Ina Garten’s Blini is a delicate and versatile appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. These small, pillowy pancakes are traditionally served with crème fraîche and caviar but can also be paired with other toppings like smoked salmon or cheese spreads. Whether for a fancy gathering or a casual celebration, blinis bring elegance to the table.

What is Ina Garten Blini?

Blini are small Russian-style pancakes made with a light batter of flour, eggs, and milk. They are typically served as bite-sized appetizers and topped with savory ingredients like caviar, smoked salmon, or crème fraîche. Ina Garten’s version is simple, foolproof, and perfect for entertaining.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Blini

Elegant appetizer: Perfect for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
Versatile toppings: Can be paired with a wide variety of sweet or savory toppings.
Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and steps make it beginner-friendly.
Light and fluffy: The texture is perfectly soft and pillowy.
Make ahead: Prepare blinis in advance and serve with toppings when ready.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Blini

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for cooking
Crème fraîche (for topping)
Caviar or smoked salmon (optional toppings)

Optional Toppings:

Chives (finely chopped)
Red onion (finely diced)
Dill sprigs

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Blini

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, and melted butter until well combined.
Combine the ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and lump-free. Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Blinis

Preheat the skillet: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
Cook the blinis: Drop small spoonfuls of batter (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden.
Transfer and repeat: Remove the cooked blinis to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Add toppings: Spread a dollop of crème fraîche on each blini and top with caviar, smoked salmon, or your choice of toppings.
Serve: Arrange the blinis on a platter and garnish with chives or dill if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Blini

Serve with champagne: A glass of bubbly complements the luxurious flavors of blinis and caviar.
Pair with smoked salmon: Add a touch of lemon juice and dill for a classic combination.
Include a cheese spread: Serve with herbed cream cheese or goat cheese for variety.
Top with sweet options: For a twist, try blinis with fruit preserves or honey for a dessert-style treat.
Add pickled accompaniments: Serve alongside pickled onions or capers for extra tanginess.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Blini

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even cooking.
Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes helps it thicken and improves texture.
Cook over medium heat: Avoid high heat, as it can burn the blinis before they cook through.
Make them uniform: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure evenly sized blinis.
Keep warm: Place cooked blinis on a plate covered with a clean towel to keep them warm while cooking the rest.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Blini

Whole wheat blinis: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Sweet blinis: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon to the batter, then top with fruit or whipped cream.
Herb-infused batter: Stir chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the batter for added flavor.
Mini pancakes: Make slightly larger blinis and serve them as mini pancakes with maple syrup.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Blini

Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooked blinis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently: Warm blinis in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Freeze for later: Freeze blinis in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make blinis ahead of time?

Yes, blinis can be made ahead of time. Cook them, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.

What is the best topping for blinis?

Classic toppings include crème fraîche and caviar, but smoked salmon, cream cheese, or fresh herbs like dill are also popular options. For a sweet variation, try fruit preserves or honey.

Can I freeze blinis for later use?

Blinis can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. Thaw and reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.

What type of flour can I use for gluten-free blinis?

To make gluten-free blinis, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best results.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Blini is an elegant and versatile appetizer that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.

Try this recipe for your next gathering and enjoy a sophisticated yet effortless dish!

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