Crepes are one of the most delicious and versatile foods around. They can be served any time of the day and work well with savory or sweet ingredients. Crepes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert.
But if you’re wondering what to serve with crepes or are tired of the same old fillings, then keep reading because I’ve rounded up some amazing side dishes that will make your crepes even more amazing.
From savory crepe accompaniments to sweet ones, you’re sure to find a dish you’ll love. Or you can experiment with different flavors and toppings to create a dish that suits your taste.
What are crepes? What does crepes taste like?
Crepes are thin pancakes that are popular in many cultures. They are usually made with wheat flour, eggs, milk and butter, but other ingredients can also be added, such as sugar, spices and fruits.
They have a delicate taste that is slightly sweet, with a touch of nuttiness from the wheat flour.
The texture is light and airy yet still holds together when rolled or folded.
Crepes can be either savory or sweet depending on what kind of filling is used; savory crepes typically contain cheese, vegetables, meat or fish, while sweet crepes are filled with jam, cream cheese or other sweet ingredients like Nutella or honey.
Crepes are typically served hot off the pan for breakfast or brunch but can also make great snacks and desserts.
15 Best Sides to serve with crepes
1. Ham and Cheese Crepe Roll-ups
Ham and Cheese Crepe Roll-ups are classic crepe filling that is always a hit.
Roll up thin slices of ham and your favorite cheese inside a heated crepe and serve hot.
2. Spinach and Feta Crepe Bake
Spinach and Feta savory crepe bake are sure to impress your family and friends.
It’s easy to make and loaded with healthy spinach and tangy feta cheese.
3. Mushroom and Spinach Crepes
Sauté mushrooms and spinach with garlic, onion, and herbs and fill them inside a crepe.
It’s a great vegetarian option, and the flavors and textures are fantastic.
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4. Ratatouille Crepes
If you’re looking for a vegetable-forward dish, try Ratatouille crepes.
Ratatouille Crepes is a classic French dish that is loaded with veggies like eggplant, zucchini, onions, and peppers. (Recipe)
5. Nutella, Banana, and Strawberry Crepes
These sweet crepes are perfect for any time of the day. Fill them with Nutella, fresh banana slices, and strawberries, and you’ve got a perfect dessert.
6. Lemon and Sugar Crepes
Lemon and Sugar Crepes are a classic French crepe combination that needs no introduction.
Simply sprinkle some sugar and a squeeze of lemon onto the crepe, and you have an easy and delicious sweet option.
7. Crepes with Caramelized Apples
Crepes with Caramelized Apples are a perfect accompaniment for fall. Simply sauté some apples with cinnamon, butter, and sugar and fill them inside a heated crepe.
8. Crepe Cake
Impress your family and friends by making a crepe cake. Stack thin layers of crepes with whipped cream and fruit filling in between each layer, cut it like a cake, and watch it disappear within minutes. (Recipe)
9. Crepes with Fresh Berries and Cream
For a refreshing dessert option, try filling your crepes with fresh berries. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish.
10. Crepes with Chicken and Broccoli in a Creamy Sauce
Crepes with Chicken and Broccoli in a Creamy Sauce is a savory crepe filling that is perfect for dinner.
Simply fill your crepe with cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a creamy sauce.
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11. Fresh Fruits
Crepes are a French dish that originated in Brittany and is traditionally served with a variety of fresh fruits.
Try topping your crepes with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or bananas for a flavorful and healthy option.
12. Whipped cream
For a decadent and indulgent treat, serve your crepes with a dollop of whipped cream. You can add some vanilla extract or sugar to the cream to give it a sweet and fragrant flavor.
13. Fried Eggs
If you want to turn your crepes into a savory dish, try serving them with fried eggs.
The combination of the soft and delicate crepes and the runny yolk of the egg make for a delicious and filling meal.
14. Salad
Crepes can be a light and refreshing meal when paired with a fresh salad.
Try making a simple salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette to complement the delicate flavors of the crepes.
15. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is a luxurious ingredient that adds a rich and smoky flavor to your crepes.
Serve your crepes with a side of smoked salmon and some cream cheese for a delicious and elegant brunch option.
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What are the best flavors to go with crepes?
When it comes to crepes, the possibilities are endless! There are a variety of flavors that work wonderfully with crepes, both sweet and savory.
For a classic French twist, fill crepes with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries and top with powdered sugar.
You can even include a dollop of cream or mascarpone cheese.
For an irresistible dessert option, try filling your crepes with melted dark chocolate or Nutella and adding some crushed nuts for crunch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing two complementary flavors peanut butter and banana or Nutella and raspberry jam.
For something savory, consider filling your crepes with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and artichoke hearts.
Or whip up a creamy tuna or salmon filling flavored with herbs for a delicious lunchtime treat.
You can also go for a classic Italian taste and fill your crepes with mozzarella cheese and pesto sauce.
Notwithstanding what flavor you choose for your crepes, they’ll be sure to satisfy any palate!
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How do you jazz up crepes?
