Crepes are versatile, delicious, and easy to make. They can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients and make a wonderful breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Here’s a simple recipe to make classic French crepes!
Crepes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweet crepes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweet crepes)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar (if using), salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth, with no lumps. The batter should be thin, similar to heavy cream consistency. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps to relax the gluten and ensures the crepes will be tender.
2. Heat the Pan:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a little butter or oil, using a paper towel to wipe away any excess.
3. Cook the Crepes:
- Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the center of the hot pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly across the bottom in a thin, circular layer.
- Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Use a spatula to gently flip the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side.
- Remove the crepe from the pan and place it on a plate. Cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly with butter between each crepe.
4. Serve:
- Serve the crepes warm with your favorite fillings and toppings! Some ideas include:
- Sweet: Nutella, strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or lemon juice with sugar.
- Savory: Ham, cheese, mushrooms, spinach, or smoked salmon.
Tips for Success:
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest helps create tender crepes and ensures the flour fully hydrates.
- Non-stick Pan: A non-stick skillet or crepe pan is ideal for easy flipping and preventing sticking.
- Thin Batter: The key to delicate crepes is a thin batter. If your batter is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to carefully lift and flip the crepes. You can also use your fingers or toss the crepes in the air, but it takes practice!
Enjoy!
Crepes are a delightful dish that can be customized with a variety of fillings, making them suitable for any meal of the day. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, this crepes recipe is sure to impress!