped in Soy Vinegar Sauce – Mix soy sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar for a simple dipping sauce.
• With a Fried Egg on Top – Place a runny fried egg over the pancake for extra richness.
• Cut into Strips for Sharing – Slice into thin strips and serve as finger food for easy dipping.
• Paired with a Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli) – Enjoy with a glass of makgeolli for an authentic Korean pairing.

Additional Tips for Korean Cheese Pancake

Here are some tips to ensure your Korean Cheese Pancakes turn out perfect every time:

• Use Warm Liquid: Warm milk or water helps activate the yeast for a softer, fluffier dough.
• Let the Dough Rest: Allow enough time for the dough to rise, ensuring a light texture.
• Use a Non-Stick Pan: This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to fully seal the pancake to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Press Gently While Cooking: Lightly pressing with a spatula helps flatten the pancake and distribute the cheese evenly.
• Try Different Cheeses: Mix mozzarella with gouda, cheddar, or even cream cheese for a unique flavor.
• Add Fillings: Try adding ham, cooked bacon, or a sprinkle of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a spicy kick.
• Adjust the Cooking Temperature: If the pancakes brown too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the cheese fully melts inside.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try for Korean Cheese Pancakes: for Korean Cheese Pancake

1. Spicy Cheese Pancakes: Add chopped jalapeños or gochugaru to the cheese filling.
2. Kimchi Cheese Pancakes: Mix finely chopped kimchi into the cheese for a tangy, spicy twist.
3. Garlic Butter Cheese Pancakes: Brush the cooked pancakes with garlic butter for extra flavor.
4. Sweet Cheese Pancakes: Add a drizzle of honey inside the filling for a sweet-savory version.
5. Ham and Cheese Pancakes: Add thinly sliced ham for a more filling meal.
6. Green Onion Cheese Pancakes: Mix finely chopped green onions into the dough or cheese.
7. Four-Cheese Pancakes: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and gouda for an extra cheesy bite.
8. Sesame Cheese Pancakes: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness.
9. Pizza-Style Cheese Pancakes: Add a bit of pizza sauce and pepperoni inside for a Korean-style cheesy pizza pancake.
10. Gluten-Free Cheese Pancakes: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage for Korean Cheese Pancake

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked pancakes on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer for best results.

Special Equipment for Korean Cheese Pancake

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
• Non-Stick Pan: Essential for achieving a golden, crispy pancake.
• Spatula: Helps flatten and flip the pancakes easily.
• Rolling Pin (Optional): Can be used to shape the dough evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Korean Cheese Pancake

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before shaping.
2. What cheese works best?
   Mozzarella is best for melting, but you can mix in other cheeses for extra flavor.
3. Can I air-fry these?
   Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
   Seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling.
5. Can I use pre-made dough?
   Yes, store-bought pizza dough works as a quick alternative.

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Conclusion

Korean Cheese Pancakes are a simple yet irresistible way to enjoy a crispy, cheesy snack with the bold flavors of Korean street food. With their golden, crunchy exterior and gooey, melty cheese filling, these pancakes are a treat you won’t want to miss. Enjoy them on their own or customize them with your favorite seasonings and dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost!

This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual snack, a fun appetizer, or a tasty addition to your meal. No matter how you serve them, these Korean Cheese Pancakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see how your Korean Cheese Pancakes turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your cheesy creations. Happy cooking!