Homemade Cheese Blintzes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deliciousness

Cheese blintzes, those delicate, cheese-filled crepes, are a beloved comfort food enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Their creamy filling, slightly tangy flavor, and golden-brown exterior make them irresistible. While they might seem intimidating to make from scratch, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create perfect cheese blintzes every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic dish!

What are Cheese Blintzes?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what exactly a cheese blintz is. Essentially, it’s a thin crepe, similar to a pancake but much more delicate, that’s filled with a sweet and tangy cheese mixture. The filling typically consists of farmer cheese (or ricotta cheese as a substitute), cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. Once filled, the blintzes are folded and pan-fried in butter until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Why Make Blintzes From Scratch?

While store-bought frozen blintzes are readily available, making them from scratch offers several advantages:

* **Freshness:** Homemade blintzes taste significantly fresher and more flavorful than their frozen counterparts.
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the ingredients and can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and even add flavorings to the filling.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s a unique satisfaction in creating a dish from scratch, knowing you’ve put in the effort to make something truly delicious.
* **No Preservatives:** Homemade versions lack the preservatives often found in commercially produced blintzes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the crepes and the filling:

For the Crepes:

* **1 cup all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crepes.
* **1 ½ cups milk:** Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. Whole milk or 2% milk works best.
* **2 large eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the crepe’s texture.
* **2 tablespoons melted butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the crepes and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
* **1 tablespoon sugar:** Adds a touch of sweetness.
* **¼ teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors.
* **Butter, for cooking:** Used to grease the pan before cooking each crepe.

For the Cheese Filling:

* **1 pound farmer cheese (or ricotta cheese):** The base of the filling, providing a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. Farmer cheese has a drier texture than ricotta, so adjust accordingly.
* **4 ounces cream cheese, softened:** Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
* **½ cup granulated sugar:** Sweetens the filling. Adjust to your preference.
* **1 large egg:** Binds the filling together.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the filling.
* **Zest of ½ lemon (optional):** Adds a bright, citrusy note to the filling.
* **Pinch of salt:** Balances the sweetness.

Optional Toppings:

* **Sour cream:** A classic topping for blintzes, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
* **Fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry):** Adds a burst of fruity flavor.
* **Applesauce:** A simple and comforting topping.
* **Cinnamon sugar:** Adds warmth and spice.
* **Fresh berries:** Adds freshness and visual appeal.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing bowls:** For mixing the crepe batter and the cheese filling.
* **Whisk:** For smoothly combining the crepe batter ingredients.
* **Crepe pan or non-stick skillet:** A crepe pan is ideal, but a non-stick skillet with a shallow rim will also work.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Spatula:** For flipping the crepes.
* **Ladle:** For pouring the crepe batter into the pan.
* **Small bowl of melted butter:** For greasing the pan.
* **Pastry brush (optional):** For evenly distributing the melted butter in the pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the cheese blintzes!

Part 1: Making the Crepes

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

2. **Add wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the crepes tough. A few small lumps are okay.

3. **Let the batter rest:** Cover the batter with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes. You can also let it rest for up to 2 hours.

4. **Heat the pan:** Heat a crepe pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly brush the pan with melted butter. You only need a thin coating to prevent sticking. If the pan is too hot, the butter will burn.

5. **Pour the batter:** Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the center of the hot pan. Immediately swirl the pan around to evenly distribute the batter into a thin, circular shape. If the batter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.

6. **Cook the crepe:** Cook the crepe for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden brown. Use a thin spatula to carefully flip the crepe. Cook for another 30-60 seconds on the other side, until lightly golden brown.

7. **Stack the crepes:** Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate. Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes on top of each other. There is no need to grease the pan in between each crepe, unless they start to stick.

Part 2: Making the Cheese Filling

1. **Combine the cheeses:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the farmer cheese (or ricotta cheese) and softened cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer or by hand until smooth and creamy.

2. **Add the remaining ingredients:** Add the sugar, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.

3. **Adjust the sweetness:** Taste the filling and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.

Part 3: Assembling the Blintzes

1. **Lay out a crepe:** Place a crepe on a flat surface, with the lightly browned side facing down.

2. **Add the filling:** Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the center of the crepe.

3. **Fold the sides:** Fold the sides of the crepe over the filling, overlapping slightly.

4. **Fold the top and bottom:** Fold the top and bottom of the crepe over the filling to create a neat, rectangular package. The blintz should be securely sealed.

5. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining crepes and filling.

Part 4: Cooking the Blintzes

1. **Heat butter in a skillet:** Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. **Cook the blintzes:** Place the blintzes in the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; cook the blintzes in batches if necessary.

3. **Serve immediately:** Serve the cheese blintzes immediately, topped with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, fruit preserves, applesauce, or fresh berries.

Tips for Perfect Blintzes

* **Don’t overmix the crepe batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough crepes. Mix until just combined.
* **Let the batter rest:** Resting the batter allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes.
* **Use a hot pan:** A hot pan is essential for cooking the crepes quickly and evenly.
* **Don’t overfill the crepes:** Overfilling can make them difficult to fold and cook properly.
* **Cook the blintzes over medium heat:** Cooking them over high heat can cause them to burn on the outside before the filling is heated through.
* **Use a non-stick skillet:** A non-stick skillet will prevent the blintzes from sticking and make them easier to flip.
* **Keep the finished blintzes warm:** If you’re making a large batch, keep the finished blintzes warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.

Variations and Additions

* **Sweet Blintzes:** Add more sugar to the cheese filling for a sweeter treat.
* **Savory Blintzes:** Omit the sugar from the cheese filling and add herbs such as dill or chives.
* **Fruit Blintzes:** Add chopped fruit, such as apples, berries, or peaches, to the cheese filling.
* **Chocolate Blintzes:** Add cocoa powder to the crepe batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Liqueur Blintzes:** Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the cheese filling.
* **Vegan Blintzes:** Use plant-based milk, eggs, and cheese alternatives to make vegan blintzes.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese blintzes are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve them as a main course for a special breakfast or brunch.
* **Dessert:** Serve them as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a satisfying snack any time of day.
* **Party Appetizer:** Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them as a party appetizer.

Storage Instructions

* **Uncooked Blintzes:** Uncooked, assembled blintzes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
* **Cooked Blintzes:** Cooked blintzes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
* **Freezing Blintzes:** Blintzes can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Skillet:** Reheat the blintzes in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the blintzes in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. However, they may not be as crispy as when reheated in a skillet.
* **Oven:** Reheat the blintzes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Cheese Blintzes Recipe

Now, let’s put everything together with a concise recipe:

**Yields:** Approximately 8-10 blintzes
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Crepes:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ cups milk
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* Butter, for cooking

**Cheese Filling:**

* 1 pound farmer cheese (or ricotta cheese)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

**Crepes:**

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add to dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
3. Let batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a crepe pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with melted butter.
5. Pour ¼ cup batter onto the pan and swirl to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Stack crepes on a plate.

**Cheese Filling:**

1. Combine farmer cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sugar, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and salt. Mix until well combined.

**Assembly:**

1. Lay out a crepe and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the center.
2. Fold sides over the filling, then fold the top and bottom to create a rectangle.

**Cooking:**

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place blintzes in the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy Your Homemade Cheese Blintzes!

Making cheese blintzes from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a delicious and comforting dish. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with perfectly golden-brown blintzes filled with a creamy and tangy cheese mixture. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade cheese blintzes!