Chef John’s Cheese Blintzes: A Culinary Delight You Can Make at Home
Cheese blintzes are a classic Eastern European dish, a delightful combination of thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with a sweet and tangy cheese mixture. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. While they might seem intimidating to make, with a little patience and Chef John’s guidance, you can create these delicious treats in your own kitchen. This recipe is inspired by Chef John, a culinary personality known for his approachable recipes and quirky commentary. Let’s dive into the world of cheese blintzes and create a dish that’s sure to impress.
Why Chef John’s Recipe Stands Out
Chef John’s approach to cooking is all about simplicity and flavor. He often emphasizes understanding the fundamentals and using fresh ingredients. His cheese blintz recipe is no exception. It’s straightforward, easy to follow, and delivers fantastic results. What sets it apart is the balance of flavors – the slight tanginess of the cheese filling perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the pancake. Plus, Chef John’s tips and tricks ensure that even a beginner can achieve blintz-making success.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need for Chef John’s cheese blintzes, with some notes on substitutions and variations:
For the Crepes (Blintz Pancakes):
* **1 cup all-purpose flour:** This forms the base of the crepe. For a slightly nuttier flavor, you can substitute up to ¼ cup of whole wheat flour.
* **1 ½ cups milk:** Milk provides moisture and richness. Whole milk will give you the most tender crepes, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
* **2 large eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure to the crepes.
* **2 tablespoons melted butter:** Butter adds flavor and helps prevent the crepes from sticking to the pan. You can use vegetable oil as a substitute, but butter provides a richer taste.
* **1 tablespoon sugar:** A touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the crepes.
* **¼ teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the other flavors.
For the Cheese Filling:
* **1 pound farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese:** Farmer’s cheese is traditional and provides a slightly tangy flavor. Ricotta is a good substitute, but make sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture. You can also use a combination of both.
* **1/2 cup sour cream:** Sour cream adds moisture and tanginess to the filling. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
* **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you want the filling to be.
* **1 large egg yolk:** The egg yolk helps bind the filling together and adds richness.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the filling.
* **Zest of 1 lemon:** Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note to the filling. This is a key ingredient for Chef John’s recipe and really elevates the flavor.
* **Pinch of salt:** Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For Serving:
* **Butter, for cooking:** Use butter for frying the blintzes; it adds a wonderful flavor and helps them turn golden brown.
* **Sour cream, for topping:** Sour cream is a classic topping for blintzes.
* **Fruit preserves or jam, for topping:** Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry preserves are all excellent choices.
* **Powdered sugar, for dusting:** A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right equipment will make the process of making cheese blintzes much easier and more efficient:
* **Mixing bowls:** You’ll need bowls for mixing the crepe batter and the cheese filling.
* **Whisk:** A whisk is essential for creating a smooth crepe batter.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** Accurate measurements are important for consistent results.
* **Crepe pan or non-stick skillet:** A crepe pan is ideal for making thin, even crepes, but a non-stick skillet will also work well. An 8-inch pan is a good size.
* **Spatula:** A thin spatula is helpful for flipping the crepes.
* **Plate or baking sheet:** You’ll need a plate or baking sheet to stack the cooked crepes.
* **Pastry brush (optional):** A pastry brush can be used to lightly grease the pan before cooking each crepe.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chef John’s Cheese Blintzes
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions for making Chef John’s cheese blintzes:
Step 1: Prepare the Crepe Batter
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. **Whisk in wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
3. **Rest the batter:** Cover the batter with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in more tender crepes. You can also let the batter rest for up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Crepes
1. **Heat the pan:** Heat a crepe pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter. You only need a very thin layer of butter to prevent sticking. If using a non-stick skillet, you may not need any additional butter after the initial greasing.
2. **Pour the batter:** Once the pan is hot, remove it from the heat. Pour about ¼ cup of crepe batter onto the center of the pan. Immediately swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even circle. The batter should be thin enough to create a delicate crepe. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
3. **Cook the first side:** Return the pan to the heat and cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden brown. You can use a spatula to gently lift the edges to check for doneness.
