How to Make Perfect Crepes Every Time

Crepes seem complicated until you prepare them and realize how simple they truly are—and then you'll want to make them over and again. These paper-thin, versatile pancakes originated in France and serve as the foundations for sweet and savory dishes alike. This is also the time to break out your nonstick pan—the coated surface is essential for successfully flipping the crepe without it sticking or tearing along the way. Follow our guide to making crepes and try some of our favorite crepe recipes.

What Are Crepes?

A crepe is a classic French dish made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk. Crepes are thin and delicate and can be served by themselves, or used as wafer-thin wrappings for a variety of foods. They are served for lunch or dinner, as an appetizer or the main course—and for dessert.

How They Are Different From Pancakes

The main difference between crepes and pancakes is that pancake batter has a leavener, such as baking powder or baking soda, while crepe batter does not. This means that pancakes are thicker and fluffy, while crepes are thinner, flatter, and more pliable.

Ingredients

There are just six ingredients in our go-to crepe recipe, Simple Crepes—and they are ones you likely already have on hand.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Whole milk
• Large eggs
• Unsalted butter

Tools

Making crepes requires a few kitchen tools:

• Blender
• 8-inch nonstick skillet (measure the size across the bottom of the pan)
• Rubber spatula

Tips for Making Perfect Crepes

Use a blender: Puréeing the batter is key to getting a super smooth consistency that will cook evenly.

Let the batter rest: Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes and up to one day. This allows the flour to absorb the other ingredients, which produces the most tender crepes.

Always use a nonstick skillet: Most of the time, you'll find us saying, "get out your cast-iron skillet," but with crepes, it's different. They are delicate and can tear, so even if your cast-iron skillet is well seasoned, we recommend you use a nonstick skillet for crepes.

Brush the skillet with butter: Even though you are using a nonstick skillet, lightly brush the skillet with melted butter before adding the batter.

Pay attention: Crepes are thin and tender and cook quickly; don't leave the stove while you are making them. It takes between one and two minutes for the first side to cook. And once you flip them, about 45 seconds for the second side.

Stack the cooked crepes to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out: When cooked, slide each crepe onto a paper towel-lined plate, stacking the finished crepes directly on top of one another—this allows them to steam and stay soft and pliable.

How to Store Crepes

If you have leftover crepes, wrap them tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze for up to one month.

Creative Crepe Recipe Ideas You'll Want to Try

When you're ready to use your crepes, you can turn them into appetizers, entrées, dessert, or even a celebratory cake.