Cheese Blintz

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These golden, pan-seared Cheese Blintzes are a delicate fusion of crispy crepe and rich, creamy filling. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and topped with vibrant raspberries, they offer a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors—crisp, silky, sweet, and slightly tangy all at once. Whether served warm for breakfast or as a comforting dessert, each bite melts effortlessly in your mouth.

The filling is velvety and slightly sweet with a touch of vanilla, nestled inside thin, tender crepes that are lightly browned to perfection. This classic Eastern European dish feels like an elegant indulgence yet remains delightfully simple to make. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite, easily customized with different toppings or enjoyed just as it is.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheese Blintz Recipe

Cheese Blintzes bring the magic of a classic café brunch straight to your table. They’re versatile, easy to prep ahead, and satisfying without being heavy. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a cozy dessert, or just craving something special, these blintzes are sure to please. The balance between sweet and creamy, plus the crispy outer shell, makes every bite truly crave-worthy.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

To create the perfect Cheese Blintz, preparation starts with the right tools. You’ll need a blender or mixing bowl with a whisk to create a smooth, lump-free crepe batter. A non-stick skillet or crepe pan is essential to ensure the delicate crepes don’t tear or stick while cooking. Use a rubber spatula to help gently flip the crepes without damaging them.

For the filling, a medium mixing bowl and hand mixer (or a sturdy spoon) will help you achieve a silky-smooth cheese texture. You’ll also need a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth if your ricotta or farmer cheese needs draining. A cooling rack helps the cooked crepes cool evenly without becoming soggy, and a pastry brush can be handy for buttering the pan between batches.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs, milk, and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter and filling.
• Rest the Batter: Allow the crepe batter to rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This relaxes the gluten and leads to softer, more pliable crepes.
• Don’t Overfill: A heaping tablespoon of filling is usually enough. Overfilling makes rolling tricky and can lead to leaking during cooking.
• Cook Low and Slow: When frying the blintzes, keep the heat medium-low to avoid burning the crepes before the filling is warmed through.
• Chill Before Frying: If you have time, chill the assembled blintzes before frying. This helps them hold their shape better in the pan.

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Ingredients for This Cheese Blintz Recipe

For the Crepe Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or farmer cheese, well-drained)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

For Frying and Garnish:

• 1–2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
• Fresh raspberries or any berries of choice
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s light, creamy, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being overly rich.

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Step 1: Make the Crepe Batter

In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend or whisk until completely smooth. Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.

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Step 2: Cook the Crepes

Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly butter the surface. Pour in about 1/4 cup of batter, swirling the pan to coat it thinly. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the edges lift and the underside is lightly golden. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat until all batter is used.

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Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

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Step 4: Assemble the Blintzes

Lay a crepe on a flat surface, golden-side down. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese filling into the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the bottom up to form a neat package. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.

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Step 5: Fry the Blintzes

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the blintzes seam-side down and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter as necessary.

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Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates, dust with powdered sugar, and top with fresh raspberries or your favorite fruit. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

• If using ricotta, drain it well using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to avoid a watery filling.
• The crepes can be made a day ahead and stored between parchment sheets in the fridge.
• You can substitute mascarpone for cream cheese if you prefer a slightly richer filling.
• These blintzes can also be baked after assembling for a lighter alternative to pan-frying—15 minutes at 350°F works well.
• Sweeten to taste: some like it mildly sweet, others prefer a dessert-like finish—taste the filling before assembling.
• Add a tablespoon of fruit preserves inside the blintz before rolling if you want a fruity surprise.
• Leftover filling? Use it as a fruit dip or layer it in parfaits with granola.
• These are equally delicious served with sour cream or a berry compote.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the batter rest time – leads to rubbery, less flexible crepes that are hard to roll.
• Using too much heat – burns the delicate crepes or blintzes before they’re cooked through.
• Overfilling the crepes – makes them harder to fold neatly and causes leaking during frying.
• Undrained cheese – creates a runny filling that won’t hold inside the blintz.
• Cooking with insufficient butter – causes sticking or uneven browning.
• Flipping too early – wait until the crepe loosens from the pan edges before flipping to avoid tearing.
• Stacking hot crepes directly – can cause steaming and soggy spots. Use parchment or a cooling rack.
• Using cold filling straight from the fridge – can keep the center cool even after frying. Let it warm slightly first.

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What to Serve With Cheese Blintz?

Here Are 8 Delicious Pairings

1. Berry Compote
   A warm mixture of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries cooked with a bit of sugar and lemon juice brings a vibrant, tangy contrast.
2. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
   Adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the sweetness of the filling.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light, refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like melon, grapes, kiwi, and citrus adds color and freshness to your plate.
4. Maple Syrup or Honey Drizzle
   For a classic sweet touch, a light drizzle over the top can enhance both taste and presentation.
5. Whipped Cream
   Soft and airy whipped cream adds indulgence without overwhelming the dish.
6. Smoked Salmon & Dill (for savory twist)
   Skip the sweet filling and use a savory cheese blend—serve alongside smoked salmon for brunch.
7. Apple Sauce or Pear Butter
   Mildly sweet and slightly spiced sauces are ideal for a warm, comforting combo.
8. Toasted Nuts and Cinnamon Sugar
   Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or pecans and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for texture and warm flavor notes.

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Storage Instructions

Cheese Blintzes are ideal for make-ahead meals and store beautifully when handled properly.

• Refrigeration: Once cooked, store leftover blintzes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled (but unfried) blintzes. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat blintzes in a buttered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crepes soggy.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 2 blintzes)

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Serving Size: 2 blintzes
• Category: Breakfast or Dessert

Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the crepes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and stack them between parchment sheets, then store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

2. What’s the best cheese for blintz filling?

Farmer cheese is traditional, but well-drained ricotta or a mix of ricotta and cream cheese works beautifully for a creamy, smooth texture.

3. Can I bake the blintzes instead of frying?

Absolutely. Arrange them seam-side down in a buttered dish and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and warmed through.

4. How do I keep the crepes from tearing?

Use a non-stick pan, don’t rush flipping, and let the batter rest—this ensures elasticity and prevents cracking.

5. Are Cheese Blintzes sweet or savory?

They’re traditionally sweet but can be adapted into a savory version by omitting sugar and using a savory cheese filling.

6. What other fillings can I try?

Try fruit preserves, poppy seed paste, Nutella, or even a savory spinach and feta mix for variety.

7. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well. Just be sure to let the batter rest for proper texture.

8. How do I prevent soggy blintzes?

Don’t overfill, use drained cheese, and serve immediately after frying to maintain that crisp golden edge.

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Conclusion

Cheese Blintzes are a delightful dish that brings comfort, flavor, and elegance to any meal. With their creamy filling, tender crepes, and endless topping possibilities, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re prepping a sweet brunch or a cozy dessert, this recipe invites creativity while staying rooted in classic taste. Try them once, and you’ll see why they’re a timeless favorite.

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