Blintzes are a delightful treat, a culinary hug that combines tender, thin crepes with a sweet and creamy cheese filling. Originating from Eastern European cuisine, these delicious snacks can be enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Whether you savor them hot off the skillet or topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, blintzes offer a blend of flavors and textures that make them truly irresistible.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 250 mg
Why Make This Blintzes
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own blintzes at home. Not only are they fun to prepare, but they also allow you to customize the flavors to your liking. Imagine the rich aroma of freshly cooked crepes wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a cheesy filling. Blintzes are versatile; you can serve them with a variety of toppings, including fruit preserves, sour cream, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar. Plus, they make a cozy meal for weekend brunches or a sweet finish to any dinner.
How to Make Blintzes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cheese (ricotta or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flour to hydrate and gives you a better crepe texture.
Step 2: Cooking the Crepes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Pour in a small amount of batter, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook until the edges are set and the bottom is lightly browned, then flip and cook the other side for a few seconds. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 3: Preparing the Filling
In another bowl, combine cheese, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until smooth. This cheesy filling is the heart of your blintzes and adds a lovely sweetness.
Step 4: Filling and Cooking the Blintzes
Place a small amount of the cheese mixture on one edge of each crepe. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, creating a neat package. Heat some butter in the skillet and add the filled blintzes. Cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 5: Serving
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired. The contrast of the crispy exterior with the creamy filling is simply delightful!
How to Serve Blintzes
Blintzes can be served as a main dish or a dessert. Pair them with fresh fruit, a homemade berry compote, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a deliciously sweet experience. For brunch, a side of yogurt adds a tangy balance to the meal.
How to Store Blintzes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter to restore their original crispiness. You can also freeze unfilled crepes for up to 2 months. Just separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Blintzes
- Batter Consistency: Ensure your batter is smooth for a uniform cooking surface. If it’s too thick, add a little extra milk.
- Non-Stick Pan: Using a good non-stick pan is essential for easy flipping and to avoid sticking.
- Fillings: Experiment with different fillings – try adding chocolate chips or fruit to the cheese mixture for a fun twist!
Delicious Variations
- Savory Blintzes: Swap out the sweet filling for savory options like sautéed mushrooms or spinach mixed with feta cheese.
- Chocolate Blintzes: Use sweetened cream cheese mixed with cocoa powder for a dessert-style treat.
- Fruit-Stuffed Blintzes: Incorporate fresh berries or sliced bananas into the cheese mixture for a fruity twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick whisk before using. - What is the best cheese to use?
Ricotta is a classic choice, but cottage cheese works well too. For a richer filling, you can use mascarpone. - How can I make these gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they will be just as delicious! - Can I bake the blintzes instead of frying?
Yes! Place the filled blintzes in a greased baking dish, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until golden. - What can I serve with blintzes?
Great accompaniments include sour cream, apple sauce, or honey. Fresh fruit preserves also add a lovely touch.
Conclusion
Making blintzes is a heartwarming experience that fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma and creates a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. With a smooth, golden exterior enveloping a creamy, sweet filling, these treats are sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delicious dish from scratch! Give it a try and make your next meal a memorable one!
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Blintzes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Eastern European treats combining tender crepes with a sweet and creamy cheese filling, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cheese (ricotta or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Pour in a small amount of batter, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook until the edges are set and lightly browned, then flip and cook the other side for a few seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- In another bowl, combine cheese, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until smooth.
- Place a small amount of the cheese mixture on one edge of each crepe, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Heat butter in the skillet and add the filled blintzes. Cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For a twist, try different fillings such as chocolate chips or fruit.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
