Hungarian Stuffed Pancakes (Töltött Palacsinta)

Soft, Golden Hungarian Crepes Filled with a Savory Cheese and Ham Filling

Hungarian cuisine is famous for its comforting homemade dishes, and palacsinta is one of its most beloved classics. These thin, tender Hungarian pancakes can be enjoyed sweet or savory. In this recipe, they are filled with a delicious combination of ham and cheese, rolled tightly, and baked until beautifully golden.

The result is a simple yet satisfying Hungarian-style dish that works wonderfully for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Stuffed Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 500 ml milk
• 150 ml sparkling water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Filling

• 250 g cooked ham, finely chopped
• 200 g grated cheese, such as Gouda, Edam, or Hungarian cheese
• 100 g sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Black pepper, to taste
• Salt, if needed

For Baking

• 50–75 g grated cheese
• 2–3 tablespoons sour cream
• A little butter or oil for the baking dish

How to Make Hungarian Stuffed Pancakes

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sparkling water, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil.

Gradually add the flour while whisking continuously until you have a smooth, thin batter without lumps.

Let the batter rest for 15–20 minutes. This helps produce tender, flexible pancakes that are easy to roll.

2. Cook the Pancakes

Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Pour in a small ladleful of batter and quickly swirl the pan to create a thin, even layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden and the surface is set. Flip and cook the other side briefly.

Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the finished pancakes on a plate.

3. Make the Savory Filling

Melt the butter in a skillet and gently sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.

Add the chopped ham and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream, paprika, black pepper, and grated cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Fill and Roll

Place one pancake on a clean work surface.

Spoon a portion of the ham-and-cheese filling along the center.

Fold the sides slightly inward, then roll the pancake tightly into a neat cylinder.

Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling.

5. Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Arrange the filled pancakes in a lightly buttered baking dish.

Spread a thin layer of sour cream over the top and sprinkle generously with grated cheese.

Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

For an extra-crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Hungarian stuffed pancakes warm, straight from the oven.

They are delicious with:

• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley
• A simple cucumber salad
• Pickled vegetables
• Fresh tomatoes
• Hungarian paprika
• A light green salad

For an authentic Hungarian-style presentation, serve them with a generous spoonful of sour cream on the side.

Recipe Tips

Make the pancakes thin

The batter should be considerably thinner than American pancake batter. Thin pancakes are easier to roll and produce a delicate texture.

Don't overfill

A moderate amount of filling makes the pancakes easier to roll without breaking.

Use good melting cheese

Gouda, Edam, mozzarella, or a mild Hungarian cheese works particularly well.

Let the batter rest

Resting the batter for 15–20 minutes gives the flour time to hydrate and helps create smoother pancakes.

Make them ahead

The pancakes can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Fill and bake them just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes, or heat them gently in a covered skillet.

They can also be frozen after filling. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hungarian pancakes called?

Hungarian pancakes are called palacsinta. They are traditionally very thin and can be served with either sweet or savory fillings.

Can I make these pancakes without sparkling water?

Yes. Sparkling water gives the pancakes a particularly light texture, but you can replace it with additional milk or still water.

Can I use different fillings?

Absolutely. Hungarian palacsinta is extremely versatile. You can fill them with cheese, ham, mushrooms, chicken, spinach, cottage cheese, or other ingredients.

Can I make a sweet version?

Yes. For a sweet version, omit the savory filling and serve the pancakes with apricot jam, cottage cheese, cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or powdered sugar.

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🍽️ Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Hungarian Stuffed Pancakes (Töltött Palacsinta)
Cuisine: Hungarian
Category: Main Course / Breakfast / Snack
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10 stuffed pancakes

Ingredients

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 500 ml milk
• 150 ml sparkling water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 250 g cooked ham
• 200 g grated cheese
• 100 g sour cream
• 1 small onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Black pepper
• Extra cheese and sour cream for topping

Instructions

1. Whisk together the pancake ingredients.
2. Rest the batter for 15–20 minutes.
3. Cook thin pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet.
4. Sauté the onion and ham.
5. Combine the filling with sour cream, cheese, and paprika.
6. Fill and tightly roll each pancake.
7. Arrange in a baking dish.
8. Top with sour cream and grated cheese.
9. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15–20 minutes.
10. Serve warm with sour cream and fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

These Hungarian Stuffed Pancakes (Töltött Palacsinta) are a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can become a comforting homemade meal. The thin, tender pancakes, savory ham-and-cheese filling, creamy sour cream, and golden melted cheese make every bite satisfying.

Whether you're exploring Hungarian cuisine for the first time or looking for a new family favorite, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.