Cheese Blintzes
Cheese blintzes are a delightful treat that takes you on a culinary journey to Eastern Europe. These delicate, thin crepes are lovingly filled with a luscious blend of creamy cheeses and then pan-fried to golden perfection. If you are searching for a dish that combines texture, flavor, and warmth, look no further. Cheese blintzes boast a unique fusion of comfort food and gourmet delight, making them perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese blintzes are a win-win for home cooks and food lovers alike. They’re incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day. From sweet to savory, you can customize the filling to suit your preferences. Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and simple enough for even novice cooks to master. Family-friendly and fun to make together, these blintzes will become a cherished tradition in your household. Whether served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or accompanied by fresh fruit preserves, every bite is bound to delight!
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious Cheese Blintzes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces (2 cups) farmer cheese
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for fresh aromatic flavor)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Fruit preserves (such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Melted butter (for drizzling)
These ingredients combine beautifully to create a dish that’s both dreamy and delightful for your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Crepe Batter
Start by whisking together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of milk and 2 large eggs until smooth. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the crepes to become light and pliable, ensuring a perfect texture.
2. Cook the Crepes
Heat a greased skillet over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared batter into the skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. Cook until the edges begin to lift and the surface is set with a touch of golden color, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove and place on a plate, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Continue this process until all the batter has been used.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of farmer cheese and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or spatula, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of optional lemon zest. Beat or stir until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a rich and velvety filling.
4. Fill and Roll the Crepes
Take one crepe, place a generous spoonful of the cheese filling in the center, and fold the sides inward. Carefully roll the crepe away from you, sealing in the filling and keeping the seam side down as you place it into a greased skillet. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling until everything is rolled to perfection.
5. Cook the Blintzes
With the skillet still on medium heat, carefully arrange the filled blintzes in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they achieve a lovely golden brown color. The blintzes should be crispy on the outside while the inside remains warm and gooey.
6. Serve
As you plate the blintzes, drizzle warm melted butter over them, and serve alongside a dollop of sour cream. For a sweet touch, add fruit preserves—think strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry—along with a dusting of powdered sugar for that special café vibe.
Tips & Tricks
- Resting the Batter: Don’t skip the resting time for the batter; it makes a noticeable difference in crepe texture.
- Cooking Temperature: Keep an eye on the heat. If it’s too high, the crepes may cook unevenly or burn.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses or even ricotta for a variation. Adding herbs or spices can also provide a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Freeze for Later: You can make the crepes ahead of time and freeze them. Just reheat in a skillet when you’re ready to fill and serve!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cheese blintzes are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up according to your mood or the occasion. Here are some suggestions:
- Serve with Fresh Berries: Top your blintzes with sliced fresh strawberries, blueberries, or a berry compote.
- Accompany with Maple Syrup: For a delightful breakfast option, drizzle with maple syrup.
- Flavorful Yogurt: Pair with a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Sprinkle with Nuts: Adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can give a lovely crunch to your plate.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping track of their dietary intake, a single Cheese Blintz (including the filling) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 8g
(Specific values may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Storing Tips & Variations
- Storing: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Freezing: Uncooked blintzes can be frozen for up to a month. Simply freeze them after rolling, store in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Variations: Swap out traditional cheese for flavored soft cheeses, or try a sweet potato filling for a savory twist.
Conclusion
Cheese blintzes are not just a dish; they’re a beautiful culinary experience that brings warmth and comfort to the table. From their buttery crepe exterior to the rich, creamy filling inside, each bite is a taste of heaven. So why not gather your loved ones and indulge in this heartwarming recipe? You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheese combinations to achieve your desired flavor profile.
2. Is it possible to make these blintzes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a fabulous gluten-free version.
3. How do I store leftover blintzes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
4. Can I make the crepe batter ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator.
5. What toppings or sauces pair well with cheese blintzes?
Sour cream, fruit preserves, fresh berries, whipped cream, and even chocolate ganache can enhance your blintzes beautifully. Enjoy experimenting!
Cheese Blintzes
Ingredients
Crepe Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheese Filling
- 16 ounces farmer cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) For fresh aromatic flavor
Serving Ingredients
- Sour cream For serving
- Fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) For serving
- Powdered sugar For dusting
- Melted butter For drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Crepe Batter
- Whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups milk and 2 eggs until smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients, ensuring no lumps, then stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Cover and refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes.
Cook the Crepes
- Heat a greased skillet over medium-low heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom.
- Cook until edges lift and surface is set with a golden color (1-2 minutes).
- Flip and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove and layer with parchment paper.
- Repeat until all batter is used.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of farmer cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese, blending until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
Fill and Roll the Crepes
- Take one crepe, place a spoonful of cheese filling in the center, fold sides inward, and roll up.
- Seal the filling and place seam side down in a greased skillet.
- Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.
Cook the Blintzes
- Arrange filled blintzes in the pan over medium heat.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
- Drizzle warm melted butter over the blintzes and serve with sour cream.
- Add fruit preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar.