The first time I tasted these luscious Cheese Blintzes, I was captivated by the perfect harmony of creamy cottage cheese and rich vanilla snugly wrapped in golden, crispy crepes. Learning how to make Cheese Blintzes has truly transformed my brunch game, turning a simple gathering into a delicious celebration that everyone adores. Not only are they a delightful way to impress family and friends, but they’re also super quick to prepare and can easily be tailored to your taste, whether you opt for strawberries, blueberries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. So, are you ready to create a sweet memory that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the steps to make these enchanting little pockets of joy!

Why Make Cheese Blintzes at Home?

Deliciously Easy: Crafting these Cheese Blintzes is a breeze, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Irresistible Flavor: The creamy filling harmonizes brilliantly with the crispy crepes, creating a delightful treat that captivates taste buds at every bite.

Versatile Toppings: Top with your choice of strawberry sauce, fresh fruits, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a personal touch that suits any celebration.

Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering, these blintzes are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!

Make Ahead Magic: Prepare them in advance and freeze for a quick, decadent dish whenever you crave something sweet—perfect for busy days!

If you love cheesy delights, you might also enjoy our Savory Cheese Egg Toast for breakfast or a Milky Coconut Cheese Dessert for a sweet end to your meal!

How to Make Cheese Blintzes Ingredients

For the Cheese Filling
• Cottage Cheese – Provides creaminess and structure; substitute with cream cheese for a quicker option.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling; use less or a sugar substitute if desired.
• Egg – Acts as a binder for the cheese mixture; no substitute, but consider a flaxseed meal mix for a vegan option.
• Egg Yolk – Enriches the filling’s texture; omit in vegan recipes.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; swap with almond extract for a different twist.

For the Crepes
• Sifted All-Purpose Flour – The base for crepes, ensuring lightness; a gluten-free flour mix can be used.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; regular salt can be used as an alternative.
• Milk – Provides moisture for the batter; use any milk alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds flavor to the crepes; margarine or a dairy-free substitute can be used.

For the Strawberry Sauce
• Frozen Strawberries – Used to make a simple strawberry sauce; substitute with any frozen or fresh berry of choice.
• Water – Needed for the strawberry sauce to create the right consistency; adjust for desired thickness.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for How to Make Cheese Blintzes

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by draining the cottage cheese in a fine mesh sieve for at least 3 hours. Once drained, blend the cottage cheese with granulated sugar, one egg, an egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract in a food processor or blender until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This delightful cheese filling will become the heart of your Cheese Blintzes.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine frozen strawberries, a bit of sugar, and water to create the strawberry sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and the strawberries break down, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.

Step 3: Prepare the Crepe Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, a pinch of kosher salt, and a bit of granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, mix milk, the remaining egg, and melted unsalted butter. Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Let this crepe batter rest for about 15 minutes for a better texture.

Step 4: Cook the Crepes
Heat a non-stick crepe pan or skillet over medium heat, lightly greasing it with butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the pan, swirling it immediately to cover the surface thinly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom turns golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes on a plate.

Step 5: Assemble the Blintzes
Take one crepe and place approximately a scant tablespoon of the cheese filling along one edge. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the crepe tightly to encase the mixture. Repeat this process with all crepes, ensuring each is perfectly filled and wrapped, ready for frying.

Step 6: Fry the Blintzes
In a large skillet, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Place the assembled Cheese Blintzes seam-side down in the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy and beautifully golden. Serve the blintzes warm, drizzled with the luscious strawberry sauce.

Storage Tips for Cheese Blintzes

Fridge: Store leftover cheese blintzes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and ready for a quick meal.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled cheese blintzes without frying for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for easy access.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and fry on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and warmed through. Enjoy your delicious cheese blintzes just like fresh!

Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and crepes ahead of time, storing them separately. Assemble and fry just before serving for a delightful brunch treat!

Make Ahead Options

These Cheese Blintzes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance by blending cottage cheese, sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, then storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can make the crepe batter and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before cooking. If you prefer, assemble the filled blintzes and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time for crispy results. Enjoy delightful, homemade Cheese Blintzes with minimal effort on busy mornings!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheese Blintzes

Choose the Right Pan: Use a non-stick crepe pan to achieve thin, evenly cooked crepes. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful golden color.
Cool Crepes First: Allow crepes to cool before filling to prevent tearing. A warm crepe can become too pliable, making it difficult to handle.
Measure Filling Wisely: Use just a scant tablespoon of cheese filling per crepe. Overfilling makes them hard to fold and fry nicely.
Flash Freeze for Later: If you make too many blintzes, flash freeze the assembled blintzes on a baking sheet before frying. They can be stored for quick meals later!
Experiment with Sauces: Get creative with toppings like fresh berries or flavored syrups—explore different flavor profiles for your Cheese Blintzes!
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first few crepes aren’t perfect. With each attempt, you’ll improve and find your preferred thickness and cooking time. Learning how to make Cheese Blintzes is a delightful journey!

