Patrick Oconnell
Cheese blintzes are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture, pan-fried, and topped with a berry sauce or other toppings. They are a traditional Jewish dish, commonly served during Shavuot, a Jewish holiday celebrated with delicious dairy dishes. While cheese is the most popular filling, blintzes can also be stuffed with cooked fruits like blueberries, cherries, and apples. In this article, we will explore the best places to find these mouth-watering treats, whether you're looking for a classic cheese blintz or a creative fruity twist. We'll take you on a journey to discover the ultimate cheese blintz destinations, so get ready to indulge your taste buds!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Cheese blintzes are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture and then pan-fried. |
| Fillings | Cheese is the most common filling, but blintzes can also be stuffed with cooked fruit, such as blueberries, cherries, or apples. Fillings can be made with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sugar, lemon, and even nonfat ricotta and Neufchatel cheese for those watching their fat intake. |
| Toppings | Blintzes are often topped with a berry sauce, such as raspberry or blueberry, and fresh berries. Other toppings include sweetened sour cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, bananas, or sauteed apples. |
| Calories | One blintz has approximately 457kcal. |
| Preparation | The pancake batter can be prepared in a blender by mixing flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter. The filling can be prepared by mixing cheese, sugar, lemon, and other desired ingredients. The pancakes are then filled and pan-fried until golden brown. |
| Storage | Blintzes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and then baked and finished in a pan of melted butter. |
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What You'll Learn
Best cheese blintzes in New York City
If you're looking for the best cheese blintzes in New York City, there are several places that might fit the bill. Here are some options:
B&H Dairy
Located in the East Village, B&H Dairy is a popular spot for cheese blintzes. With a history spanning over 45 years, this cosy diner serves up golden brown, thin dough, sweet cheese blintzes that have garnered a loyal following. They also offer a variety of other Eastern European Jewish dishes, such as pierogis and knishes. The space is tight, but it adds to the charm of this beloved New York institution.
Veselka
Veselka, also in the East Village, is another highly regarded destination for cheese blintzes. This diner-style restaurant reflects the neighbourhood's Ukrainian community with a menu that includes Eastern European classics like stuffed cabbage, goulash, borscht, and of course, their famous cheese blintzes. The crêpes are folded into quarters, dusted with confectioners' sugar, and served with a vibrant berry compote. Veselka is also known for its eclectic late-night crowd and excellent people-watching.
Blintz Box
For a more modern take on cheese blintzes, Blintz Box in the Turnstyle market at the Columbus Circle subway station offers a unique twist on this traditional dish. This relative newcomer to the fast-casual scene serves up a combination of Ukrainian and Jewish comfort food. While the spot is small and a bit pricey, it has received rave reviews for its delicious food and excellent service.
Barney Greengrass
If you're looking to enjoy your cheese blintzes at home, Barney Greengrass offers a package of eight fresh crepes wrapped around sweet farmer cheese. You can easily prepare them at home by browning them in a pan with butter for a delicious treat.
So, whether you're dining out or enjoying a cosy night in, these options will surely satisfy your cheese blintz cravings in New York City!
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Making cheese blintzes at home
Cheese blintzes are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture, pan-fried, and topped with a berry sauce. They are an Eastern European Jewish dish that is easy to make and delicious. Here is a step-by-step guide to making cheese blintzes at home:
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Ricotta Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Lemon
- Powdered Sugar
Making the Filling:
While the pancakes are cooking, prepare the filling. Mix together ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sugar, lemon, and a pinch of salt. You can also add vanilla or lemon zest to the filling for extra flavour. Place the filling in the freezer to chill while you cook the pancakes.
Making the Pancakes:
Add flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt to a blender and blend until smooth. Let the batter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and swirl to create a thin, circular pancake. Cook until lightly golden on both sides, then remove to a plate and keep warm.
Assembling the Blintzes:
Place a big spoonful of the filling onto each pancake, about 1 inch from the bottom. Fold the edge over the filling and flatten slightly, then fold in both sides and roll into a small rectangle. Chill the blintzes in the freezer for a few minutes until firm.
