What are spaghetti pancakes?

Spaghetti pancakes are a viral TikTok trend with two versions. The sweet version uses pancake batter piped through a bag into hot oil to create funnel-cake-like strands. The savory version transforms leftover cooked spaghetti into a crispy, golden patty by mixing it with egg and flour as a binder, then pan-frying until crunchy. Both versions have gone viral for their clever simplicity and satisfying texture.

What can I use to pipe the batter instead of a Ziplock bag?

A clean, sturdy plastic food storage bag works exactly the same way. For the sweet pancake spaghetti, you can also use a plastic condiment bottle with a narrow tip. In a pinch, spooning thin ribbons of batter directly into the hot skillet can work, but you'll get less defined strands.

What type of pan is best for spaghetti pancakes?

A quality non-stick skillet is essential for both versions. It ensures the delicate strands or the starchy patty release easily without sticking. For the savory leftover spaghetti pancakes, a cast-iron skillet preheated for 5 minutes also works incredibly well for achieving a deeply golden, crispy crust.

Can I make spaghetti pancakes dairy-free?

Yes. For the sweet batter, replace the milk with water, oat milk, or any nut milk in a 1:1 ratio. Swap the melted butter for a neutral oil like canola. The savory version is often dairy-free already, just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Can I add additional flavors to spaghetti pancakes?

Absolutely. For savory spaghetti pancakes, mix in chopped herbs, cooked crumbled sausage, or diced peppers with the batter. For the sweet version, add a teaspoon of vanilla or cinnamon to the mix. Always cook a small test pancake first to check your seasoning.

What other leftover pasta works for this recipe?

Any short pasta works well: penne, rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni. Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine are ideal because they bind together naturally when pressed into the skillet. Avoid stuffed pastas like ravioli or tortellini as they'll break apart.

How do I keep spaghetti pancakes crispy?

Serve them immediately for maximum crunch. If storing, keep them in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven (never the microwave). The oven is the only way to restore that crispy exterior. For make-ahead, the savory patties freeze well for up to 3 months.

Spaghetti Pancakes: Turn Leftover Pasta Into a Crispy Meal (34 Minutes)

Name: Spaghetti Pancakes: My Honest Review of the Viral Trend
Prep time: 17 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover cooked spaghetti (cold); 1 large egg; ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup grated zucchini; 2 tablespoons grated onion or garlic; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons grated cheese (like Parmesan); 1 tablespoon butter

Description

This savory recipe turns leftover spaghetti into a crispy, golden pancake. It’s bound with a simple egg and flour mixture and cooked in a skillet for a quick meal. Ready in 34 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the savory spaghetti pancakes:

2 cups leftover cooked spaghetti (cold)

1 large egg

¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour

¼ cup grated zucchini

2 tablespoons grated onion or garlic

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons grated cheese (like Parmesan)

For cooking:

1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, thoroughly combine the cold spaghetti, egg, flour, grated zucchini, onion or garlic, cheese, and salt.

2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the butter.

3. Scoop about ½ cup of the mixture into the pan. Immediately press it down firmly with a spatula to form a compact patty about ½-inch thick.

4. Cook for 5 minutes without moving it, until the edges look set and the bottom is a deep golden brown.

5. Carefully flip the patty. Cook the second side for another 5 minutes until golden and firm to a gentle press.

6. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes until crispy again.

If the mixture feels too wet to hold shape, add one more tablespoon of flour.

Press the patty firmly into the skillet during the first minute of cooking to help it set.

Use medium heat for even browning without burning.

The 22-minute cook time assumes cooking two patties sequentially in one pan. If cooking simultaneously in two pans, the cook time may be shorter.

Prep Time: 12 min
Rest Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 22 min
Category: Breakfast, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pancake
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 380 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg