Blintzes

Introduction

Blintzes are the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and sweet in one delightful bite. These thin, delicate crepes are filled with a luscious cheese or fruit filling, then lightly fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. They’re a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, and they have a rich, comforting flavor that can be customized with a variety of fillings, from sweetened ricotta cheese to fresh berries or even chocolate.

One of the things I adore most about making blintzes is their versatility and the joy they bring when shared with friends or family. Whether filled with creamy cheese and topped with sour cream or paired with a fruity compote, these golden beauties are bound to leave everyone asking for seconds. I fondly remember making these with my family during holiday celebrations, and they’ve always been a hit with guests. There’s something special about the labor of love that goes into making blintzes, from carefully folding the crepes to creating the perfect filling, all resulting in an irresistible, mouthwatering treat.

The best part is that blintzes are incredibly easy to personalize. You can swap out the traditional cheese filling for a sweetened fruit one, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or zest for extra flavor, or experiment with savory ingredients like spinach or mushrooms. They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch in advance, making them an excellent option for meal prepping or impressing guests. Whether you serve them with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream, these blintzes are sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection!

Perfect for:

• A satisfying breakfast or brunch
• A delightful dessert or snack
• Special occasions like holidays or family gatherings
• A make-ahead option for busy mornings or weekends
• Celebrations like Shavuot or Passover

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicate and Delicious: These blintzes have a tender, soft pancake exterior with a rich and creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Fillings: While the classic filling is sweet cheese, you can easily swap it for your favorite fruits, or even vegetables.
• A Versatile Dish: Enjoy these blintzes for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert.
• Easy to Make in Bulk: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or serve as part of a larger spread.
• No Alcohol or Pork: A great option for those who prefer a pork-free dish without any alcohol.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 blintzes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200–250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Calcium: 12% DV, Vitamin A: 5% DV

Ingredients

For the Blintz Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sweet Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese or farmer’s cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For Frying:

• 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil

Ingredient Highlights

• Ricotta Cheese: The classic base for blintz filling, providing a mild flavor and creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and creaminess to the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Offers a refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the cheese filling.
• Blintz Pancake Batter: A simple and light batter creates the perfect thin pancake that is easy to work with for folding.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Blintz Pancakes:

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), sugar, and salt until smooth and lump-free.
2. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan and tilt it to spread evenly into a thin layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool. Continue with the remaining batter, stacking the pancakes on top of each other with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Sweet Cheese Filling:

3. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Assemble the Blintzes:

4. Fill the Blintzes: Lay one pancake flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the center of the pancake. Fold the sides of the pancake inward to enclose the filling, then roll it up tightly to form a small package. Repeat this process with the remaining pancakes and filling.

Cook the Blintzes:

5. Fry the Blintzes: In the same skillet used for the pancakes, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the filled blintzes seam-side down in the skillet. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook to ensure the inside stays soft and creamy.
6. Serve: Once all the blintzes are fried, serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite topping, such as fruit preserves, fresh berries, or a dollop of sour cream.

How to Serve

• With Powdered Sugar: Dust the blintzes with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
• Topped with Fresh Berries: Serve with a topping of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• With Fruit Preserves or Jam: Pair with fruit preserves such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam for a sweet addition.
• Sour Cream or Yogurt: For a tangy contrast, serve with a spoonful of sour cream or plain yogurt on top.
• Maple Syrup: For a classic touch, drizzle with maple syrup.

Additional Tips

• Let the Pancakes Cool: After making the pancakes, let them cool completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
• Don’t Overfill: When adding the filling, avoid overstuffing the blintzes, as this can cause them to break during the frying process.
• Use Thin Pancakes: The blintz pancakes should be thin so they can be easily rolled and cooked without falling apart.
• Make Ahead: You can make the pancakes and the filling the night before and assemble them when ready to cook.

Recipe Variations

1. Fruit-Filled Blintzes: Swap out the cheese filling for sweetened fruit puree like applesauce, berry compote, or mashed bananas.
2. Savory Blintzes: For a savory twist, fill the pancakes with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and cheese or even a meat substitute (like mushrooms or lentils).
3. Cinnamon Sugar Blintzes: Mix cinnamon into the filling and sprinkle a bit of sugar on top for a sweet spiced version.
4. Vegan Blintzes: Use a dairy-free filling with non-dairy cream cheese and vegan ricotta to make the dish vegan-friendly.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover blintzes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked) blintzes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen. When ready to eat, thaw and fry as instructed. Cooked blintzes can also be frozen and reheated in a skillet.

Special Equipment

• Non-stick Skillet or Crepe Pan: Essential for making thin pancakes that don’t stick and make flipping easy.
• Mixing Bowl and Whisk: To mix the pancake batter and cheese filling thoroughly.
• Spatula: For flipping pancakes and handling the delicate blintzes while frying.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the pancakes in advance?
   Yes, you can make the pancakes a day ahead and refrigerate them. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
2. Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
   Yes, you can use mascarpone, cottage cheese, or even ricotta with sweetened cream cheese for a variation.
3. Can I skip frying the blintzes?
   Frying the blintzes gives them a crispy and golden exterior, but you can skip this step and eat them warm or at room temperature right after assembling.
4. How do I make blintzes without dairy?
   You can substitute the dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and non-dairy butter.

Conclusion

Blintzes are a delightful and versatile dish that brings together delicate, crispy crepes and a rich filling, creating a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Traditionally filled with sweetened cheese, fruit, or even savory ingredients, these little pockets of goodness are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Whether you serve them with a dollop of sour cream, jam, or fresh fruit, they are sure to please a crowd and become a go-to recipe in your collection.

Making blintzes from scratch is surprisingly simple, yet incredibly rewarding. You can tailor the filling to suit your preferences, whether you like it classic with sweetened ricotta cheese or a bit more adventurous with chocolate or berry fillings. Don’t forget to try a variety of toppings to elevate this dish even further.

Get ready to indulge in this indulgent dish by whipping up a batch today. As the crepes cook to golden perfection, take a moment to appreciate the culinary joy you’re about to share! Be sure to take a picture of your homemade blintzes and share them on Instagram—tag me so we can celebrate your delightful creation together! Happy cooking!