If you're looking for a quick and tasty appetizer, we've got the perfect recipe for you—easy blinis! These bite-sized pancakes are versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve them to.

Whether you enjoy them with smoked salmon and crème fraîche or keep them simple, blinis are a great choice for any occasion. We've been making them for years, and they're always a hit with our family and friends.

Gathering the Ingredients

Making blinis is as simple as gathering a few ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. These dry ingredients form the foundation of the batter. You'll also need ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. The combination of milk and egg helps create the smooth texture of the batter, while the butter adds flavor and richness.

Making the Blini Batter

To make the batter, we start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking powder—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and melted butter. Once the wet mixture is well combined, pour it into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Cooking the Blinis

Next, it's time to cook the blinis. We heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter is melted and hot, we drop the batter onto the skillet in tablespoon-sized portions. Cook the blinis for 1 ½ to 2 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look dry. Once this happens, it's time to flip them over and cook for another minute, until they are golden brown on both sides.

After cooking, we place the blinis on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter. This step ensures that the blinis stay light and not too greasy.

Serving and Enjoying Blinis

Now that the blinis are cooked, we can serve them in a variety of ways. Traditionally, we love to top them with smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. The combination of the rich, creamy crème fraîche and the smoky salmon perfectly complements the light, fluffy blinis. If you want to go even further, caviar can be added for a touch of elegance.

If you prefer a simpler version, blinis are just as delicious served plain. In fact, our children love them on their own without any toppings. They make a fantastic snack or light meal at any time of the day!

Tips for Perfect Blinis

For an even more traditional flavor, we recommend replacing 1/3 of the all-purpose flour with buckwheat flour. This small change adds an extra layer of flavor and gives the blinis an authentic taste that's perfect for any special occasion.

Conclusion

These easy blinis are incredibly simple to make and offer endless possibilities for toppings. Whether you go for the classic smoked salmon and crème fraîche or keep things plain, these little pancakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We love how versatile and quick they are to make—perfect for busy mornings, casual gatherings, or even as an appetizer at a dinner party. Try this recipe today, and we promise these blinis will become a favorite in your kitchen too!