If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate, tender pancakes are incredibly versatile, easily shifting from savory to sweet, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. Stuffed with luscious fillings like creamy cottage cheese and smoked salmon or rich Nutella and fresh fruit, these blinis bring a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will instantly become a family favorite. The magic lies in their light, airy texture that’s just begging to be rolled or folded around your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly exceptional. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the blinis’ perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor, whether it’s the richness of the eggs, the gentle sweetness of sugar, or the subtle hint of yeast for extra fluff.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and tenderness to the blini.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the pancake perfectly seasoned.
- Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance savory fillings or complement sweet ones.
- Milk (preferably warm): Ensures a smooth, pourable batter and adds richness.
- Water: Keeps the batter light and helps with the perfect texture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- Melted butter: Adds moisture and a gentle buttery taste.
- Active dry yeast (optional): For those who want their blinis extra light and airy.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Helps achieve a golden, lightly crisp exterior.
- Cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese): The classic savory filling base that is creamy and mild.
- Smoked salmon (or ham), finely chopped: Adds a smoky, savory punch.
- Fresh dill (optional): A fragrant herb that brightens savory fillings wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning your fillings perfectly.
- Nutella or fruit jam (such as strawberry or raspberry): Sweet fillings that pair beautifully with the blinis’ gentle flavor.
- Fresh fruit (optional): Provides a fresh, juicy contrast to sweet blinis.
- Sour cream, jam, honey (optional toppings): Traditional toppings that add flair and extra flavor.
How to Make Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, salt, and sugar—in a large bowl. Separately, whisk together the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. If you’re using yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk first and wait until it gets frothy, which adds a lovely lift to your blinis. Then, gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry, whisking until you have a smooth batter. Let it rest for about 20 to 30 minutes; this little pause is key to a tender, airy final pancake.
Step 2: Cook the Blinis
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Pour just a few tablespoons of batter into the pan, swirling it around to form a thin, even circle. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear—a sure sign they’re perfectly cooked. Repeat until you’ve used up all your batter, stacking the blinis loosely to keep them soft and pliable.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
For the savory option, mix creamy cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, and season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill if you like a herby note. If you’re feeling sweet, simply spread Nutella or your favorite fruit jam over each pancake. Both options are bursting with flavor and so easy to prepare!
Step 4: Stuff and Fold
Place a generous spoonful of your filling in the center of each blin. Fold or roll them carefully, ensuring the filling is enclosed and ready for the first bite of warm deliciousness. The fun here is making each blin your own personal perfect package!
How to Serve Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
Garnishes
A spoonful of sour cream adds that authentic creamy tang to savory blinis, while a drizzle of honey or a dollop of fresh jam makes sweet blinis irresistible. Fresh fruit on the side or sprinkled herbs like dill take presentation and taste to the next level, making the dish feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve your blinis alongside crisp green salads, pickled vegetables, or freshly sliced cucumbers for a balanced meal. A bowl of borscht or a light soup can also complement the pancakes beautifully, offering a satisfying and authentically Russian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try rolling your blinis like little burritos for a neat presentation or stack them into a tower with layers of fillings and toppings in between. Even folding them into triangles and securing with a pretty toothpick can elevate your party spread or family meal into something memorable and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover blinis can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
Freezing
To enjoy blinis anytime, freeze cooked pancakes in a flat layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Reheat blinis gently in a warm skillet or microwave with a damp paper towel to restore softness without drying them out. Stuffed blinis reheat well too—just warm them until the filling is nicely heated through for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without yeast?
Absolutely! The yeast is optional and mostly adds extra fluffiness. If you skip it, your blinis will be slightly thinner but still delicious and tender.
What are the best fillings for Russian blini?
The possibilities are endless! Classic savory fillings include cottage cheese and smoked salmon, while sweet options like Nutella and fruit jams are equally popular. Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, eggs, or fresh berries!
How thin should the blini batter be spread?
Aim for a very thin layer in the pan, just enough to cover the surface. This helps the blinis cook quickly and develop the signature delicate texture.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
You can try using a gluten-free flour mix, but the texture might differ slightly because gluten contributes to the elasticity that makes blinis so tender. Adjust liquid quantities as needed for the best results.
What’s the best way to serve blinis to a crowd?
Prepare a variety of fillings and toppings, then let guests assemble their own stuffed blinis. This interactive approach is fun and allows everyone to enjoy their favorites.
Final Thoughts
Making the Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a little culinary comfort. Whether you choose savory, sweet, or a bit of both, these pancakes bring warmth, flavor, and tradition to your table. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and discover how wonderfully simple and satisfying this classic Russian dish truly is.
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Russian Blini (Stuffed Pancakes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Blini are delicate, thin pancakes typically served stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings. Made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, these blini are cooked on a skillet until golden and then filled with cottage cheese and smoked salmon for a classic savory option or Nutella and fruit jam for a delightful sweet version. Perfect as an appetizer or dessert, they are traditionally served warm with toppings like sour cream, jam, or honey.
Ingredients
For the Blini:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably warm)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional, for fluffier blini)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Savory Filling:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese)
- 1/4 cup smoked salmon (or ham), finely chopped
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella or fruit jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)
For the Topping (optional):
- Sour cream
- Jam
- Honey
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar thoroughly to form the dry base for the blini batter.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients and Yeast: In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. If using yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Combine and Rest Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Allow the batter to rest for 20-30 minutes to develop flavor and texture.
- Heat Skillet and Oil: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Cook the Blini: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the skillet and swirl gently to spread into a thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until the edges lift and the bottom is golden.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the blini carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat this process for all the batter.
- Prepare the Filling: For the savory filling, mix cottage cheese with finely chopped smoked salmon, season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill if using. For the sweet filling, prepare desired spread such as Nutella or fruit jam.
- Assemble Blini: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each cooked blini and fold sides over or roll it up to enclose the filling neatly.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed blini warm, with optional toppings like sour cream, additional jam, honey, or fresh fruit garnish for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- If using yeast, be sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Resting the batter is key to achieving tender blini with mild fluffiness, especially if yeast is used.
- You can substitute cottage cheese with farmer’s cheese or ricotta for a different texture.
- Adjust the fillings and toppings according to preference for customization of sweet or savory flavors.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan to avoid blini sticking and breaking.
- Blini can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; reheat gently on a skillet before serving.
