5 Best Crepe Recipes You Have to Try

If you've been scrolling through your social media feeds and drooling over photos of French crepes, then you’re in the right place. Crepes are not just a delicious meal; they're an experience. Whether you enjoy them with sweet fillings or savory ingredients, here are the 5 Best Crepe Recipes you absolutely must try at home to satiate your cravings for something soft, thin, and scrumptious.

Classic French Crepes

Let’s start with the basic and iconic French Crepe. These can be either sweet or savory, making them incredibly versatile for any time of the day.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Steps:
1. Whisk together flour and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add in milk and water, stirring to combine.
3. Add salt and melted butter; beat until smooth.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¹⁄₄ cup for each crepe.
6. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so the batter coats the surface evenly.
7. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes until the bottom is light brown.
8. Loosen with a spatula, flip over, and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.

🍽 Note: These crepes can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings. For a classic treat, try them with lemon juice and sugar, or go savory with ham and cheese.

Gluten-Free Buckwheat Crepes

Looking for a gluten-free option? Buckwheat crepes, also known as galettes, are a traditional Brittany specialty.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups buckwheat flour
• 1 large egg
• 500 ml water
• A pinch of salt
• Steps:
1. Mix the flour, egg, and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water while whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
4. Heat a non-stick pan, lightly greased, over medium heat.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan, then quickly spread it by tilting the pan in all directions.
6. Cook until the edges lift from the pan and the surface looks dry, then flip and cook for another minute.

🍀 Note: Buckwheat crepes have a distinctive, slightly nutty flavor, making them a delightful alternative to regular crepes.

Vegan Banana Crepes

For the vegan crowd, banana crepes are a delightful treat, rich in flavor and texture.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (mixed with 3 tablespoons water for “flax egg”)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• Steps:
1. Prepare the flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal with water and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
3. Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes to thicken.
4. On medium heat, grease a non-stick pan.
5. Pour some batter into the pan, ensuring it spreads evenly.
6. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until small bubbles appear on top, then flip and cook for another minute.

🌱 Note: These crepes can be sweetened with extra maple syrup or topped with fresh fruits for a delightful vegan dessert or breakfast.

Chocolate Hazelnut Crepes

Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts? Indulge in this luxurious dessert or breakfast option.

• Ingredients:
• Basic Crepe Recipe from above
• ¹⁄₂ cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
• ¹⁄₄ cup crushed hazelnuts
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Steps:
1. Prepare the crepes as per the classic recipe.
2. Once the crepe is cooked, spread a generous layer of Nutella on one side.
3. Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts.
4. Fold the crepe into quarters or roll it up.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

🥜 Note: This recipe can also be adapted to use different types of chocolate spreads or even homemade versions for a unique twist.

Savory Spinach and Feta Crepes

Crepes aren’t just for sweet treats; they’re also fantastic when filled with savory ingredients.

• Ingredients:
• Basic Crepe Recipe from above
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
1. In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add the spinach, cook until wilted, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the crepes according to the basic recipe.
4. Spoon the spinach mixture and feta cheese onto one side of the crepe.
5. Fold or roll up the crepe and serve warm.

🧀 Note: This savory option is perfect for brunch or a light dinner, offering a Mediterranean flair to your crepe experience.

In summary, crepes are an incredibly versatile dish that can cater to various dietary preferences and culinary desires. From the traditional French crepe to vegan banana crepes, gluten-free options, and indulgent sweet or savory fillings, there’s a crepe for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes provide a range of flavors and techniques to explore. Enjoy the delicate art of crepe-making and fill your days with the joy of good food.

Can I make crepes ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare crepes in advance. Cook the crepes and stack them with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan or microwave.

What’s the best pan for cooking crepes?

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A non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking crepes as it helps in flipping them without breaking. A crepe pan, with its low sides, can also be used for ease of spreading the batter.

How do I prevent my crepes from tearing?

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Make sure your pan is hot enough before you start cooking. If the pan isn’t hot, the crepe won’t set quickly and could tear. Also, use a thin layer of batter, and don’t overcook; crepes should be very lightly browned.