4. **Flip and cook the second side:** Carefully flip the crepe with a thin spatula and cook for another 30-60 seconds, or until the second side is lightly golden brown. The second side doesn’t need to be as cooked as the first side.
5. **Stack the crepes:** Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes on top of each other. You don’t need to grease the pan between each crepe, unless they start to stick.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
1. **Combine cheese and sour cream:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese and sour cream. Mix well until smooth.
2. **Add sugar and egg yolk:** Add the sugar and egg yolk to the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. **Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest:** Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. **Add a pinch of salt:** Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors. Mix well.
Step 4: Fill and Fold the Blintzes
1. **Place the filling:** Lay a crepe flat on a clean surface, with the more golden side facing down. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of the crepe.
2. **Fold the sides:** Fold the sides of the crepe over the filling, overlapping slightly in the center. This will create a rectangular shape.
3. **Fold the ends:** Fold the ends of the crepe over the filling, creating a neat, sealed package. You should now have a rectangular blintz.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the process with the remaining crepes and cheese filling.
Step 5: Cook the Filled Blintzes
1. **Heat butter in a pan:** Heat a tablespoon or two of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the butter is melted and evenly coats the bottom of the pan.
2. **Cook the blintzes:** Place the filled blintzes in the hot pan, seam-side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook the blintzes in batches if necessary.
3. **Serve immediately:** Serve the cooked blintzes immediately, topped with sour cream, fruit preserves or jam, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheese Blintzes
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your cheese blintzes turn out perfectly every time:
* **Rest the batter:** Don’t skip the step of resting the crepe batter. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes.
* **Use a hot pan:** Make sure the pan is hot before pouring in the batter. This will help the crepes cook quickly and evenly.
* **Thin batter is key:** The crepe batter should be thin enough to spread easily in the pan. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
* **Don’t overcook the crepes:** The crepes should be lightly golden brown, not dark or crispy.
* **Drain the ricotta cheese:** If using ricotta cheese, make sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the filling from being too watery.
* **Adjust the sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your liking, depending on how sweet you want the blintzes to be.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** When cooking the filled blintzes, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from browning properly.
* **Keep warm in the oven:** If you’re making a large batch of blintzes, you can keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
* **Get creative with fillings:** While the traditional cheese filling is delicious, you can experiment with other fillings, such as fruit preserves, chocolate, or even savory fillings.
* **Freeze for later:** Cooked blintzes can be frozen for later. To freeze, place the blintzes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, or pan-fry in butter until golden brown.
## Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking with these variations and substitutions:
* **Gluten-free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make gluten-free crepes.
* **Dairy-free:** Use non-dairy milk and sour cream substitutes to make dairy-free blintzes. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling.
* **Vegan:** In addition to using dairy-free substitutes, you’ll need to replace the eggs. You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for each egg in the crepe batter and the cheese filling. For the cheese filling, you can use a blend of silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to mimic the flavor and texture of farmer’s cheese.
* **Savory blintzes:** Omit the sugar from the crepe batter and the cheese filling. Add savory ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil.
* **Fruit-filled blintzes:** Add chopped fruit to the cheese filling, such as berries, apples, or peaches. You can also use fruit preserves as the filling.
* **Chocolate blintzes:** Add cocoa powder to the crepe batter and the cheese filling. You can also add chocolate chips to the filling. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
## Serving Suggestions
Cheese blintzes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Breakfast or brunch:** Serve blintzes as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread, alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit.
* **Dessert:** Serve blintzes as a dessert, topped with fruit preserves, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
* **Snack:** Blintzes also make a great snack. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of fruit salad.
* **Special occasions:** Blintzes are a perfect dish for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Cooked blintzes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F or pan-fry in butter until heated through.
* **Freeze:** Cooked blintzes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place the blintzes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, or pan-fry in butter until golden brown.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
* **Calories:** 250-350 per blintz
* **Protein:** 10-15 grams
* **Fat:** 15-20 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams
* **Fiber:** 1-2 grams
## Conclusion
Chef John’s cheese blintzes are a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With this detailed guide and Chef John’s simple approach, you can easily create these delicious treats in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the magic of homemade cheese blintzes! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with this culinary masterpiece. Bon appétit!