Cheese Blintz Recipe: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
Blintzes, those delicate crepe-like pancakes filled with sweet or savory goodness, are a culinary delight. And when filled with creamy, tangy cheese? Pure perfection! This recipe will guide you through making irresistible cheese blintzes, perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is broken down into two main sections: the blintz batter and the cheese filling.
For the Blintz Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (for slightly sweeter blintzes)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 (16 ounce) package farmer's cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions: Making the Magic Happen
Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfectly golden, delectable cheese blintzes.
Step 1: Preparing the Blintz Batter
- Whisk it up: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: Gradually add the eggs, milk, and melted butter, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms. Avoid over-mixing. Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender blintzes.
Step 2: Creating the Cheese Filling
- Combine ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the farmer's cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Cooking the Blintzes
- Heat the pan: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour the batter: Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each blintz. Tilt the pan to spread the batter evenly into a thin, 6-inch circle.
- Cook until golden: Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from the griddle and set aside. Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 4: Assembling the Cheese Blintzes
- Spoon the filling: Place a spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the cheese filling in the center of each blintz.
- Fold and seal: Fold the blintz in half, then fold the sides in to create a triangle or roll it up tightly.
- Optional: Pan-fry or bake: You can either pan-fry the assembled blintzes in butter until lightly browned or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly golden.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious cheese blintzes warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of your favorite fruit sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For thinner blintzes: Add a little more milk to the batter.
- Add some zest: A little lemon or orange zest to the cheese filling adds a refreshing touch.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the batter and filling ahead of time and cook the blintzes just before serving.
- Freeze for later: Cooked blintzes can be frozen for future enjoyment. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy your homemade cheese blintzes! They're sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don't hesitate to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique variations. Happy cooking!
