Ingredients
Creating these delicious cheese blintzes requires simple pantry staples and fresh dairy ingredients that combine to deliver exceptional flavor. You’ll need ingredients for three components: the delicate crepes, the rich cheese filling, and optional serving accompaniments.
For the Blintz Crepes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for cooking
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheese Filling
- 16 oz ricotta cheese, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- 4 tablespoons butter for pan-frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Sour cream
- Pure maple syrup
- Berry compote or jam
Equipment Needed
Creating perfect cheese blintzes requires exact kitchen tools that ensure smooth preparation and professional results. You’ll need a non-stick skillet or crepe pan measuring 8 to 10 inches in diameter for making delicate crepes that release easily without tearing.
A large mixing bowl serves as your workspace for combining crepe batter ingredients while a separate medium bowl handles the cheese filling mixture. Your whisk becomes essential for achieving a smooth batter consistency and eliminating lumps that could create uneven crepes.
A ladle or 1/4 cup measuring cup helps portion consistent amounts of batter for each crepe. This ensures uniform size and cooking time across all your blintzes. Fine-mesh strainer removes any remaining lumps from your crepe batter for silky smooth results.
Measuring cups and spoons provide accuracy for both wet and dry ingredients. Precision matters when balancing the delicate crepe texture and rich cheese filling flavors. A rubber spatula assists with gentle folding techniques and thorough mixing without overworking ingredients.
Clean kitchen towels or paper towels keep your workspace organized and help stack finished crepes between layers. This prevents sticking and maintains the crepes’ delicate structure during assembly.
Your electric mixer or hand mixer streamlines the cheese filling preparation by creating a perfectly smooth and creamy texture. Manual mixing works but requires more time and effort to achieve the same results.
A thin flexible spatula becomes your best friend for flipping crepes without tearing. The thin edge slides easily under delicate crepes while providing enough surface area for confident turns.
Finally you’ll need a clean work surface for assembling your blintzes and a serving platter for presenting your finished masterpiece with style.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly golden cheese blintzes with creamy filling. Each component requires careful attention to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
Making the Blintz Crepes
Start by combining all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly distributed.
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the wet ingredients. Pour in 1 1/4 cups whole milk, 3 large eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Whisk the mixture from the center outward until smooth and lump-free. Strain the batter through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining lumps. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Heat your non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly butter the pan using a paper towel to spread an even coating.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the hot pan. Immediately tilt and rotate the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter into a thin, even layer covering the entire bottom.
Cook for 45-60 seconds until the edges begin to curl and the bottom is lightly golden. Use a thin flexible spatula to carefully flip the crepe and cook for an additional 20-30 seconds.
Transfer the finished crepe to a clean work surface with the first cooked side facing up. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, stacking completed crepes with parchment paper between each layer.
Preparing the Cheese Filling
Combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese and 4 ounces softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the cheese mixture. Beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the filling is light and fluffy.
Fold in 1 teaspoon lemon zest if using for added brightness. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla as desired. The filling should be smooth with no lumps remaining.
Assembling the Blintzes
Place one crepe on your work surface with the golden side facing down. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cheese filling onto the lower third of the crepe, leaving space at the edges.
Fold the bottom edge of the crepe over the filling. Fold in both sides toward the center, creating neat edges that prevent filling from leaking out.
Roll the crepe tightly from bottom to top, creating a compact rectangular package. Place the assembled blintz seam-side down on a plate and repeat with remaining crepes and filling.
Cooking the Blintzes
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Place 3-4 assembled blintzes seam-side down in the pan, leaving space between each one.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip each blintz using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden on all sides.
Transfer the cooked blintzes to a serving platter immediately. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries, sour cream, or maple syrup while still warm and crispy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare Crepes in Advance
You can make the crepes up to 2 days ahead of serving. Stack the cooled crepes between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Wrap the entire stack tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring them to room temperature before assembling your blintzes for easier handling and folding.
Make Cheese Filling Early
The cheese filling actually improves when made ahead. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully during this time. Give the filling a gentle stir before using to ensure smooth consistency.
Assemble Blintzes Before Cooking
Roll your filled blintzes and place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This resting period helps the blintzes hold their shape better during cooking and prevents the filling from leaking out.
Freezing Options
Freeze assembled but uncooked blintzes for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags with dates labeled clearly. Cook frozen blintzes directly from the freezer by adding an extra 2-3 minutes to each side during pan-frying.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat cooked blintzes in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Pan-frying leftover blintzes in a little butter restores their crispy exterior beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your cheese blintzes into an impressive brunch centerpiece by pairing them with complementary toppings and accompaniments. Dust your warm blintzes with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that enhances their golden appearance. Fresh berries create a vibrant contrast while adding natural sweetness and acidity to balance the rich cheese filling.
Drizzle pure maple syrup over your blintzes for a classic breakfast experience that appeals to all ages. The syrup’s warm sweetness penetrates the crispy exterior and mingles beautifully with the creamy cheese interior. Berry compote or high-quality jam provides another excellent option that adds both flavor complexity and visual appeal to your plate.
Serve a dollop of sour cream alongside your blintzes to offer guests a traditional Eastern European experience. The tanginess cuts through the richness of the cheese filling while adding a cooling element to each bite. Consider offering multiple topping options to allow guests to customize their blintzes according to their preferences.
Create an elevated presentation by arranging your blintzes on warmed plates with fresh mint sprigs as garnish. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries arranged artfully around the plate add color and freshness. A light dusting of cinnamon can provide aromatic appeal and subtle spice notes.
Consider serving cheese blintzes as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage. Coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice make ideal beverage pairings that complement the rich flavors without overwhelming the palate. For special occasions, champagne or mimosas create a festive atmosphere that elevates the dining experience.
Temperature plays a crucial role in serving cheese blintzes successfully. Serve them immediately after cooking while the exterior remains crispy and the filling stays warm and creamy. Avoid letting them sit too long as the texture changes and the crispiness diminishes over time.
Storage Tips
Proper storage extends the life of your cheese blintzes and maintains their delicious taste. You can store different components at various stages to maximize freshness and convenience.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooked cheese blintzes in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their shape. Uncooked assembled blintzes keep well for 24 hours when covered tightly with plastic wrap.
Your prepared crepes stay fresh for up to 5 days when stacked with parchment paper between each one and wrapped securely. The cheese filling maintains its quality for up to 4 days in a covered bowl or container.
Freezer Storage
Freeze uncooked assembled blintzes for long-term storage lasting up to 3 months. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to freezer bags. Label each bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Cooked blintzes freeze successfully for up to 2 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in freezer-safe containers. This method prevents freezer burn and preserves texture.
Thawing and Reheating
Thaw frozen uncooked blintzes overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed in the original recipe. Cook frozen cooked blintzes directly from the freezer by adding 2-3 minutes to the reheating time.
Reheat refrigerated cooked blintzes in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it creates soggy textures and uneven heating.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create delicious homemade cheese blintzes that rival your favorite restaurant’s version. This versatile recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgences.
The beauty of cheese blintzes lies in their flexibility – you can prepare components ahead of time and customize toppings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast your guests will be impressed by these golden crispy treats.
Don’t let the multiple steps intimidate you. Once you master the basic technique you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again. The combination of delicate crepes and creamy cheese filling creates a memorable dining experience that’s worth every minute of preparation.
About The Author
