Ham and cheese crepes are delicious for lunch. Add a bit of jam to make a Monte Cristo sandwich style with a bit of sweetness wrapped with melted cheese and meat.
This easy crepe recipe with cheese and leftover ham are delicious! You can use lunchmeat too if you’d rather with cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack. Use our homemade crepe recipe or store bought to make these for breakfast, lunch or dinner. (affiliate links present)
Chicken Crepes
You could use turkey or fill with diced up or shredded rotisserie chicken if you’d rather too. It is super versatile depending on what you have to use up. I make these when I don’t want to throw away leftovers. I will make either a egg white tortilla or this batter to make a light and slightly sweet or savory wrap to hold all the goodies in.
Yes of course you could make air fryer tortillas instead to make more of a quesadilla with the same fillings but this is way better. A thin pancake of sorts that can have vanilla added for dessert ingredients or sprinkle in some salt and pepper for this one.
How to Make Homemade Crepes
Now you could use very thin slices of Halloumi Cheese if you like, Swiss is great, pepper jack adds a bit of heat, or cheddar is always a win. Like I said, what you add to the middle really depends on what you have in your fridge at the time. Get creative y’all!
Now we are making this batter homemade, but we have made this as one of our easy Bisquick recipes as well, will go over that later with a link to that method.
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- Milk and eggs
- 1 2/3 c all purpose flour
- 1/3 tsp salt
- for sweet crepe flavor you can add a tad of vanilla extract
Now you can use any sort of non stick skillet however this crepe pan is made just for making these. Super flat so it is easier to flip over, it has a thick coating of Teflon so nothing will stay on this thing. I still recommend a spray of Pam or something just in case but if you make these a lot it is handy to have.
You will want a whisk to make sure that your crepe batter gets real smooth and pours out smooth. Use a spatula that doesn’t have any cuts in it so it snags on the edges and rips it, that is a no go.
Monte Cristo Crepes
Now you can follow the from scratch way down below or this is how to Make Crepes with Pancake Mix too. Both are pretty close to the same really.
Put the butter and milk into a microwave safe bowl or cup and heat in the microwave until the butter has melted. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and set them aside. Sift the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl and once mixed together, make a well in the center.
Savory Crepe Recipe
- Next you will pour about 2/3 of the milk and butter mixture into the well and whisk to combine.
- The batter will be thick and lumpy but that’s ok.
- Now you will mix in the eggs and then pour in the remaining butter and milk mixture, whisking until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps.
- Let the batter rest in the fridge covered for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once the batter has rested, heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat. Once hot add non stick spray or a bit of melted butter so it doesn’t stick.
- Using a ladle, scoop batter into the pan – 1/4 cup batter or about a ladles worth is about right.
- Tilt the pan around in a circle to spread the batter into a thin layer.
- Cook crepes for a couple of minutes until the edges start to crisp and lift up.
You can cool 1 more minute until middle is no longer wet, or carefully use a spatula to flip to other side for 1 minute if you want golden brown on both sides. Remove and continue on with remaining batter.
Cheese Crepes
These are delectable dishes that you can add other items to. The combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors that can be further enhanced with a variety of complementary ingredients. Here are some ideas on what to add to cheese crepes with ham or without to create a delightful and satisfying dish:
- I usually use leftover meat after the holidays or cook up Ham Steak in Oven real quick.
- Adding fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, basil, or dill to your cheese crepes can bring a burst of flavor and a touch of freshness. The herbs not only add an aromatic element but also provide a visual contrast against the pale crepe.
- Incorporate sautéed or roasted vegetables for an added layer of flavor and texture. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and caramelized onions work particularly well with cheese crepes.
- Consider adding crumbled bacon. The savory, salty flavors of the meat complement the creamy cheese filling.
- Sun-dried tomatoes offer a sweet-tart note that pairs beautifully with cheese. Chop them into small pieces and mix them into the cheese filling before filling the crepes.
- For a luxurious touch, use smoked salmon as a filling. Its smoky richness pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of pesto on the inside of the crepe before adding the cheese filling. The herbal, garlicky notes of pesto add depth to the overall flavor profile.
- To balance the savory elements, you can incorporate a spoonful of fruit preserves like fig, apricot, or berry. The sweetness of the preserves creates an interesting contrast.
- Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the cheese-filled crepes before serving. The tangy sweetness of the reduction can add a complex flavor dimension.
- If you’re looking for a breakfast-inspired option, consider adding scrambled or poached eggs to your cheese crepes. The combination creates a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Caramelized onions bring a rich and slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy cheese filling wonderfully.
- Add diced roasted red peppers to your cheese crepes for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- A drizzle of truffle oil can add an earthy and luxurious essence to your cheese crepes, elevating the overall experience.
Remember that the possibilities are endless when it comes to filling cheese crepes. Feel free to combine multiple ingredients from the list above to create a customized filling that suits your taste preferences. Whether you opt for a savory, sweet, or a combination of both, cheese crepes offer a canvas for culinary creativity that will surely delight your palate.
Ham and Cheese Crepes
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter, unsalted
- 2 c milk, whole
- 3 eggs
- 1 2/3 c all purpose flour
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 12 slices ham, lunchmeat or leftovers sliced thin
- 1 c cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Put the butter and milk into a microwave safe bowl or cup and heat in the microwave until the butter has melted. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and set them aside. Sift the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl and once mixed together, make a well in the center.
- Next you will pour about ⅔ of the milk and butter mixture into the well and whisk to combine. The batter will be thick and lumpy but that’s ok. Now you will mix in the eggs and then pour in the remaining butter and milk mixture, whisking until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps.
- Let the batter rest in the fridge covered for about an hour. Once the batter has rested, heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Once hot add non stick spray or a bit of melted butter so it doesn't stick.
- Using a ladle, scoop up about half a ladles worth of batter and pour into pan, and tilt the pan around in a circle to spread the batter into a thin layer. Cook for a couple of minutes until the edges start to crisp and lift up.
- You can cool 1 more minute until middle is no longer wet, or carefully use a spatula to flip to other side for 1 minute if you want golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and continue on with remaining batter.
- Lay down 1 crepe and spread a spoonful of mascarpone cheese over the crepe (if making monte cristo version, cream cheese works for regular ham and cheese). Then sprinkle on some cheddar cheese.
- Next lay down 2 or 3 slices of ham. Top with some cooked scrambled eggs if you like. Fold one half of the crepe onto itself so the edge is touching the middle and then pull the other side over and wrap it around.
- If desired, place the crepe into a medium heat skillet and grill to melt the cheeses. Place the crepe on your plate and spoon some jam over the top (for monte cristo on top and dust with powdered sugar).
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.