As a chef who’s spent years cooking German cuisine, Flädlesuppe, or German pancake soup is a simple comforting dish that I keep in my repertoire. It’s a dish that perfectly showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something deeply satisfying. Thin strips of savory pancakes floating in a rich chicken broth—it’s a straightforward recipe, but it delivers big on flavor and comfort. Although it is served in many restaurants, it’s not one that we served where I worked very often. Maybe I never thought Americans would understand it – it’s a shame because anyone who has tried it usually loves it.

This dish goes by several names, depending on where you are in Germany. In Swabia (a region in Baden-Württemberg), it’s called Flädlesuppe, while in Bavaria, you might hear it referred to as Pfannkuchensuppe. In Austria, a close cousin is known as Frittatensuppe. Despite regional variations, German pancake soup remains the same—a simple yet satisfying soup that’s easy to make and customize.

German Pancake Soup – A Favorite Southern German Tradition

Flädlesuppe is a practical recipe. Something you can make quickly – a dish that is comforting on a cold day and one that can be used as nourishment when someone is sick. It makes excellent use of pantry staples like flour, eggs, and milk, while the broth can be made from scratch or adapted to what you have on hand. A homemade chicken stock is always my recommendation—it brings a depth of flavor you won’t get from store-bought options—but even a good-quality boxed stock or bouillon will work in a pinch. The dish adapts well to substitutions too; I’ve even made it with vegetable or beef broth for a different twist.

The pancakes, or Flädle, are the defining feature of German pancake soup. These aren’t the kind of pancakes you pile with syrup for breakfast. Instead, they’re thin, crepe-like, and seasoned with a little salt and chives. Once cooked, they’re rolled up and sliced into ribbons that soak up the broth while maintaining their delicate texture. It’s a technique that takes a bit of practice, but it’s well worth the effort.

This soup works for a variety of occasions. It’s quick and easy enough to make on a weeknight, but it can also serve as an elegant starter for a dinner party. You can prepare the pancakes in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer, which makes assembly even faster. It’s a flexible, reliable dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re feeding family or friends.

Flädlesuppe reminds me why I love cooking German food: it’s approachable, hearty, and rooted in tradition, yet there’s always room for your own touch. If you’ve never made it before, I’d encourage you to give it a try. Once you get the hang of the pancake technique, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s the kind of dish that sticks with you, not just for its flavor but for the memories it creates around the table.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes (Flädle):

• 2 eggs
• 150 ml milk
• 75 g flour
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• Clarified butter for cooking

For the Soup:

• 1 liter/quart chicken stock (store-bought, bouillon, or homemade—see this chicken stock recipe)
• 1 tsp chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pancakes:

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, melted butter, chives, and sea salt until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate.

Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of clarified butter. Swirl the pan to coat the surface evenly.

Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread the batter evenly. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and the top is set. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute.

Transfer the pancake to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the pancakes as you go.

2. Roll and Slice:

Let the pancakes cool slightly, then roll each one tightly like a cigar. Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. These are your Flädle.

3. Prepare the Broth:

Heat your chicken stock in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. If you’re using store-bought stock or bouillon, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Soup:

Divide the Flädle strips evenly among bowls, then ladle the hot chicken broth over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Flädlesuppe

• Homemade Stock is King: For the richest flavor, use homemade chicken stock. It’s worth the effort and can be made in large batches to freeze for later.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pancakes in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth for a meatless option.

Why you’ll love this German pancake soup

Flädlesuppe is more than just a soup—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. The combination of soft pancake strips and savory broth is comforting, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re introducing this dish to your family for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, Flädlesuppe is a recipe that everyone can enjoy.

Would you make Flädlesuppe at home? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs About Flädlesuppe
1️⃣ Can I use gluten-free flour for the pancakes?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free blend for similar results.

2️⃣ What’s the best way to store leftover Flädle?
Keep the sliced pancake strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3️⃣ Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk and vegetable stock, and skip the butter. Use oil for cooking the pancakes.

4️⃣ How do I reheat this soup?
Warm the broth separately and pour it over the pancake strips right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

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Let this Flädlesuppe recipe become a part of your culinary repertoire, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick, comforting meal. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!