Cheese blintzes are a beloved dish that combines tender crepes filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture and then pan-fried to golden perfection. Rooted in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, these delicate treats have become a favorite brunch or dessert item enjoyed around the world. Their light texture, subtle sweetness, and luscious filling make cheese blintzes both comforting and elegant.
In this article, you’ll discover the history behind cheese blintzes, the secrets to making them flawlessly, and tips on presentation, serving, and nutritional information to round out this timeless recipe.
What Are Cheese Blintzes?
Blintzes are thin pancakes or crepes that are typically filled with sweetened farmer’s cheese or cream cheese, folded into neat packets, and pan-fried until crispy on the outside but soft and creamy inside. Unlike thick pancakes, blintzes are delicate and light, almost crepe-like, which makes them perfect for filling.
Cheese blintzes often feature in Jewish holiday meals, especially during Shavuot, a festival that celebrates dairy foods. But their appeal goes well beyond tradition, offering a versatile dish that can be served sweet or savory, for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crepes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups farmer’s cheese or ricotta
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon for brightness
For Frying:
- Butter or oil for the pan
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 blintzes
How to Make Cheese Blintzes
1. Prepare the Crepe Batter
In a blender or mixing bowl, combine flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Blend or whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes for better texture.
2. Cook the Crepes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter, swirling to cover the pan in a thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer crepes to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix farmer’s cheese, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Blintzes
Place a crepe on a flat surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cheese filling onto the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then fold the bottom and roll up tightly to form a neat packet.
5. Pan-Fry the Blintzes
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the blintzes seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a serving platter.
Nutritional Information (Per Blintz)
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
Note: Nutrition varies depending on filling and cooking fat used.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Cheese blintzes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Sweet Style: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
- Savory Twist: Add chopped herbs like dill or chives to the filling and serve with sour cream or a light tomato sauce.
- Plating: Arrange blintzes in a circular pattern on a decorative plate. Garnish with a sprig of mint or lemon zest for a fresh look.
They make a delightful brunch dish, a comforting dessert, or an elegant snack for guests.
Tips for Perfect Blintzes
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest helps the flour hydrate and creates tender, pliable crepes.
- Use the Right Cheese: Traditional farmer’s cheese gives the authentic texture and flavor, but ricotta or cream cheese work well as alternatives.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to keep folding manageable and ensure even cooking.
- Control the Heat: Medium heat is best for frying to avoid burning the exterior while warming the inside thoroughly.
Variations to Explore
- Fruit-Filled Blintzes: Replace the cheese filling with fresh fruit and a touch of sugar or jam.
- Chocolate Blintzes: Add mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the filling for a dessert treat.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and a flax egg substitute in the batter and filling.
Cheese blintzes are a perfect blend of delicate textures and comforting flavors that have stood the test of time. Their light crepe exterior wrapped around a creamy, sweet filling creates an irresistible combination. Whether you’re honoring tradition or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, cheese blintzes bring warmth and elegance to any table.
This recipe offers an approachable way to make blintzes from scratch, inviting you to savor the process as much as the result. Serve them fresh from the pan with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a taste of heritage and homemade goodness in every bite.