Crepes are thin, delicate pancakes that originated in France and have since captured hearts (and appetites) around the globe. Their versatility makes them perfect for any meal—sweet or savory. Whether filled with fresh fruits, rich chocolate, or savory ingredients like cheese and vegetables, crepes are a delightful addition to brunch, dessert, or dinner. This recipe provides a straightforward method for creating light and fluffy crepes that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
For the Crepes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweet crepes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweet crepes)
- Pinch of salt
For Sweet Fillings (optional):
- Fresh fruits (such as strawberries, bananas, or blueberries)
- Nutella or chocolate spread
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup or honey
For Savory Fillings (optional):
- Sautéed vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
- Cheese (such as ricotta, goat cheese, or shredded mozzarella)
- Cooked meats (like ham or chicken)
- Herbs (such as basil or parsley)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crepe Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and eggs until well combined.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the melted butter, sugar (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. The batter should be smooth and somewhat thin. If it appears too thick, add a little more milk.
- Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps to create tender crepes.
Step 2: Cook the Crepes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to coat the pan.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the center of the pan. Quickly swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly across the bottom.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip the crepe using a spatula and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side.
- Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Step 3: Fill and Serve
- Once the crepes are cooked, you can fill them with your choice of sweet or savory fillings.
- For sweet crepes, spread Nutella or place fresh fruits inside, fold or roll the crepe, and drizzle with syrup or whipped cream.
- For savory crepes, add your choice of sautéed vegetables, cheese, and meats, then fold and serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Enjoy your delicious crepes warm!