Crepes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, crepes are surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicate, thin pancake that’s perfect for filling with your favorite toppings. Here’s a simple guide on how to make crepes from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sweet crepes)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweet crepes)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thin and pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency. For best results, let the batter rest for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the flour absorb the liquid and results in a smoother texture.
2. Heat the Pan Place a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little melted butter or cooking spray. It’s important to use a non-stick pan so the crepes don’t stick while cooking.
3. Cook the Crepes Once the pan is heated, pour a small amount of batter (about 1/4 cup) into the center of the pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly across the bottom, forming a thin layer.
Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges begin to lift and the underside is golden brown. Flip the crepe carefully using a spatula or by gently lifting the edges with your fingers. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side. The crepe should be soft and lightly browned but not crispy.
4. Stack and Fill Once the crepes are cooked, transfer them to a plate and keep them warm by covering them with a clean towel. Continue cooking the remaining crepes, greasing the pan with butter as needed.
Crepes can be served immediately or stored in a warm oven until ready to enjoy. The great thing about crepes is that they can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings.
Sweet Crepe Fillings:
- Nutella and bananas
- Fresh berries with whipped cream
- Lemon juice and powdered sugar
- Chocolate sauce and strawberries
- Cinnamon sugar
Savory Crepe Fillings:
- Ham, cheese, and eggs
- Spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Chicken, spinach, and béchamel sauce
Tips:
- For ultra-smooth batter, you can use a blender to combine the ingredients, making sure the batter is lump-free.
- Resting the batter is key to getting tender crepes with a perfect texture.
- If you want to make mini crepes, use less batter per pan, and cook them for a shorter amount of time.
- To make crepes ahead of time, you can stack them with parchment paper in between and refrigerate them for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Crepes are a delicious, customizable dish that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether you prefer them with a sweet fruit filling or a savory combination of cheeses and meats, you can make your perfect crepe in no time. Enjoy!
