Herbed Parmesan Dutch Baby

Recipe by Melissa Clark

This updated take on a traditional brunch dish is from Melissa Clark, who relies on it when serving company. She says, "Golden, crunchy, and covered in a salty, frico-like layer of baked Parmesan, this is sort of like a giant gougère-style cheese puff meets Yorkshire pudding, with a crisp outer crust and a soft, cheesy, custardy interior. You can serve this for dinner with a big salad or try it for brunch."

Prep
15 mins
Bake
20 to 25 mins
Total
35 mins
Yield
one 12" Dutch baby
Herbed Parmesan Dutch Baby

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Whisk the eggs/milk into the flour mixture until just combined. If the mixture is lumpy, use an immersion blender to smooth it out.

  4. Stir in the thyme and chives (or tarragon).

  5. Melt the butter in a 12" cast iron or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Continue to cook until the butter smells nutty and turns brown, 5 to 7 minutes; then swirl the skillet so the butter coats the bottom of the pan.

  6. Pour the batter into the skillet and scatter the cheese and flaky sea salt over the top. Bake until the Dutch baby is puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Baking it a little less gives a softer interior, though less rise; baking it a little more gives you more puff and a drier interior; both ways are good.

  7. Serve immediately, with Sriracha and/or lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

  8. This is best served the day it's made, but if there are leftovers store them in the refrigerator, well wrapped, for up to three days.