Cheese Blintzes
Cheese Blintzes are a delightful culinary creation that perfectly combines the richness of cheese with delicate crepes, making them an irresistible breakfast or dessert option. Originating from Eastern European cuisine, these golden, crispy treats filled with a creamy cheese mixture are not only easy to prepare but also a beloved dish enjoyed by family and friends. With mouthwatering flavors and wonderful textures, Cheese Blintzes should definitely be on your menu!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheese Blintzes recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this dish is friendly and simple to follow.
Moreover, Cheese Blintzes are highly customizable! You can enjoy them sweet or savory based on your preference. Packed with creamy cheese and layered with your favorite fruit preserves, they cater to all taste buds. Plus, they make for an exciting family dish — kids love the fun process of filling and rolling their own blintzes!
Ingredients
To make these delightful Cheese Blintzes, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – soft and silky to give the crepes their delicate texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – a pinch of salt enhances the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – adds a hint of sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups milk – ensures the batter is creamy and rich.
- 2 large eggs – binds the batter for a perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and flavor.
- 16 ounces (2 cups) farmer cheese – the star of the filling, creamy and mildly tangy.
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened – for an ultra-smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the filling beautifully.
- 1 large egg – to bind the filling together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds lovely aromatic sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) – brightens the flavor with a hint of citrus.
- Sour cream (for serving) – adds a luscious tang.
- Fruit preserves (such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) – for a fruity, sweet contrast.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – to finish off the dish with a touch of sweetness.
- Melted butter (for drizzling) – enriches the flavor and appearance.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating Cheese Blintzes is a delightful and straightforward process. Each step contributes to the final, mouthwatering result.
1. Prepare the Crepe Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups of milk and 2 large eggs together. Gradually combine the dry and wet mixtures, stirring in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Once blended, refrigerate the batter for about 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
2. Cook the Crepes
Heat a greased skillet over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of the crepe batter into the hot skillet, swirling it around to evenly coat the bottom. Cook until the edges are set and the bottom turns golden brown, usually around 1-2 minutes. Flip the crepe using a spatula and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stack the finished crepes on a plate, placing parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of farmer cheese and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a fork to blend them until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest (if using). Mix everything until well combined, creating a luscious filling that will complement the crepes perfectly.
4. Fill and Roll the Crepes
Take your prepared crepe and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling onto the lower third of the crepe. Fold in the sides over the filling and then carefully roll it away from you, making sure to enclose the filling completely. Place the rolled crepe seam-side down in a greased skillet to prepare for cooking.
5. Golden Bliss
Over medium heat, gently cook the filled blintzes in the skillet until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your delightful Cheese Blintzes warm, pairing them with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of fruity preserves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted butter over the top before serving.
Your kitchen will be filled with enticing aromas, and the first bite will take you to a blissful state of flavor harmony!
Tips & Tricks
- If you want to enhance the flavors, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the crepe batter or cheese filling.
- Nutritional yeast can be substituted for cheese to create a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
- For breakfast variations, add some almond or coconut extract to the filling for a unique twist.
- Make the crepes ahead of time and store them in your refrigerator to save time on a busy morning.
- Experiment with different berries in your fruit preserves for a unique touch every time you make Cheese Blintzes!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cheese Blintzes are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways! Here are some wonderful pairing suggestions:
- Fruit Compote: A warmed fruit compote made from mixed berries can elevate your blintzes to a new level.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle some maple syrup or honey on your blintzes for added sweetness.
- Fresh Berries: Top with a handful of fresh berries for a light and refreshing touch.
- Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch by sprinkling chopped walnuts or almonds on top!
- Herbal Teas: Serve with a calming herbal tea for a cozy breakfast experience.
Nutritional Information
When indulging in Cheese Blintzes, it’s essential to be mindful of the nutritional content. A single serving (including the filling) will generally contain:
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Total Fat: ~16g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~8g
- Sugars: ~10g
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely due to their deliciousness!), here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the blintzes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap uncooked blintzes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, simply thaw and proceed with cooking instructions.
- Reheating: You can reheat your blintzes in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave. Just be cautious not to overcook them!
For variations, consider filling the crepes with different ingredients like spiced apple filling, chocolate hazelnut spread, or savory options such as sautéed spinach and feta cheese.
Conclusion
Cheese Blintzes are not just a dish — they’re a joyful experience for the whole family, bringing warmth and comfort with each bite. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these lovely treats are sure to impress. Encourage your readers to try making Cheese Blintzes for themselves, embracing the creative process and delighting in the scrumptious end result!
FAQs
1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the blintzes.
2. Are Cheese Blintzes suitable for freezing?
Yes, blintzes can be frozen either uncooked or after cooking. Ensure they are well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I use different cheese types for the filling?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with ricotta or cottage cheese for a different texture and taste.
4. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and your blintzes will be just as delicious.
5. How can I make Cheese Blintzes vegan?
You can replace the eggs with flax eggs, use non-dairy milk, and substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives.
Cheese Blintzes
Ingredients
Crepe Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour soft and silky to give the crepes their delicate texture
- 1/4 teaspoon salt a pinch of salt enhances the flavor
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar adds a hint of sweetness
- 1 1/2 cups milk ensures the batter is creamy and rich
- 2 large eggs binds the batter for a perfect consistency
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted adds richness and flavor
Cheese Filling
- 16 ounces farmer cheese the star of the filling, creamy and mildly tangy
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened for an ultra-smooth texture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens the filling beautifully
- 1 large egg to bind the filling together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds lovely aromatic sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) brightens the flavor with a hint of citrus
For Serving
- Sour cream adds a luscious tang
- Fruit preserves (such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) for a fruity, sweet contrast
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted butter for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Crepe Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups of milk and 2 large eggs together.
- Gradually combine the dry and wet mixtures, stirring in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Once blended, refrigerate the batter for about 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
Cook the Crepes
- Heat a greased skillet over medium-low heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the crepe batter into the hot skillet, swirling it around to evenly coat the bottom.
- Cook until the edges are set and the bottom turns golden brown, usually around 1-2 minutes.
- Flip the crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stack the finished crepes on a plate, placing parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of farmer cheese and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
- Use a hand mixer or a fork to blend them until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest (if using).
- Mix everything until well combined, creating a luscious filling.
Fill and Roll the Crepes
- Take your prepared crepe and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling onto the lower third of the crepe.
- Fold in the sides over the filling and then carefully roll it away from you, enclosing the filling completely.
- Place the rolled crepe seam-side down in a greased skillet.
Cook the Blintzes
- Over medium heat, gently cook the filled blintzes in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.
- This usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your delightful Cheese Blintzes warm with a dollop of sour cream, fruity preserves, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top before serving.