Blini {Russian Crepes} Recipe (2024)

Blini (Russian crepes) are thin, delicate pancakes that can be enjoyed both savory or sweet. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch, served with an assortment of toppings.

Hosting a brunch with tons of finger food is always so much fun. One of my favorite things to do, though, is have a Blini breakfast bar with several toppings to choose from. Sort of like a taco bar, but even better!

What is Blini?

Blini are large, thin, delicate pancakes (like the French crepe) with Russian and Ukrainian origin. They are among one of the most poplar foods in Russia and even have an entire week dedicated to them called Maslenitsa (“Butter Week”), which is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent.

What is the difference between Blini and Crepes?

There isn’t a lot of difference between blini and crepes. They are both thin pancakes that can be served sweet or savory, on their own or filled, enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Some might argue that traditional blini are made with buckwheat flour and kefir, but even my friend Elena, who is 100% Russian, doesn’t make them that way (although I’m sure those ingredients are also delicious!.)

Blini, Blinis, Blin, or Blinchiki?

Oh my gosh, what do we call these? Basically, they’re all correct, but it depends. In Russian, Blini is plural, while Blin is one singular crepe. Blinchiki is another term used, depending on the region, but also usually refers to when the blini are filled. In English, they’ve been labeled Blinis.

Ingredients you need for Blini

Most recipes for Blini are pretty standard using flour, milk, eggs, and oil. I omit the oil and also add a tiny amount of sugar for some sweetness. A lot of recipes also call for a pinch of baking soda, which creates a lovely lacy texture.

The batter should be quite loose so it pours easily and quickly spreads to the edges of the pan to form thin crepes.

Ideas for Blini Toppings

The possibilities for Blini toppings are practically endless, but they are often served with sweet pairings like jam, honey, smetana (sour cream), and caviar. Or savory options can include sautéed mushrooms, chicken, liver pate, hard boiled eggs, or smoked salmon (my fav!)

Here are some other ideas!

• Homemade whipped creamand fresh berries
• Top with a dollop of homemaderaspberry jamorlemon curd
• Spread with a littlecinnamon honey butter
• Serve withpan fried honey bananas
• Filled with homemadeRicotta cheeseand honey
• Or fill them with the absolutebest scrambled eggs!

Recipe Tips for the best Russian Crepes

• The batter should be completely lump-free. Combine your ingredients in a blender, with a handheld mixer, or by hand in a bowl, but make sure the batter is smooth and very loose. It should have the consistency of heavy cream.
• Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes before cooking. Just like when you let bread rise, this helps gluten develop, which results in more tender crepes.
• Use a 10-inch non-stick panto ensure the correct size, even heating, and no sticking.
• Cook over medium heat. If the heat is too low, the crepes will take too long to cook. If the heat is too high, they could burn.
• Use butter for the paninstead of nonstick spray or oil. Butter adds richness to the crepes and gives them the best flavor.
• Use a 1/4 cup measuring cupso each crepe is the same size and thickness, and they cook at the same rate.
• Tilt and swirl. Unlike pancake batter that gets ladled into the pan and you wait for bubbles to form, crepes require you to immediately start swirling the batter, making sure they’re thin and cook evenly, not just in the center. Don’t let this part intimidate you! Watch the video for help.

How to Store Blini

If you want to make the crepes ahead of time and store them for later, wait for them to cool, stack (with pieces of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking), and place in a resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When defrosting them, thaw on a rack before gently peeling apart. To reheat, microwave each crepe for about 10-15 seconds each.

Watch the video for Blini

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!