These Zucchini and Parmesan Crepes are a savory twist on a classic—thin, delicate pancakes with finely grated zucchini and nutty Parmesan folded right into the batter. They’re elegant yet simple, perfect for brunch, lunch, or as an appetizer. The zucchini adds subtle sweetness and moisture, while the Parmesan gives a satisfying umami kick.
Craving a delicious Zucchini and Parmesan Crepes? You've come to the right spot! From Savory Crepes favorites to amazing Chicken Breast Recipes recipes, there's something here for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini and Parmesan Crepes
- Incredibly versatile: Serve for breakfast, lunch, or as a dinner starter.
- Dreamy texture: Delicate crepe with soft zucchini and salty Parmesan bursts.
- Fancy yet simple: Impressive presentation with straightforward, pantry-staple steps.
- Great zucchini use: Makes the vegetable the star, perfect for garden bounty.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 medium zucchini (about 200 g), finely grated
- 125 g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 300 ml whole milk
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
Tools: A 9-inch non-stick skillet or crepe pan, a blender or large whisk, a box grater, and a thin spatula.
Notes: Grate Parmesan yourself from a block for best flavor and melt. Squeeze liquid from zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy crepes.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 185 kcal |
| Protein: | 9 g |
| Fat: | 8 g |
| Carbs: | 18 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
Serves: 4 (makes about 8 crepes) | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Don’t skip the zucchini squeeze. Zucchini is over 90% water. If you don’t wring it out thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel, you’ll add all that extra moisture to your batter, resulting in a steamed, gummy crepe instead of a light, lacy one.
- Let the batter rest. I know, it’s tempting to start cooking right away, but giving the batter a 15-30 minute rest allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax. This is the secret to a tender, not rubbery, crepe.
- Your pan is your best friend. A good non-stick skillet is crucial here. If your crepes are sticking, it’s a sign you might need a new pan or a little more butter. The first crepe is almost always a test run, so don’t be discouraged.
- Embrace the thinness. The batter should be the consistency of heavy cream—quite thin. If it’s too thick, the crepes will be stodgy and pancake-like. A quick addition of a tablespoon or two of milk can fix this easily.
How to Make Zucchini and Parmesan Crepes
Step 1: Start by preparing your zucchini. Grate it on the fine side of your box grater directly onto a clean kitchen towel. Gather the towel’s corners and twist it over the sink, squeezing with all your might until no more liquid drips out. You’ll be shocked at how much water comes out! This step is non-negotiable for perfect texture. Set the dry, grated zucchini aside.
Step 2: Now, make the batter. In a blender, combine the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Blitz for about 30 seconds until the batter is completely smooth and bubbly on top. If you’re whisking by hand, make a well in the flour, add the wet ingredients, and whisk vigorously from the center out to avoid lumps. The goal is a silky, thin batter.
Step 3: Pour the blended batter into a large bowl. Stir in the squeezed zucchini, grated Parmesan, and chopped chives until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll notice the batter thickens slightly and takes on a lovely speckled green and yellow hue. Now, cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This is a great time to clean up and get your pan ready.
Step 4: Heat your non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and dances on the surface. Using a pastry brush or a paper towel, lightly coat the pan with a tiny amount of butter. You don’t need a pool of it—just a light film.
Step 5: Lift the pan off the heat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan. Immediately, tilt and swirl the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter into a thin, even layer that covers the bottom. The key is to work quickly before the batter sets. You should still be able to see the pattern of the pan through the batter in some spots.
Step 6: Return the pan to the heat and cook for about 60-90 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges look dry and begin to curl away from the pan, and the top surface is set and appears matte, with a few little bubbles. The bottom should be a lovely golden brown with some darker, lacy spots.
Step 7: Slide your thin spatula under the crepe and confidently flip it. It’s more of a swift, decisive motion than a timid one. Cook for another 30-60 seconds on the second side until it’s lightly golden. The second side never gets quite as pretty as the first, and that’s perfectly normal.
Step 8: Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate. I like to stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between if I’m not serving immediately, but honestly, they are best eaten straight away. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, re-buttering the pan lightly every other crepe or so. You’ll find your rhythm by the third one, I promise.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Stack cooled crepes with parchment between, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Separate with parchment, seal in a freezer bag, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reviving: Reheat in a non-stick pan over medium-low for 20–30 seconds per side until warm and pliable.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette — The peppery arugula and sharp lemon cut through the richness of the crepes beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes with garlic and thyme — Their sweet, jammy intensity and burst of flavor make a fantastic side or even a filling, adding a lovely acidic contrast.
- Sautéed mushrooms with a splash of white wine — Earthy, savory mushrooms are a classic pairing, adding a meaty texture and deep umami flavor that complements the Parmesan wonderfully.
Drinks
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc — Its herbaceous and citrusy notes are a fantastic match for the zucchini and Parmesan, cleansing the palate between each delicious bite.
- A light, citrus-forward pale ale — The beer’s carbonation and bright hop character contrast the crepes’ richness without overwhelming their delicate flavor.
- Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime — Sometimes the simplest option is the best; the bubbles and acidity are incredibly refreshing and let the crepes truly shine.
Something Sweet
- Lemon sorbet with fresh mint — After a savory meal, this is the ultimate palate cleanser; it’s bright, zingy, and incredibly light, providing a perfect, refreshing finish.
