Pancakes from a Ketchup Bottle

Pancakes from a Ketchup Bottle is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Jim Felder on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 22 min

Cost: $2.75 total, $1.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Pancake Mix (store‑bought all‑purpose pancake mix)
  • 1.5 cups Water (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Measure Water

    Pour 1½ cups of water into a measuring cup.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Pancake Mix

    Place 2 cups of pancake mix into a mixing bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Combine Batter

    Pour the measured water into the bowl with the mix and stir until smooth with no large lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Transfer to Bottle

    Using a funnel if needed, pour the batter into a clean ketchup‑style squeeze bottle.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Preheat Skillet

    Place the skillet over medium heat and let it warm up.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 375°F

  6. Add Butter

    Add a small pat of butter (about ½ tsp) to the hot skillet and let it melt, coating the surface.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Dispense Batter

    Squeeze about ¼ cup of batter from the bottle onto the skillet to form a pancake.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Cook First Side

    Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Flip Pancake

    Using a spatula, flip the pancake and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until golden.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 375°F

  10. Finish and Serve

    Transfer the pancake to a plate, add a pat of butter and drizzle with maple syrup.

    Time: PT1M

  11. Repeat

    Repeat steps 7‑9 with remaining batter to make additional pancakes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten

Allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Pancakes from a Ketchup Bottle

Recipe by Jim Felder

A fun, kid‑friendly twist on classic pancakes using store‑bought pancake mix and water, poured from a ketchup‑style squeeze bottle. Perfect for quick breakfasts and playful pancake designs.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.75
Total cost
$1.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a smooth batter without large lumps.
  • Preheating the skillet to the correct temperature before adding batter.
  • Flipping the pancake at the right moment when bubbles form.

Safety Warnings

  • The skillet and melted butter become very hot; use oven mitts.
  • Beware of steam when removing the lid or covering the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pancake batter in a ketchup bottle in American breakfast culture?

A

While not a traditional dish, the novelty of dispensing pancake batter from a squeeze bottle reflects the American love of kitchen hacks and playful breakfast presentations, especially popular on social media platforms like Pinterest.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pancakes in American cuisine?

A

American pancakes vary by region—from thin crepe‑style Johnnycakes in New England to fluffy buttermilk pancakes in the Midwest and cornmeal griddle cakes in the South—each reflecting local ingredients and tastes.

cultural
Q

How is the pancake batter in a ketchup bottle traditionally served in the United States?

A

Typically the pancakes are served stacked, topped with butter and maple syrup, and sometimes fresh fruit or whipped butter, making a classic American breakfast plate.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the squeeze‑bottle pancake method associated with in American culture?

A

It’s often used for casual weekend breakfasts, kids’ brunches, or as a fun party trick for birthday mornings and family gatherings where visual flair adds excitement.

cultural
Q

What makes the squeeze‑bottle pancake method special or unique in American breakfast cuisine?

A

The method allows for creative designs and precise portion control, turning a simple pancake into a visual treat while keeping the preparation quick and mess‑free.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pancake batter in a ketchup bottle?

A

Common errors include using batter that’s too thick to squeeze, not pre‑heating the skillet enough, and flipping too early before bubbles form, all of which lead to uneven cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use water instead of milk for the pancake batter?

A

Water keeps the batter light and mimics the quick‑mix convenience shown in the Pinterest hack; milk can be added for richer flavor, but water works fine for a simple, fast breakfast.

technical
Q

Can I make the squeeze‑bottle pancake batter ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, store the mixed batter in the squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; give it a gentle shake before each use to recombine any settled flour.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking these pancakes?

A

The batter should spread into a round mound, develop bubbles on the surface, and turn golden brown on the edges before flipping; the finished pancake should be fluffy inside with a lightly crisp exterior.

technical
Q

How do I know when the pancake is done cooking?

A

When the edges are set and the surface is covered with small, popped bubbles, it’s time to flip; after the second side turns golden and the pancake springs back lightly when pressed, it’s done.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jim Felder specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jim Felder focuses on casual, home‑cooking experiments, kitchen hacks, and light‑hearted food challenges that are easy for everyday cooks to try.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jim Felder's approach to American breakfast hacks differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jim Felder emphasizes spontaneous, low‑pressure experimentation—often using everyday household items like ketchup bottles—whereas many other channels stick to more polished, traditional recipe demonstrations.

channel

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