How to Make Cheese Blintzes Variations

Feel free to let your creativity flow and customize your Cheese Blintzes to match your taste and dietary needs!

Fruit-Filled: Add a burst of flavor by swapping the cheese filling with a fruit puree or a mix of fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries.
Mixing in seasonal fruit adds a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, elevating your blintz game!
Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free cream cheese instead of cottage cheese for a rich, creamy filling without the dairy.
It’s a fantastic way to cater to lactose-intolerant friends without sacrificing flavor.
Egg-Free Version: If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal and water mixture.
This simple bind ensures your filling stays intact while making the recipe suitable for plant-based diets.
Exotic Flavor Boost: For an adventurous twist, try adding a touch of lemon or orange zest to your cheese mixture.
This bright flavor will enhance the sweetness and create a delightful aroma as the blintzes cook.
Gluten-Free Crepes: Use a gluten-free flour mix to make crepes so everyone can enjoy this treat, no matter their dietary restrictions.
You won’t lose any taste or texture, and your friends will be none the wiser!
Creamy Contrast: Experiment with using a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese for an ultra-creamy and rich filling.
The texture becomes luscious and luxurious—perfect for special occasions!
Nutty Topping: Toast some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, and sprinkle them on top just before serving for added crunch and depth.
It’s a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling that adds a pleasing texture.
Savory Style: Swap the sweet toppings for savory options, like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
These savory blintzes make for a delicious brunch offering that surprises and delights!

If you’re feeling inspired, don’t miss our delightful Savory Vegetable Cheese Pancakes that will offer even more cheesy goodness!

What to Serve with Life-Changing Cheese Blintzes?

Creating the perfect meal around these delectable treats can make any gathering feel special and unforgettable.

Fresh Berry Salad: A refreshing blend of mixed berries adds brightness and balances the creamy richness of blintzes, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The savory goodness of crispy bacon or sausage contrasts beautifully with the sweet cheese filling, creating a delightful flavor explosion that will have guests clamoring for more.
Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt offers a luscious, tangy touch that complements the sweetness of the blintzes, elevating the brunch experience to new heights.
Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the finished blintzes enhances the overall sweetness and adds a touch of floral flavor, making for a gourmet touch at home.
Herbal Tea or Coffee: Serve with a warm cup of herbal tea or rich coffee to create a comforting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying with friends and family.
Pecan Pie Brownies: Indulge in a dessert pairing with these fudgy, nutty brownies for a delicious finish that echoes the indulgent flavors of your cheese blintzes, leaving every sweet tooth satisfied.
Fizzy Lemonade: Bright, bubbly lemonade offers a refreshing contrast to the rich blintzes, cleansing the palate and complementing this delightful brunch spread beautifully.

Cheese Blintzes Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best cottage cheese for my Cheese Blintzes?
Absolutely! Look for cottage cheese with a smooth texture and no dark spots or excessive liquid. A good brand should have a creamy consistency. For a twist, you can substitute with cream cheese to enhance the richness, but I highly recommend trying it with cottage cheese for that classic flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover Cheese Blintzes?
I often store my leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s a great way to have a quick breakfast option ready to go for busy mornings!

Can I freeze Cheese Blintzes, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze your Cheese Blintzes! Assemble them but don’t fry yet. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can enjoy them whenever you like! They’ll keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and fry as instructed—delicious!

What should I do if my crepes keep tearing?
Very! If your crepes are tearing, ensure they are cool before filling, as warm crepes are more pliable and fragile. Also, try adjusting the cooking time; they should be cooked until just golden. A non-stick pan is essential to prevent sticking and tearing. Practice makes perfect—don’t be discouraged!

Are Cheese Blintzes suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can make these delightful treats more inclusive. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour mix. Additionally, if you’re looking for a dairy-free variation, swap cottage cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives. And for vegans, a flaxseed meal mix works fabulously in place of eggs. Enjoy adapting this recipe for everyone!

How can I enhance the flavor of my Cheese Blintzes?
The more the merrier! You can experiment with flavors in the filling by adding cinnamon or lemon zest for a zesty kick. For toppings, try a variety of fresh fruits, flavored syrups, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to strike a balance between sweet and savory. Mix and match to find your perfect combination!