Pan-Frying the Blintzes:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the blintzes in the pan and cook until golden brown, turning gently, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a baking dish and bake in the oven for about 12 minutes to firm up the filling. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with your choice of toppings.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
Blintzes can be made a few hours ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply pan-fry them right before serving. The berry sauce can also be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Blintzes can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze them right after filling, before pan-frying. Allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
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Freezing and reheating cheese blintzes
To freeze cheese blintzes, first place the rolled and filled blintzes on a cookie sheet and "flash freeze" for one hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, place them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to thaw and then pan-fry them in a skillet with butter over medium heat until they are warmed through and have a slightly crispy crust. If you are reheating frozen blintzes, it is recommended to bake them first and then finish them in a pan of melted butter.
Some people also recommend freezing the blintzes in pairs and letting them gently defrost for an hour before finishing them in an air fryer.
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Best cheeses for blintzes
Blintzes are a traditionally Jewish cuisine that consists of a thin pancake, similar to crepes, that are usually filled with a creamy cheese mixture and pan-fried to give a crispy outside. The most common cheese used in blintzes is ricotta cheese, which can be mixed with other cheeses and ingredients to create a sweet and creamy filling. Here are some of the best cheeses for blintzes:
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a popular choice for blintzes due to its creamy texture and mild flavour. It can be mixed with other cheeses, such as cream cheese, to create a sweet and indulgent filling. Ricotta is also versatile and can be used in both savoury and sweet blintzes. For those watching their fat intake, non-fat ricotta is a healthier alternative that still provides a creamy texture.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is often paired with ricotta cheese to create a rich and indulgent filling. It adds a tanginess to the blintzes and helps to bind the filling together. Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury applications.
Farmer's Cheese
Farmer's cheese is a traditional cheese used in blintzes, but it can be difficult to find in regular grocery stores. It is a firmer and drier cheese than ricotta or cream cheese, giving blintzes a unique texture. Farmer's cheese is perfect for those who prefer a more savoury blintz, and it pairs well with toppings such as sour cream and sauteed apples.
Neufchatel Cheese
Neufchatel cheese is a good alternative to cream cheese, offering a similar tanginess and richness. It is a soft and creamy cheese that melts well, making it ideal for blintzes. Neufchatel has a slightly lower fat content than cream cheese, making it a lighter option.
In addition to these cheeses, some people also add shredded cheese to their blintzes, such as in potato blintzes. Blintzes are a versatile dish that can be customised with various cheeses and fillings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
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Best toppings for cheese blintzes
Cheese blintzes are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture and are usually pan-fried to give a crispy outside. They are a traditionally Jewish cuisine.
- Berry sauce: Blintzes are commonly topped with a simple berry sauce, often made with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of fresh berries. The sauce is typically made by cooking berries with lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan.
- Fruit toppings: In addition to berry sauce, blintzes can be served with fresh fruit. This could include berries, bananas, or sautéed apples.
- Cream-based toppings: Sour cream, whipped cream, and applesauce are all popular toppings for blintzes. A sweetened version of sour cream can also be used.
- Chocolate sauce: For a sweet and indulgent option, chocolate sauce can be drizzled over blintzes.
- Maple syrup: A simple topping of maple syrup can be drizzled over blintzes, similar to how it is used on pancakes.
- Cherry topping: A more labour-intensive but tasty option is a cherry topping.
The versatility of blintzes means that you can get creative and experiment with different toppings to suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it is a matter of personal preference. However, you can try making them at home with recipes from popular food blogs such as Dinner at the Zoo, King Arthur Baking, and Tori Avey's blog.
Cheese blintzes are often topped with a berry sauce, such as raspberry or blueberry. Other popular toppings include chocolate sauce, bananas, whipped cream, and sauteed apples.
The most common cheeses used in blintzes are ricotta, cream cheese, and farmer's cheese. However, you can also use cottage cheese, Neufchatel cheese, or a blend of multiple cheeses.
Yes, cheese blintzes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is recommended to prepare the blintzes up to the pan-frying stage and then chill or freeze them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
