Classic French Crepes

French crepes are a versatile and elegant dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. This classic recipe ensures a perfect, thin, and delicate crepe every time. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, these crepes are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing

Directions

1. Make Crepe Batter

In a blender, combine the flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Puree until smooth, about 30 seconds. Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Stir for a few seconds before using.

2. Prep Pan and Add Batter

Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the skillet with butter. Quickly pour 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the skillet, tilting and swirling the pan until the batter evenly coats the bottom.

3. Cook Crepe and Flip

Cook the crepe until it is golden in places on the bottom and the edges begin to lift from the pan, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Use an offset spatula to lift one edge of the crepe, then gently use your fingers to flip the crepe.

4. Finish Cooking Crepe

Cook the crepe on the second side until just set and golden in places on the bottom, about 45 seconds. Slide the crepe onto a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Repeat Steps to Cook More Crepes

Repeat the process with the remaining batter, coating the pan with more butter as needed. Stack the crepes directly on top of one another. Let them cool to room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Servings: 4

Tips for Perfect Crepes

• Consistency of Batter: Ensure the batter is smooth and lump-free for the best results. A blender is highly effective in achieving this.
• Resting the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest helps to relax the gluten and results in tender crepes.
• Cooking Temperature: Medium heat is ideal. Too high, and the crepes will burn; too low, and they won’t cook properly.
• Pan Size: An 8-inch nonstick skillet is perfect for traditional crepes, but feel free to use a larger pan for bigger crepes.

Serving Suggestions

Crepes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sweet Crepes: Fill with Nutella, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Savory Crepes: Fill with ham and cheese, sautéed vegetables, or smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Conclusion

Classic French crepes are a delightful addition to any meal. With their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they are an easy yet impressive dish to master. Enjoy the process of making these delicate pancakes and experiment with various fillings to find your favorite combination. Bon appétit!