For a summer barbecue, if you want to make small, thicker pancakes to serve as bites, start with a mix for American pancakes: the preparation instructions from AH and Dr. Oetker describe pancakes around 10 cm across. A complete mix is more convenient if you mainly want to bring fewer separate ingredients for the batter; a classic mix is better suited to large pancakes with a choice of toppings. Check each pack to see what you need to add and which allergens it lists, and never serve raw or undercooked batter.
A mix for American pancakes is a good choice if you’d rather serve individual small pancakes than one large, thin pancake. AH describes pancakes around 10 cm across; once cooked and cooled, check for yourself whether they’re firm enough for the way you plan to serve them.
If you want to make the batter with as few separate ingredients as possible, a complete mix is an option. According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to the batter for Pannenkoeken Compleet; you’ll still need butter or oil for cooking.
Check the label on the pack you’re using, even when the product name says it’s gluten-free. For example, according to the product information, Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij may contain egg and milk.
First decide what matters most: the shape of the bites, easy preparation or making a large stack of pancakes. If certain ingredients or allergens affect your choice, check the label before comparing preparation instructions.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Small, thick portions | Check whether the instructions are for small American pancakes and what ingredients you need to add to the batter. | If I want to serve individual BBQ bites or chunky pieces, I look for a small pancake shape rather than a thin layer of batter spread across the whole pan. This snack-style shape is the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Less preparation | Compare what you need to add to the batter and what you’ll need for cooking. | If I want to avoid measuring or bringing lots of ingredients just before the barbecue, a short list of batter ingredients matters more than the shape. Around 29% of consumers prioritise easy preparation. |
| A large stack | Check the stated yield per pack and whether the instructions are for large or small pancakes. | For a table where guests can choose their own savoury or sweet toppings, I want to be able to make enough large pancakes. This versatile stack is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and gluten | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack; check the toppings too. | If I need to take specific ingredients into account, the mix I choose must be suitable for the people eating it. This check matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Instructions that tell you to spread a thin layer of batter across the whole pan give you a different starting point from instructions for small American pancakes. However, making a small pancake doesn’t guarantee that it will be easy to cut once cooled.
Check the recommended shape and cook one small pancake first. Let it cool before deciding how to serve or cut the rest.
According to Koopmans, Pannenkoeken Compleet only needs water for the batter, but the preparation instructions also call for butter or oil in the pan. The batter must be cooked through.
Set out the cooking fat you’ll need alongside the mix, and never serve raw or undercooked batter.
A mix’s name doesn’t tell you which other allergens are listed. For example, the product information for Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij says it may contain egg and milk.
Read the label on the pack you’re using, including the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements. Check toppings too, and use separate utensils if needed.
At a barbecue, cooked pancakes and perishable toppings can be left on the table for a long time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing food away if it has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Keep pancakes cooked in advance covered in the fridge, and put out small portions at a time when serving. Keep perishable toppings chilled until you need them.
Koopmans offers classic, complete and gluten-free pancake mixes, among other options. The right one for you depends on how you want to prepare it and the ingredients listed on the pack.
AH’s American pancake mix is worth considering if you want to make small pancakes rather than large, thin ones.
American Pancakes Origineel is an option if you want to make small pancakes using the instructions for this specific mix.
Jumbo offers several own-brand mixes, including plain, complete and wholemeal varieties; preparation instructions vary by product.
Albona is ALDI’s own brand, offering pancake mixes including plain and multigrain varieties.
Start with a mix for American pancakes if you want small, thicker portions: AH and Dr. Oetker describe preparation methods for pancakes around 10 cm across. Cook one, let it cool, then decide whether to serve it whole or cut it into pieces; the final texture isn’t determined by the product name alone.
According to Koopmans, you only need to add water to the batter for Koopmans Pannenkoeken Compleet. You’ll also need butter or oil for cooking, and the batter must be cooked through.
Yes, it can vary by product: the product information for Koopmans Pannenkoeken Glutenvrij says it may contain egg and milk. Always read the label on the exact pack you’re using, and check the ingredients in the toppings too.
Let cooked pancakes cool quickly and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping pancakes in the fridge for no more than two days or in the freezer for up to three months. It also advises throwing food away if it has been out of the fridge for more than two hours. Put out perishable toppings in small portions during the barbecue, too.
