There’s something utterly magical about watching a Dutch baby puff up in the oven—rising dramatically along the edges of a sizzling hot skillet, creating a golden crater perfect for filling with delicious toppings. While sweet Dutch babies have long reigned supreme at breakfast tables, this savory spinach and feta version might just convert you to the savory side forever. The combination of tender spinach folded into a light, airy batter, topped with tangy feta crumbles and drizzled with fragrant herb oil creates a breakfast-meets-brunch masterpiece that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
What makes this Dutch baby truly special is its versatility. It works beautifully as a showstopping weekend brunch centerpiece when you have guests to impress, but it’s also simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner when paired with a light salad. The herb oil—a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and good olive oil—elevates the entire dish, adding brightness that cuts through the richness of the eggy pancake and salty feta. Better yet, this recipe requires minimal active time in the kitchen, leaving you free to enjoy your morning coffee while the oven does most of the work.
The history of Dutch babies is actually a bit of a misnomer—they’re not Dutch at all but German in origin, derived from the German Pfannkuchen. The name supposedly came about when a Seattle restaurant owner’s daughter mispronounced “Deutsch” (German) as “Dutch,” and the name stuck. Traditional German pancakes were transformed in American kitchens into these dramatic, puffy creations that collapse into a perfect vessel for toppings.
The key to Dutch baby success lies in the temperature contrast—a room temperature batter hitting a screaming hot skillet creates that signature puff. While most recipes call for preheating the pan in the oven, I’ve found that a few minutes on the stovetop first ensures the pan is properly heated through, giving you that perfect rise every time. Don’t be tempted to open the oven door during cooking—that peek will cost you precious inches of height!
Spinach and Feta Dutch Baby with Herb Oil
A savory twist on the classic Dutch baby pancake, featuring wilted spinach and tangy feta cheese, topped with a vibrant herb oil.
Ingredients
For the Dutch Baby:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For the Herb Oil:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (dill, chives, or parsley)
- Lemon wedges
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Let the skillet heat for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the batter.
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In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
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While the batter rests, prepare the herb oil by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
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In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (remember the handle is extremely hot!) and add the remaining tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
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Working quickly, pour the batter into the hot skillet. Scatter the spinach mixture evenly over the batter, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the feta cheese and all of the Parmesan.
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Immediately return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the Dutch baby is puffed and golden brown around the edges.
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Remove from the oven (the Dutch baby will begin to deflate immediately, which is normal). Drizzle with herb oil, sprinkle with remaining feta cheese, and garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and freshly ground black pepper.
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Serve immediately, cutting into wedges at the table.
Recipe Notes
Room temperature ingredients are crucial for achieving the maximum puff in your Dutch baby. If you’re short on time, place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes, and microwave the milk for 10-15 seconds until just tepid, not hot.
The herb oil can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving. It’s incredibly versatile—try it drizzled over grilled vegetables, fish, or swirled into yogurt for a savory breakfast bowl.
While I love the classic combination of spinach and feta, this Dutch baby is a wonderful canvas for seasonal variations. In summer, try replacing the spinach with sautéed zucchini and using goat cheese instead of feta. In fall, roasted butternut squash cubes and sage make a delicious alternative. For meat lovers, crispy bacon or prosciutto adds wonderful savory depth—just sprinkle it on after baking to maintain the crispy texture.
For those who need to prepare ahead, you can make the batter the night before and refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it completely to room temperature before baking. The spinach mixture can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Just remember that the actual baking and serving should happen in quick succession—Dutch babies wait for no one and are at their absolute best fresh from the oven when they’re still warm and slightly custardy in the center.
This Dutch baby makes for a complete meal on its own, but if you’re serving it for a special brunch, consider pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness against the savory pancake. For a more substantial meal, crispy breakfast potatoes or a side of thick-cut bacon would be perfect companions. However you serve it, this Spinach and Feta Dutch Baby with Herb Oil is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast and brunch rotation!