To jazz up crepes, you can try adding a variety of sweet and savory fillings!
Some tasty options include Nutella, almond butter, mashed banana with honey or agave syrup, cooked mushrooms and onions with grated cheese, roasted eggplant and bell peppers with feta cheese, and apples sautéed in brown sugar or cinnamon-raisin cream cheese.
You can also incorporate a sprinkle of spices like nutmeg or cardamom for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy your creations!
How do you display crepes on a platter?
Crepes can be displayed on a platter in a number of attractive and creative ways.
To start, the crepes should be arranged so that they are evenly spaced out on the platter.
For a more pleasing effect, overlapping slices of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or kiwi, can be placed between each crepe to brighten up the presentation.
A light dusting of powdered sugar can also be added for an extra bit of sweetness.
Finally, the platter should be garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves for an added touch of color and flavor.
What are the differences between a dessert crêpe and a main dish crepe?
The main differences between a dessert crêpe and a main dish crepe lie in the ingredients used to fill and top them, as well as the flavor profiles.
Dessert crêpes often consist of sweet ingredients such as Nutella, berries, or cinnamon sugar.
While savory fillings are more common in main dish crepes such as ham and cheese, spinach and feta, mushrooms, or egg.
Main dish crêpes also tend to have more complex flavor profiles than their dessert counterparts, with herbs and spices included in the recipes.
Dessert crêpes are usually served with a dusting of powdered sugar or mizzled with chocolate sauce or honey, whereas main dish crêpes are typically served with a side of dipping sauces such as tomato, garlic-herb, or béchamel.
Wrap Up on what to serve with crepes
Crepes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. With these quick and amazing dishes to serve alongside your crepes, you will have the perfect meal for any occasion.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory dishes, there is a side dish on this list that will complement your crepes perfectly.
So why not try something new and experiment with these delicious and easy-to-make dishes the next time you make crepes?
FAQs
How many crepes per person?
When it comes to crepes, the amount that should be served per person really depends on the type of crepe being served.
If they are savory crepes, then a single large crepe could easily serve two people.
On the other hand, if they are dessert crepes such as Nutella and banana or strawberry with whipped cream, then it may be better to serve one or two smaller crepes per person.
Of course, if you are serving a variety of sweet and savory crepes, then the amount of each type can vary depending on how much your guests like them.
For example, if there are three different types of savory crepes and two different types of dessert crepes on offer, you may want to serve one savory and one dessert per person for a total of four or five crepes per guest.
What do the French eat with crepes?
The French enjoy pairing their crepes with a variety of accompaniments that make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Commonly, the French will top their crepes with sugar, fresh fruit, honey or preserves. Savory crepes are often enjoyed with a hearty helping of cheese, ham or bacon.
Another popular topping is Nutella—a chocolate-hazelnut spread that is beloved by many across the globe.
Some regions might even top their crepes with seafood, such as mussels cooked in garlic butter or smoked salmon with crème fraiche.
For a truly traditional experience, the French may even serve their savory crepes alongside fried eggs and vegetables like mushrooms or tomatoes.
Notwithstanding what accompaniment is chosen, adding it to the classic combination of crispy crepe and creamy filling makes for an enjoyable dish that is deeply rooted in French culture.
What vegetables go well with crepes?
Crepes are a versatile food that pairs well with almost any type of vegetable.
For a savory crepe, you can add sautéed mushrooms and onions for an earthy flavor or diced bell peppers for a burst of color and sweetness.
For a sweeter crepe, adding sautéed apples or pears is a great option, as is topping them with caramelized bananas.
Adding spinach to your crepes provides an extra boost of nutrition as well as a delicious flavor.
Additionally, roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, squash, and sweet potatoes all create rich textures when added to crepes.
Are crepes for breakfast or dessert?
Crepes are a perfect versatile dish that can be served as either breakfast or dessert.
The light and airy pancakes originated in France, where they are traditionally served with savory ingredients for breakfast, such as ham and cheese, and sweeter ingredients, like Nutella, for dessert.
Depending on how they are made, the thin pancakes can take on flavors from both sweet and savory dishes.
For instance, adding sugar to the batter for crepes and then filling it with fruit makes an ideal breakfast treat.
On the other hand, making crepes with less sugar or none at all can result in a delicious dessert when filled with chocolate or caramel.
What to put in crepes for breakfast?
Crepes are a delicious and versatile breakfast option that can be filled with a variety of ingredients.
Sweet fillings such as fresh fruit, jams, yogurt, Nutella, banana slices, honey, or chocolate chips make for a delicious treat.
Savory fillings like eggs, cheese, spinach, mushrooms, bacon, ham, or vegetables are great for those wanting something savory.
With a variety of options available to choose from with both sweet and savory fillings, it’s easy to make crepes that everyone will enjoy.
Depending on what type of ingredients you use, they can also be healthy!
For example, adding in some protein like eggs and lean meats with some fresh veggies makes for a nutritious breakfast.
Additionally, adding fruits gives you the benefits of antioxidants and vitamins that your body needs.
