Savory Spinach, Ricotta and Bacon Crepes

By Marge Perry & David Bonom

A pinch of cayenne in the crêpe batter adds just a hint of heat to these savory, satisfying crêpes. Serve them for brunch, lunch or a light supper. The filling may be made be made hours ahead, and the crêpes up to one week ahead (or longer, and frozen).

  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Course: Lunch
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INGREDIENTS

Crêpes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups milk, at room temperature

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted


Filling:

6 slices bacon

1 Vidalia or other sweet onion, quartered and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped

6 cups baby spinach

1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. For the crêpes: combine the flour, salt and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Combine the eggs, milk and butter in a separate bowl. Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture until smooth. Let the batter stand at least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight. 


2. Heat a 9 1/2-inch Anolon® Advanced Umber nonstick crêpe pan over medium. Whisk the batter and pour 1/4 cup into the crêpe pan, tilting in all directions to evenly cover the bottom. Cook until the crêpe is set and very lightly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn the crêpe over and cook 20 seconds longer. Transfer the crêpe to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter. 


3. For the filling:  heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, 7-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and drain. Crumble the bacon when it cools. 


4. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat and return the skillet to the heat. Add the onion, garlic and oregano; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6-7 minutes. Stir in the sundried tomatoes and cook 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook, turning with tongs, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and warm, about 2 minutes. Off the heat stir in the bacon, salt and pepper. 


5. To assemble: place a crêpe on a work surface and spoon 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture across the lower third. Roll the crêpe up jellyroll style and repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.