Hosts making a savoury sharing platter
If guests will add toppings to small bites, M&S describes its 16 Cocktail Blinis as mini savoury pancakes with a hint of rye sourdough. They offer a different serving format from a larger pancake.
Who is each format for?
Shoppers who want a sweet, ready-made side
Scotch pancakes suit a sweeter course without mixing batter. Check the warming directions on the particular pack before deciding how to serve them.
Households checking allergens
Read the current label of every product you plan to serve. The M&S blinis list wheat, rye, egg and milk ingredients; the Scotch pancake examples also list wheat, egg and milk ingredients.
What should you check?
Decide whether you need small topped bites, a sweet pancake or a larger savoury part of the meal; then check the individual pack before serving.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Serving format | Check whether the product is a mini blini, Scotch pancake, crumpet or larger savoury pancake. Consider whether toppings are meant to be part of each bite. | I want small bases guests can top, rather than a sweet pancake served alongside the meal. |
| Sourdough ingredient | Read the product description and ingredients for the particular type of sourdough stated. M&S describes its cocktail blinis as having a hint of rye sourdough; a sourdough crumpet is a different format. | If sourdough matters to my choice, I want to know which product contains it, not assume every savoury pancake does. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current ingredient list and highlighted allergens, including the cereal named. The M&S blinis list wheat, rye, egg and milk ingredients. | Before serving anyone with a dietary restriction, I need to check the exact pack rather than rely on the word “sourdough”. |
| Preparation and storage | Compare the pack count with the number of servings needed. Follow that product’s warming, freezing and defrosting directions. | Will I be able to warm everything with the equipment available, and store any remainder as the pack directs? |
What can catch you out?
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Assuming sourdough means a full-size pancake
M&S describes its rye-sourdough cocktail blinis as mini savoury pancakes, while Waitrose lists Jason's sourdough product as crumpets. Those formats serve different purposes.
Choose by how you plan to serve the food: small topped bites, a crumpet or a pancake side.
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Assuming sourdough means gluten-free
The M&S blinis list wheat flour and rye sourdough. Sourdough in the name does not tell you whether a product meets a gluten-related dietary requirement.
Check the current label for the named cereals and any other allergens relevant to your guests.
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Using one pack’s heating directions for another
Ready-made pancakes and blinis can have different warming, freezing and defrosting instructions.
Keep each pack to hand and follow its own directions through serving and storage.
Relevant brand references
M&S
M&S describes its 16 Cocktail Blinis as mini savoury pancakes with a hint of rye sourdough. Its Scotch Pancakes are a separate, sweet product.
- The cocktail blinis provide a small base for savoury toppings.
- The blinis list wheat, rye, egg and milk ingredients; check the current pack before serving.
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists buttermilk pancakes and sourdough crumpets as separate bakery products.
- The listings give shoppers distinct pancake and sourdough-crumpet formats to consider.
- A listing for buttermilk pancakes does not establish that those pancakes contain sourdough.
Waitrose
Waitrose lists Jason's 6 Sourdough Crumpets among its pancake, crumpet and waffle products.
- A crumpet is another bakery format to consider if small blinis are not required.
- A sourdough crumpet is not a like-for-like substitute for a pancake or blini; check its current ingredients and allergens.
Savoury pancakes on Joybuy
These options are savoury pancakes and a paratha for the meal-sized side of a fakeaway night. Choose a separately identified sourdough blini if rye sourdough and small topping bases are essential to your plan.
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Sanquan Spring Onion Flavour Pancake 320g
A spring onion option for a savoury pancake course rather than a small topped blini. Check the current ingredients, allergens and cooking directions before serving.
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Sanquan Scallion Pancake with Pepper Salt Flavour 320g
Scallion and pepper salt make this a savoury pancake option for the meal. Check the pack if you need a particular sourdough ingredient or have allergen requirements.
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LQQM Puff Paratha Pancake, Chive, 5 pieces
A chive-flavoured paratha for a savoury meal rather than a mini canapé base. The pack contains five pieces; check its ingredients and preparation directions for your serving plan.
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SAONGWON Kimchi Pancake 300g
A kimchi pancake for a savoury fakeaway course, not a small blini for individual toppings. Read the current label for ingredients, allergens and cooking instructions.
Common questions
Are sourdough blinis the same as Scotch pancakes?
No. M&S describes its cocktail blinis as mini savoury pancakes with a hint of rye sourdough, intended for toppings. Its Scotch Pancakes are a separate sweet product made with golden syrup.
Does “sourdough” mean a pancake or blini is gluten-free?
No. The M&S cocktail blinis list wheat flour and dried rye sourdough. Check the current ingredient and allergen information for the exact product before serving it to someone avoiding gluten.
What should I check before serving pancakes to guests with allergies?
Read the current pack label for each product. The M&S blinis list wheat, rye, egg and milk ingredients, while the Scotch pancake examples list wheat, egg and milk ingredients; do not assume another product has the same recipe.
Can ready-made pancakes and blinis be frozen?
Check the directions for the exact pack before freezing it. Follow its date, defrosting and refreezing instructions rather than applying the directions from another pancake or blini product.