Gluten Free Cheese Blintz

Gluten-Free Cheese Blintz Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crepes:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (use one with xanthan gum or add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if needed)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil), plus more for cooking

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese or farmer’s cheese (you can also use cottage cheese, strained)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

Toppings (Optional):

• Fresh berries or fruit compote
• Sour cream
• Powdered sugar
• Honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Crepes

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, and salt.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and lump-free. If the batter seems too thick, add a bit more milk. The consistency should be thin like regular crepe batter.
2. Cook the Crepes:
   • Heat a small non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
   • Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread the batter evenly across the surface.
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side.
   • Transfer the cooked crepes to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes on top of each other.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta (or farmer’s cheese), cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Blintzes

1. Lay a crepe flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center.
2. Fold the sides of the crepe over the filling, then fold the bottom and top to create a neat little package.
3. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.

Step 4: Cook the Blintzes

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter.
2. Place the filled blintzes seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Remove from the skillet and keep warm while cooking the rest.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the cheese blintzes warm with your choice of toppings like fresh berries, sour cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of honey or syrup also makes a sweet finish.

Tips:

• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free milk and substitute the ricotta and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
• Freezing: You can freeze the blintzes before the final frying step. Thaw them in the fridge and fry when ready to eat.
• Texture of Cheese: If using cottage cheese, strain it first to remove excess liquid for a smoother filling.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: ~10g
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~24g
• Fiber: ~1g

These Gluten-Free Cheese Blintzes are light, cheesy, and so delicious! Whether enjoyed with fruit or a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal.