11 Absolute Best Cheeses for Crepes

When it comes to making delectable crepes, choosing the right cheese can take your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. The right cheese brings flavor, texture, and creaminess to your crepes, creating a perfect balance with other ingredients.

But where to start? What are the best cheeses for savory crepes? It ultimately comes down to personal preference. You can try simple options like feta, cheddar, Gruyere, and Emmental. However, for those more experimental, try more unique options like blue cheese, Camembert, or goat’s cheese.

Today, we will explore the 11 absolute best cheeses for crepes, each with its own unique qualities that make them shine in this classic French dish.

What Are Crepes? And Can They Be Savory?

Crepes are a delightful culinary creation that hails from France but has gained popularity worldwide. These thin, delicate pancakes have a unique texture and offer a versatile canvas for many different kinds of fillings.

Historically, crepes have been a beloved staple in French cuisine, with origins tracing back to the 12th century. They were traditionally made by pouring a thin batter of flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of salt onto a hot griddle.

The word “crepe” itself is derived from the Latin word “crispus,” meaning “curled.” This is a fitting name, as crepes often have beautifully lacy and slightly curled edges.

While crepes are famous for their sweet variations, such as Nutella and fruit-filled delights, they can also be transformed into a savory feast. Yes, you read that right! Crepes aren’t limited to sweet toppings.

Savory crepes offer a delightful contrast to the traditional sweet versions. The same thin, delicate pancake acts as a vessel for a range of mouthwatering fillings, making them perfect for a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.

When it comes to savory crepes, the possibilities are endless. You can indulge in a classic ham and cheese crepe, where slices of savory ham and melted cheese are folded into the warm crepe.

The combination of the tender pancake, salty ham, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.

For those seeking a vegetarian option, spinach and feta crepes are a popular choice. Sautéed spinach, combined with creamy feta cheese and a hint of garlic, brings a burst of flavor to each bite.

The earthy notes of the spinach meld perfectly with the tanginess of the feta, creating a delightful savory crepe experience.

As you may have guessed or seen by now, cheese is a common savory staple for these treats. So choosing the right option is crucial.

How to Choose the Best Cheese for Savory Crepes?

When it comes to creating savory crepes, choosing the right cheese can make all the difference in flavor and texture. The perfect cheese selection can elevate your savory crepes to new heights, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best cheese for your savory crepes.

Flavor Profile

The first step in selecting the ideal cheese for your savory crepes is to consider the flavor profile you desire.

Do you prefer mild and creamy cheese or something with a bolder, more assertive taste?

Think about how the cheese will complement the other ingredients in your crepe filling.

For example, tangy goat cheese can pair well with roasted vegetables, while a smoky Gouda can add depth to a savory ham and cheese crepe.

Melting Properties

Another important factor to consider is how well the cheese melts. Since crepes are thin and delicate, you want a cheese that will melt smoothly and evenly, creating a luscious filling.

Cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, and Cheddar are known for their excellent melting properties, making them ideal choices for savory crepes.

Texture

The texture of the cheese can also play a role in the overall experience of your savory crepes. 

Some cheeses, like mozzarella, become stringy and gooey when melted, adding a delightful stringy texture to the crepe. Other cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, have a crumbly texture that can provide a pleasant contrast to the soft crepe.

Complementary Flavors

Consider how the flavors of the cheese will interact with the other ingredients in your savory crepes.

For example, a creamy Brie can complement the earthiness of mushrooms, while a sharp blue cheese can balance the richness of roasted meats. Experiment with different cheese options to find the perfect pairing that creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, choosing the best cheese for your savory crepes is a matter of personal preference.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to find what works best for you. Trust your taste buds and go with cheeses that you enjoy and that enhance the overall flavor profile of your savory crepes.

11 Absolute Best Cheeses for Crepes

Let’s dive right into it! The best cheese options for savory crepes! But remember, experiment with your favorite options to create the ultimate flavor profile for your preferences!

1. Gruyere

With its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that adds a delightful depth to savory crepes. And, today it’s quite easy to find and relatively affordable too.

Its smooth and creamy texture melts beautifully, creating a velvety filling that binds together all of the other elements.

Gruyere pairs exquisitely with ingredients like ham, mushrooms, or spinach, enhancing their flavors and offering a rich and indulgent experience.

2. Emmental

Also hailing from Switzerland, Emmental is known for its distinctive large holes and mild, nutty taste. Its subtle flavors complement the ingredients without overpowering them, resulting in a harmonious combination.

Its semi-firm texture gives a delightful chewiness to crepes. Emmental melts smoothly, providing a creamy backdrop to fillings like smoked salmon, roasted vegetables, or chicken.

3. Goat Cheese

For those seeking a tangy and slightly acidic twist, goat cheese is a fantastic choice for savory crepes.

With its creamy and crumbly texture, goat cheese softens when heated, imparting a delightful creaminess to the filling.

Pair it with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs for a burst of vibrant flavors that perfectly balance the tanginess of the cheese.

4. Brie

Known for its soft and creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor, Brie is a cheese that exudes elegance.

It melts beautifully, creating a luscious filling that adds a touch of luxury to your crepes.

Try pairing Brie with ingredients like prosciutto, arugula, or sautéed mushrooms. The creamy and delicate flavors of Brie enhance the savory elements of the filling, resulting in a delightful and sophisticated culinary experience.

5. Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic cheese that brings a rich, sharp flavor to your crepes. It has a firm and crumbly texture and melts beautifully, providing a satisfying gooeyness to your crepe fillings.

Cheddar works well with ingredients like bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables, adding a bold and robust taste.

6. Feta

Feta cheese is a Greek treasure with a distinct briny and tangy taste.

While there are a few options out there, traditionally it’s crumbly. This texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft crepe.

Feta pairs exceptionally well with Mediterranean-inspired fillings such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs. Its unique flavor cuts through richer ingredients, providing a refreshing and savory element to the crepes.

7. Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild and creamy cheese with a stretchy and stringy texture. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey and cheesy filling in your crepes.

Mozzarella works well with a variety of savory fillings, including tomato sauce, basil, or Italian cured meats, adding a touch of indulgence to your crepe creations. Its delicate flavor allows the other ingredients to shine, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

8. Camembert

Camembert cheese, with its creamy and earthy flavor, is a luxurious addition to savory crepes. Its soft and gooey texture melts beautifully, enveloping the filling in a velvety embrace.

Pair Camembert with ingredients like mushrooms, thyme, or caramelized apples for a delightful combination of sweet and savory. The rich and indulgent nature of Camembert elevates the crepes to a gourmet level.

9. Blue Cheese

With its bold and distinctive flavor, blue cheese brings a tangy and savory element to crepes. Its crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast, making every bite a flavorful experience.

Blue cheese pairs wonderfully with ingredients like caramelized onions, walnuts, or pears, creating a balance between the cheese’s sharpness and the sweetness of other components.

The cheese’s ability to melt beautifully adds a creamy and luxurious element to the filling, making it an excellent choice for flavor enthusiasts.

10. Parmesan

Known for its rich and nutty flavor, Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick to crepes.

Its hard and granular texture allows for easy grating, making it a convenient option for sprinkling on top of filled crepes or incorporating into the batter.

Parmesan pairs well with various fillings, including spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables, enhancing the savory notes of the dish.

As Parmesan melts, it forms a crisp and golden crust, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft crepe.

11. Fontina

Fontina cheese boasts a creamy and slightly nutty taste, making it a versatile option for savory crepes.

Its semi-soft texture allows for smooth melting, creating a luscious and gooey filling.

Fontina pairs exceptionally well with ingredients such as ham, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs, infusing the crepes with a delightful combination of flavors.

The cheese’s ability to melt evenly ensures a consistent distribution of flavor throughout the crepe, enhancing the overall experience.