Name: Naleśniki: Polish Crepes with Cheese Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: For the Crepes:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; Pinch of salt; 1 cup milk; ¾ cup sparkling water; 2 large eggs; 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (+ 1 teaspoon optional for frying first crepe); For the Cheese Filling:; 1 pound full-fat farmer’s cheese (twaróg); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar

Naleśniki are Poland’s answer to French crepes – delicate, thin pancakes filled with a lightly sweetened farmer’s cheese mixture. This traditional Polish dish makes for a delightful breakfast, dessert, or light meal that combines simple ingredients into something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Polish crepes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, while the sparkling water creates an exceptionally light texture. The cheese filling offers a creamy, not-too-sweet contrast that makes these crepes appropriate for any time of day. Whether you’re exploring Polish cuisine or simply looking for a versatile pancake recipe, these naleśniki deliver authentic flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the foundation of these delicate crepes, providing structure without heaviness. For a more rustic variation, you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour.
Granulated sugar adds just enough sweetness to the crepe batter without overwhelming the filling. The amount is intentionally minimal as the filling and toppings provide additional sweetness.
Salt enhances all the flavors in the batter and creates balance with the sweet elements. Don’t skip this small but crucial ingredient.
Milk contributes richness and creates a smooth, pourable batter. While whole milk produces the best flavor, any milk you have on hand will work.
Sparkling water is the secret to exceptionally light, tender crepes. The carbonation creates tiny bubbles in the batter that result in a more delicate texture than using regular water or all milk.
Eggs provide structure and richness to the crepes, helping them hold together during cooking and flipping.
Vegetable oil prevents sticking and adds tenderness to the crepes. You can substitute melted butter for a richer flavor if preferred.
Farmer’s cheese (twaróg) is the star of the traditional Polish filling. This fresh, mild cheese has a slightly tangy flavor and crumbly texture that becomes smooth when mixed. If unavailable, you can substitute ricotta cheese mixed with a small amount of cottage cheese.
Powdered sugar sweetens the cheese filling while dissolving completely for a smooth texture.
Vanilla sugar adds aromatic sweetness to the filling. If unavailable, substitute regular sugar plus a half teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk and sparkling water until smooth. Mix in eggs until well combined. Let batter rest 15 minutes. Just before cooking, stir in the oil or melted butter.
Heat a non-stick crepe pan or skillet over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup batter into pan, tilting to coat evenly. Cook until bottom is light brown, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.
In a bowl, mash farmer’s cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth.
Spread each crepe with cheese filling. Fold into triangles or roll up. Optionally, reheat filled crepes briefly in the pan to warm filling.
Serve dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup. Accompany with seasonal fruits and sweetened whipped cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 crepes and serves 3-4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with 30 minutes of cooking time, bringing the total time to 45 minutes. Each crepe contains approximately 280 calories, making this a relatively light option for a satisfying meal.

Variations

Fruit Filling: Mix fresh berries, diced apples, or pears into the cheese filling for added flavor and texture.
Savory Naleśniki: Skip the sugar in the batter and fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a savory meal.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add a layer of Nutella or chocolate spread before the cheese filling for an indulgent dessert.
Jam Filled: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam on the crepe before adding the cheese filling.
Citrus Infused: Add lemon or orange zest to both the batter and the cheese filling for a bright, aromatic variation.

Storage/Reheating

Unfilled Crepes: Store cooled, unfilled crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place pieces of parchment paper between each crepe to prevent sticking.
Filled Crepes: Assembled naleśniki can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store in a covered container.
Freezing: Both filled and unfilled crepes freeze well for up to 2 months. Layer unfilled crepes with parchment paper, or individually wrap filled crepes before placing in a freezer bag.
Reheating: For refrigerated crepes, warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through, about 2 minutes per side. For frozen crepes, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or heat from frozen in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Why is my crepe batter lumpy?

Lumps form when flour isn’t properly incorporated. Whisk the dry ingredients first, then gradually add wet ingredients while whisking constantly. For stubborn lumps, strain the batter through a fine-mesh sieve or blend briefly.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The resting period actually improves the texture. Stir well before using as the ingredients may separate.

Why are my crepes tearing when I flip them?

This usually happens when the crepes are too thin or not cooked enough on the first side. Make sure the bottom is light golden before attempting to flip, and use a thin spatula to gently loosen the edges first.

What can I substitute for farmer’s cheese?

If you can’t find twaróg, use a mixture of 2 parts ricotta cheese to 1 part cottage cheese (drained and mashed), or cream cheese softened with a splash of milk for a richer alternative.

Is sparkling water necessary?

While regular water will work, sparkling water creates lighter, more tender crepes. The carbonation introduces tiny air bubbles that improve the texture.

My first crepe always turns out badly. Why?

The first crepe is often sacrificial! Your pan may not be the right temperature yet, or the batter needs to settle. Consider the first one a “test crepe” and adjust heat or batter consistency as needed.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk for regular milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative mixed with a little silken tofu for the filling.

How do I prevent crepes from sticking to the pan?

Use a well-seasoned or quality non-stick pan, ensure it’s properly preheated, and add a light coating of oil or butter before pouring each crepe.

Can I use a blender to mix the batter?

Absolutely! A blender creates an exceptionally smooth batter. Pulse all ingredients except oil until combined, then stir in the oil just before cooking.

Why should I let the batter rest?

Resting allows the flour to fully hydrate and gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes that are less likely to tear during cooking.

Conclusion

Naleśniki represents Polish comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. These delicate crepes filled with lightly sweetened farmer’s cheese offer a versatile canvas that works equally well for breakfast, dessert, or a light dinner. The addition of sparkling water to the batter creates an exceptionally light texture that sets these apart from standard crepes. Whether you’re exploring your Polish heritage or simply expanding your culinary repertoire, this authentic recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The balance of textures and flavors – tender crepes, creamy filling, and optional sweet toppings – makes this a dish worth mastering and sharing.