These luxurious, savory crepes are an impressive, yet deceptively easy, brunch entree. For an organized morning, prepare the batter the night before, then dazzle family and friends with a quick swirl of the pan, a few minutes of cooking time, and a tasty, savory filling.
Crepe Ingredients:3 eggs1-1/2 cups whole milk1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt4 tablespoons butter, melted 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients:8 ounces Gruyère cheese, finely shredded12 slices thinly sliced ham or prosciutto4 ounces arugulaDijon mustardchives, minced for garnish
Directions:
- Prep the crepe batter. In a food processor, blender, or using a bowl and whisk, mix the eggs, milk, and salt together, blending thoroughly. Slowly add the melted butter and blend again. Add the flour to the mixture, and mix until just combined; do not over mix. Let the batter rest covered in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to two days to allow the gluten in the flour to relax. This resting step will help deliver smoother, paper-thin crepes!
- Prepare the filling. Finely shred the Gruyère cheese. Mince the chives. Wash the arugula, and have ready the thinly sliced ham. When it’s time to make the crepes, the final assembly will happen quickly.
- Make the crepes! When ready to make the crepes, heat a crepe pan, or nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Swipe the cooking surface with an oil-soaked paper towel. Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the heated skillet and immediately swirl the batter to coat the bottom surface. (Use more or less batter depending on the pan and size of crepes being made). The batter will quickly set, and the top will become dry-looking. Loosen the edges of the crepe and check the bottom for light golden brown marks — about 1-2 minutes. Flip the crepe and cook the other side for about 30 seconds. Remove the finished crepe from the pan and place on a waiting dinner plate. Crepes may be stacked as they are removed from the hot pan.
- Assemble the crepes. Place a cooked crepe back in the warm pan and sprinkle with cheese and let the cheese melt. Layer a piece of ham, swipe on a thin layer of Dijon mustard, and remove from the heat. Add a light layer of arugula, fold in half, then in half again. Garnish with chives, and enjoy immediately!