Baghrir Recipe: Moroccan Thousand Hole Pancakes Classic 2026

Isabel Gaines
Baghrir Recipe: Moroccan Thousand Hole Pancakes Classic
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Baghrir is a traditional North African pancake, especially popular in Morocco and Algeria, and it is famous for its unmistakable texture: a soft, spongy crumb covered in tiny holes that appear on the surface as it cooks. That honeycomb look is exactly why it is nicknamed the thousand-hole pancake.

Traditionally, baghrir is served at breakfast or as an afternoon snack alongside a warm syrup of honey and butter, though it also works beautifully with jams, fresh fruit, or even savory toppings like fresh cheese. The combination of fine semolina and yeast gives it a mild flavor with a slightly tangy note that sets it apart from other kinds of pancakes.


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Stack of Moroccan baghrir pancakes showing their spongy thousand-hole surface

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The key to getting those signature holes is patience: the batter needs to rest and ferment properly, and the pancakes must be cooked gently over medium-low heat in a nonstick pan. Once they are ready, all that is left is to enjoy them with the honey syrup you will prepare alongside. A real treat.

Baghrir pancakes served on a plate with honey butter syrup

Ingredients for Baghrir

This recipe makes 15 baghrir pancakes.

  • 145 g fine wheat semolina
  • 45 g wheat flour
  • 4 g dry baker's yeast (or 12 g fresh yeast)
  • 4 g baking powder
  • 4 g white sugar
  • 2 g salt
  • 50 g honey
  • 15 g unsalted butter
  • 40 g water
  • 15 g orange blossom water

Ingredients for baghrir including semolina, flour, yeast, honey and orange blossom water

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How to Make Baghrir Step by Step

1. Mix and rest the batter

Start by mixing 145 grams of fine wheat semolina with 45 grams of wheat flour, 4 grams of dry baker's yeast, 4 grams of baking powder, 4 grams of white sugar and 2 grams of salt. Cover this mixture with plastic wrap and let it rest for between 1 hour and a half and 2 hours.

Mixing the dry ingredients for baghrir batter in a bowl

2. Prepare the syrup

In the meantime, prepare the syrup. To do this, put 50 grams of honey, 15 grams of butter, 40 grams of water and 15 grams of orange blossom water in a small saucepan.

Honey, butter, water and orange blossom water in a saucepan for baghrir syrup

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3. Reduce and cool the syrup

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and let the butter melt, then lower the heat to the minimum and let the mixture reduce for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool until serving time.

Honey butter syrup for baghrir cooling in a small saucepan

4. Check the fermented batter

Your batter will be ready when the mixture is bubbling. Depending on the room temperature, this can take between 1 hour and a half and 2 hours.

Bubbling fermented baghrir batter ready to cook

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5. Cook the first pancake

Once the batter is bubbly and at its peak, heat a small nonstick pan over medium-low heat and, when it is hot, pour in a portion of batter.

Pouring baghrir batter into a hot nonstick pan

6. Cook on one side and repeat

Let it cook on one side only, as is traditional, until the entire surface is full of bubbles, looks cooked and the base has browned lightly. Remove from the pan and repeat until all the batter is used up. Serve with the syrup.

Baghrir pancake cooking on one side with a surface full of holes

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Freshly made baghrir pancakes piled on a plate

Tips for the Best Baghrir

Respect the resting time

The success of the holes in baghrir depends on the resting time of the batter and the room temperature. Make sure the batter ferments correctly so you get the best final texture.

Cook over medium-low heat

Cook the pancakes over medium-low heat in a nonstick pan so the holes form and the texture turns out spongy. Only one side is cooked, as is traditional.

Serve with the honey syrup

Once ready, all that is left is to enjoy them with the syrup you prepared alongside. They are also delicious with jams, fruit or even savory toppings like fresh cheese.

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Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Total time 50 minutes (plus resting time)
Servings 15 units
Category Baking
Cuisine Moroccan
Calories per serving 65 kcal

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Isabel Gaines

Author

Isabel Gaines

As a former restaurant owner turned reporter, Isabel brings a unique perspective to Grand Goldman. With decades of experience, her articles on cooking and homemaking are both informative and engaging, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for all things culinary.


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