Rolled crepes with melted cheese and herbs are a savory dish that combines the delicate texture of crepes with the rich, melty goodness of cheese and the fragrant, fresh taste of herbs. The crepes are typically made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter, cooked into thin, soft pancakes.
Once cooked, they are filled with cheese (like mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese) and often seasoned with herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil. The filled crepes are then rolled up and sometimes baked until the cheese melts, creating a warm, flavorful dish.
These crepes can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish and are often enjoyed with a dipping sauce or a salad on the side. They’re a comforting, savory treat that combines the simplicity of crepes with the richness of cheese and herbs.
To make rolled crepes with melted cheese and herbs, the process typically begins by preparing the crepe batter. Here's a basic breakdown of the steps:
1. Prepare the crepes
- Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth batter. Some people also add a bit of melted butter or oil for extra richness.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, swirling it to cover the surface evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside. Repeat the process until all the batter is used.
2. Prepare the filling
- For the cheese filling, choose a variety of cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese. You can also mix in a bit of ricotta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
- Chop fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, or chives and stir them into the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You could also add garlic or onion powder if you want more flavor.
3. Assemble the crepes
- Lay a cooked crepe flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous amount of the cheese and herb mixture down the center of the crepe.
- Roll the crepe tightly, folding in the edges to keep the filling secure.
4. Cook the filled crepes
- Place the rolled crepes in a baking dish or on a skillet. If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the crepes are golden and crispy on the outside.
- If cooking in a skillet, you can heat them over medium-low heat for a few minutes until the cheese inside is melted and the outside of the crepe gets slightly crispy.
5. Serve
- Once cooked, serve the rolled crepes with a garnish of additional herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top. You can also serve them with a side of dipping sauce, such as a tangy tomato sauce or a creamy ranch.
These rolled crepes can be enjoyed hot or warm and are perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a snack. You can also customize the filling by adding ingredients like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even ham to enhance the flavor profile. They offer a delicious balance of textures, with the soft, delicate crepes complemented by the melty cheese and the freshness of herbs.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making **Rolled Crepes with Melted Cheese and Herbs**:
Ingredients:
For the Crepes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese that melts well)
- 1/2 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, thyme, or chives), finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or onion powder (optional)
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crepes
1. Make the batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt. The batter should be smooth and thin, like a pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the right consistency.
2. Heat the pan
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or oil.
3. Cook the crepes
- Pour a small amount of the batter into the center of the pan, swirling the pan to spread it into a thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip it and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat until all the batter is used, stacking the cooked crepes on a plate.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Herb Filling
1. Mix the filling
- In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta or cream cheese (if using), and chopped herbs. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional garlic or onion powder. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Crepes
1. Fill the crepes
- Place one cooked crepe flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and herb mixture down the center of the crepe.
2. Roll the crepes
- Carefully fold in the sides of the crepe and roll it up tightly, enclosing the cheese filling inside.
Step 4: Heat the Filled Crepes
1. Cook in a skillet (optional)
- You can heat the filled crepes in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the outside is lightly golden and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can bake the rolled crepes. Place them in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
1. Garnish
Serve the crepes warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional grated cheese on top. You can also serve them with a side of dipping sauce, such as marinara or a creamy ranch.
Enjoy your Rolled Crepes with Melted Cheese and Herbs!
EmoticonEmoticon