Welcome, ladies! If you’re a busy home cook juggling work, family, and health goals, you know how important a good breakfast can be. That’s why we’re excited to share savory matcha pancakes — a delicious, nutrient-packed twist on your classic morning stack. At Taylor’s Kitchen, you’ll find a delightful collection of effortless weekend brunch ideas — like our irresistible Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast that’s sure to impress. or Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes to inspire you.
Today we’re turning a trend-forward twist on a classic favorite: savory matcha pancakes. These vibrant green pancakes are made with finely ground matcha (green tea powder) and mix-ins like cheese, herbs, and veggies. Unlike ordinary sweet pancakes, they offer an earthy, umami flavor that even health-conscious eaters will love. Matcha isn’t just pretty – it’s packed with antioxidants that “may be good for your heart, weight, and other aspects of health” healthline.com. It also gives a gentle caffeine lift without the jitters foodbeast.com, which is perfect for busy professionals. No wonder matcha has become a breakfast superfood trend around the world foodbeast.com. These 10 variations show how to use matcha in savory ways, adding protein and veggies to make breakfast fun, green, and energizing.
- Dry ingredients: Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or a gluten-free mix), matcha powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Start with the wet ingredients: eggs, milk (whether dairy or non-dairy), and just a splash of oil or some melted butter.
- Savory add-ins: Grated Parmesan or cheddar, chopped scallions, fresh herbs (basil, dill, cilantro), sautéed spinach, corn kernels, jalapeño, or even kimchi.
Each variation below starts from this basic batter and adds its unique twist. Let’s dive in!
1. Parmesan & Scallion Pancakes with a Matcha Twist
These matcha pancakes get an Italian-inspired upgrade with Parmesan cheese and green onions. Add a handful of grated Parmesan and finely chopped scallions (green onions) to your batter for a salty, umami-rich flavor. The matcha’s gentle bitterness pairs surprisingly well with the savory cheese. Cook them like regular pancakes and serve stacked high. We like to top them with a fried egg or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein. One recipe notes that these “matcha-infused savory pancakes… pair beautifully with a runny egg or a dollop of tangy crème fraîche” everydaydose.com. The result is a fluffy, green stack that’s hearty enough for brunch. This variation is packed with protein and calcium (from the cheese and egg), making it a filling, nutritious start to the day.
2. Smoked Salmon Crepes with Cream Cheese & a Green Tea Twist
Turn your matcha pancake batter into thin, crepe-like rounds and fill them with savory, briny fillings. Spread each warm matcha crepe with whipped cream cheese (or mascarpone), then top with smoked salmon slices and fresh dill. The smoky richness of the salmon and the tangy cream cheese balance the matcha’s earthiness perfectly. Fold or roll up the pancakes and drizzle with a squeeze of lemon juice or a spoonful of capers for brightness. This elegant variation feels like brunch at a trendy cafe – the kind of recipe that foodies love to share on Instagram. Despite its fancy flavor, it’s easy to make and is naturally gluten-free if you use rice or buckwheat flour.
3. Protein-Packed Green Pancakes with Spinach & Herbs
Power up your matcha pancakes by adding leafy greens and herbs. Blend a cup of raw spinach (or chard) into the wet ingredients so it liquefies in the batter, along with 1–2 teaspoons of matcha. Stir in chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a bit of garlic powder. The spinach adds vitamins and a darker green color, while the herbs boost flavor. Cook the pancakes until bubbly and flip. These vibrant pancakes are great topped with smashed avocado or a scoop of herbed cottage cheese. For a protein kick, stir in a scoop of protein powder or use a mix of almond flour and whey powder. This veggie-packed version is both colorful and nutritious, perfect for the health-conscious eaters out there.
4. Corn & Chive Matcha Pancakes: Sweet Meets Savory
Add a Southern-inspired twist by mixing sweet corn kernels and chives into matcha batter. Use fresh or frozen corn (thawed) and fold it in along with snipped chives right before cooking. The sweet pops of corn contrast nicely with the slightly bitter matcha, and the chives add a mild oniony kick. Cook these pancakes over medium heat until edges set and then flip. Top each stack with a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of honey sriracha glaze for extra zing. This fun variation feels a bit like cornbread crossed with a green tea pancake – a treat at brunch or even paired with a light salad. It’s also grain-free if you use cornmeal and almond flour instead of regular flour.