- Dark chocolate-dipped strawberries — They feel indulgent but aren’t too heavy, offering a bittersweet contrast that feels just right after the savory crepes.
- Almond biscotti for dipping — A little crunch and a hint of sweetness with your coffee or tea is a lovely, traditional way to end the meal on a gentle note.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using a batter that’s too thick. This is the number one reason for doughy, undercooked crepes. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but be easily pourable. If it looks like pancake batter, thin it out with a splash more milk.
- Mistake: Flipping the crepe too early. If you try to flip before the top is fully set and the edges are dry, you’ll end up with a torn, messy crepe. Patience is key—wait for those visual cues.
- Mistake: Adding too much butter to the pan. You’re not frying here. Too much butter will make the crepes greasy and cause the batter to slide around instead of sticking to the pan to form a thin layer.
- Mistake: Overcrowding the filling. If you decide to add more fillings, remember that a little goes a long way. Overstuffing will make the crepes difficult to fold and can lead to a soggy, broken final product.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Make the batter ahead. You can actually prepare the batter (minus the zucchini and Parmesan) up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and stir in the zucchini and cheese just before cooking for the best texture.
- Tip: Keep cooked crepes warm. If serving a batch, place finished crepes on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them in a 95°C (200°F) oven. This keeps them warm and pliable without continuing to cook.
- Tip: Use the “first crepe” as a tester. The first one is almost never perfect. Use it to adjust your heat and the amount of batter you’re using. Consider it the chef’s treat—a little snack for all your hard work.
- Tip: Get creative with fillings. These crepes are a fantastic base. Try spreading them with a layer of herbed goat cheese, ricotta mixed with lemon zest, or even some thinly sliced prosciutto before rolling or folding them up.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum. The texture might be a tiny bit more delicate, so be extra gentle when flipping. I’ve had great success with buckwheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though it will change the color and taste profile slightly.
My batter is lumpy. What should I do?
Don’t panic! The easiest fix is to simply pour the batter through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing out any lumps with the back of a spoon or a spatula. This will give you that perfectly smooth, silky texture you’re after. For next time, using a blender from the start is a foolproof way to avoid lumps altogether.
Can I freeze these crepes?
You sure can, and they freeze beautifully! Let the cooked crepes cool completely to room temperature. Stack them with a small square of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking, then seal them tightly in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a pan or microwave.
Why did my first crepe turn out rubbery?
This usually happens for one of two reasons: the batter didn’t rest (so the gluten was too tight), or the pan was too hot, causing the crepe to cook too quickly and seize up. The first crepe often soaks up excess butter and helps calibrate the pan’s temperature, so don’t be discouraged—the next one will almost certainly be better!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The stovetop is your best bet for restoring that lovely texture. Simply warm a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and reheat the crepe for 20-30 seconds per side until pliable and warm. You can also use a microwave (10-15 seconds per crepe), but they can become a bit soft, so the pan is preferred.
Zucchini And Parmesan Crepes
Learn how to make perfect Zucchini and Parmesan Crepes with this easy recipe. A savory, elegant dish ideal for brunch or a light dinner. Get cooking now!
Ingredients
For the Crepes
-
1 medium zucchini (about 200 g, finely grated)
-
125 g all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
300 ml whole milk
-
50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted (plus more for cooking))
-
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
-
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-
1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
Instructions
-
Start by preparing your zucchini. Grate it on the fine side of your box grater directly onto a clean kitchen towel. Gather the towel's corners and twist it over the sink, squeezing with all your might until no more liquid drips out. You’ll be shocked at how much water comes out! This step is non-negotiable for perfect texture. Set the dry, grated zucchini aside.01
-
Now, make the batter. In a blender, combine the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Blitz for about 30 seconds until the batter is completely smooth and bubbly on top. If you’re whisking by hand, make a well in the flour, add the wet ingredients, and whisk vigorously from the center out to avoid lumps. The goal is a silky, thin batter.02
-
Pour the blended batter into a large bowl. Stir in the squeezed zucchini, grated Parmesan, and chopped chives until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll notice the batter thickens slightly and takes on a lovely speckled green and yellow hue. Now, cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This is a great time to clean up and get your pan ready.03
-
Heat your non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and dances on the surface. Using a pastry brush or a paper towel, lightly coat the pan with a tiny amount of butter. You don’t need a pool of it—just a light film.04
-
Lift the pan off the heat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan. Immediately, tilt and swirl the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter into a thin, even layer that covers the bottom. The key is to work quickly before the batter sets. You should still be able to see the pattern of the pan through the batter in some spots.05
-
Return the pan to the heat and cook for about 60-90 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges look dry and begin to curl away from the pan, and the top surface is set and appears matte, with a few little bubbles. The bottom should be a lovely golden brown with some darker, lacy spots.06
-
Slide your thin spatula under the crepe and confidently flip it. It’s more of a swift, decisive motion than a timid one. Cook for another 30-60 seconds on the second side until it’s lightly golden. The second side never gets quite as pretty as the first, and that’s perfectly normal.07
-
Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate. I like to stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between if I’m not serving immediately, but honestly, they are best eaten straight away. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, re-buttering the pan lightly every other crepe or so. You’ll find your rhythm by the third one, I promise.08
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