Alton Brown Makes Crepes 3 Ways

Alton Brown Makes Crepes 3 Ways is a easy French recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 5 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 1 hr 21 min

Cost: $3.11 total, $0.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.75 cup Milk (whole milk, room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Water (cold)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted; can brown for nutty flavor)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional, for savory version)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Herbs (chopped; any herb except rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for sweet version)
  • 2.5 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for sweet version)

Instructions

  1. Measure Ingredients

    Measure 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup water, 1 cup sifted all‑purpose flour, and 3 tbsp melted butter into a mixing bowl. If making savory crepes, add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs. If making sweet crepes, add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2½ tbsp sugar.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Blend Batter

    Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high for 7‑10 seconds, just until a smooth liquid forms. Do not over‑blend, or the water and flour will develop gluten and make the crepes tough.

    Time: PT10S

  3. Rest Batter

    Transfer the batter to a clean container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours). The rest allows the flour to fully hydrate and the batter to thicken slightly.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 4°C

  4. Preheat Pan

    Place the non‑stick skillet over medium heat and let it warm for about 2 minutes. The pan should be hot enough that a few drops of water sizzle briefly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Lightly Butter Pan

    Add a small amount of melted butter (about 1 tsp) to the pan, swirling to coat the entire surface. The butter should bubble but not brown.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Add Batter

    Using a 1/4‑cup measure, pour batter into the center of the pan. Quickly tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even circle (about 8‑10 inches).

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Cook First Side

    Let the batter cook for about 1 minute, gently moving the pan to keep the edges from sticking. The surface will set and the edges will lift slightly.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Flip Crepe

    Using a wooden spatula, lift one edge and flip the crepe. Cook the second side for another 30‑45 seconds until lightly golden.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Adjust Consistency (If Needed)

    If the batter has thickened after resting, stir in a tablespoon of water before the next crepe. Do this only when the pan is cooled slightly to avoid splatter.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Serve or Store

    Transfer cooked crepes to a plate, keep warm, and repeat with remaining batter. Serve sweet crepes with fruit or jam, and savory crepes with cheese or ham. Unused batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Butter, Wheat

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Alton Brown Makes Crepes 3 Ways

Recipe by Food Network

A versatile French crepe batter made in a blender that can be used for sweet dessert crepes or savory herb‑infused crepes. The batter rests for at least an hour for optimal texture and can be stored up to 24 hours. Cooked in a lightly buttered non‑stick pan, the crepes are thin, tender, and perfect for any filling.

EasyFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 8m
Prep
2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.11
Total cost
$0.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blend batter only 7‑10 seconds to avoid gluten formation
  • Rest batter for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator
  • Preheat pan to medium heat and coat with butter
  • Swirl batter quickly to achieve a thin, even layer
  • Flip crepe when edges lift and surface is set

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Melted butter can splatter; keep face away from the pan.
  • Blender blades are sharp—unplug before cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of French crepes in French cuisine?

A

Crepes have been a staple of French culinary tradition since the Middle Ages, originally a simple pancake made from buckwheat or wheat flour. They are celebrated during Candlemas (La Chandeleur) and are enjoyed year‑round with sweet or savory fillings, embodying the French love of simple, elegant dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of crepes in France?

A

In Brittany, buckwheat "galettes" are savory and often filled with ham, cheese, and egg. In the south, sweet crepes are commonly served with sugar, lemon, or Nutella. Each region adds its own local ingredients, but the basic batter technique remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is a classic French crepe traditionally served in France?

A

Savory galettes are typically served hot with a cracked egg and melted butter, while sweet crepes are rolled or folded and dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with melted butter, or filled with jam, chocolate, or fruit preserves.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature crepes in French culture?

A

Crepes are central to La Chandeleur (Candlemas) on February 2, where families make crepes together for good luck. They also appear at brunches, street fairs, and as a dessert after dinner.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with crepes?

A

Crepes pair nicely with a light mixed green salad, a glass of crisp Cider (Cidre), or a serving of ratatouille for a hearty meal. For sweet meals, serve them alongside a fruit compote or a dollop of crème fraîche.

cultural
Q

What makes French crepes special compared to other pancake‑style dishes?

A

French crepes are ultra‑thin due to a high liquid‑to‑flour ratio and a brief mixing time that prevents gluten development, resulting in a delicate, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that can hold both sweet and savory fillings.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crepes?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using too high heat, not buttering the pan evenly, and waiting too long before flipping, which can cause tearing or a rubbery texture.

technical
Q

Why does this crepe recipe use a short 7‑10 second blend instead of a traditional whisk?

A

A brief blend quickly incorporates the ingredients without giving the flour enough time to develop gluten, keeping the batter light. A whisk can over‑mix, especially if blended for too long, leading to tough crepes.

technical
Q

Can I make the crepe batter ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, refrigerate the blended batter for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Before cooking, give it a gentle stir and add a tablespoon of water if it has thickened.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary tips from professional chefs, covering everything from quick home meals to gourmet techniques.

channel

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