5. Kimchi & Scallion Matcha Pancakes: A Korean Twist
Inspired by Korean pajeon (savory scallion pancakes) and kimchi-jeon (kimchi pancakes), this bold variation uses chopped kimchi and scallions in the batter. Stir ¼–½ cup finely chopped kimchi (drained of excess liquid) and 2 tablespoons of kimchi brine into your matcha batter. Add chopped scallions for crunch and garnish. Pan-fry small rounds until crispy on the edges. These will be spicy, tangy, and truly out-of-the-box for breakfast or even as a snack. Serve with a side of kimchi or a simple soy dipping sauce. The matcha color makes the pancakes festive-looking, and the probiotic-rich kimchi adds gut-friendly benefits. For busy mornings, whip up a double batch and reheat as needed – they’re just as tasty leftover.
6. Jalapeño & Cheddar Matcha Pancakes: Spicy & Cheesy
Take a cue from savory potato pancakes by adding cheddar cheese and jalapeños. Mix ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar into the batter along with a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) and a pinch of smoked paprika. Fry these pancakes golden brown. The melted cheese makes them gooey, and the jalapeño brings a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. Top with more cheese, sour cream, or a scoop of pico de gallo. This Southwest-inspired matcha pancake tastes rich and comforting. It’s a favorite for kids who love a little heat, and it pairs perfectly with morning eggs or a hearty breakfast chili on the side.
7. Miso Butter & Sesame Matcha Pancakes: Umami Explosion
For an ultra-savory Japanese-inspired version, swirl miso paste into melted butter and brush it on top of hot matcha pancakes. The miso-butter glaze (equal parts softened butter and white miso) adds deep umami flavor and saltiness. Finish each pancake with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of flavorful furikake seasoning. You can even fold in a teaspoon of miso paste into the batter itself for an extra layer of savory richness. Serve these pancakes warm, perhaps alongside steamed veggies or a soft-boiled egg. The combination of matcha and miso is unusual but harmonious: both are fermented/aged flavors that bring out the green tea’s earthiness.
8. Tofu-Herb Vegan Matcha Pancakes
For a vegan-friendly matcha pancake, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free mix paired with silken tofu. Replace the eggs by blending ½ cup silken tofu directly into the batter, adding both protein and tenderness. Fold in chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, chives, or mint) and a pinch of garlic powder or curry powder for flavor. Cook them slowly so they brown without burning the tofu. These dairy-free, vegan pancakes are perfect with a dollop of vegan yogurt or guacamole on top. The tofu lends a silky texture and extra protein, making this variation ideal for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce cholesterol at breakfast.
9. Quinoa & Oat Savory Matcha Pancakes
For extra texture and nutrition, boost the batter with whole grains. Replace half the flour with a mix of cooked quinoa and oat flour (or ground oats). The hearty mix holds the matcha beautifully and adds fiber and protein. Season with herbs or spices (a bit of cumin or curry powder works well) and salt. Cook the batter in little rounds; they’ll be thicker and heartier than classic pancakes. Serve these grain-filled pancakes topped with plain Greek yogurt, chopped tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil – like a savory breakfast parfait. This variation is gluten-free (if oats are certified GF) and keeps you full for hours, perfect for power morning meals before work or workouts.
10. Curried Savory Matcha Pancakes with Cucumber Raita
Give your matcha pancakes an Indian twist by adding curry spices and serving them like dosa. Stir 1 teaspoon curry powder or garam masala into the batter, and maybe a pinch of turmeric. Fry the pancakes until crispy on the outside. Meanwhile, make a quick cucumber raita by mixing plain yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, mint, and a dash of salt. Top each pancake with a spoonful of this cooling raita and a sprinkle of cilantro. The earthy matcha pairs surprisingly well with warm spices, and the yogurt salad brightens the dish. These pancakes are great for a festive brunch or even lunch.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Savory matcha pancakes offer endless possibilities to mix health with flavor. Whether you try cheesy spinach matcha pancakes, green tea crepes with salmon, or even kimchi-infused ones, each recipe adds a nutritious twist to breakfast. We hope this inspires you to get creative in your own kitchen and try something new!. Which variation sounds best to you? Give your favorite variation a go, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with us in the comments! If you loved these ideas, please share this post with friends or pin it for later. Happy cooking, and enjoy your green breakfast adventure!
Sources: Matcha’s health benefits are well-documented healthline.com foodbeast.com. The idea of savory matcha pancakes (e.g. with cheese and scallions) is supported by recipe experts everydaydose.com. We also link related recipes like our Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast taylorrecipe.com and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes taylorrecipe.com for more breakfast inspiration.