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The Recipe · No.742 · Blini

Blini, and where to source it

Blini — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Blini Russian 5best2buy.com

These are yeast-raised, not baking-powder pancakes, so the batter needs a real rise to build the tang and the airy, lacy holes that define blini. Rush past the proof and you get flat, bland discs; give the yeast an hour or two and the batter foams up and cooks into something light and sour-sweet.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min (plus rise)
Cook20 min
Makes24 small blini
CuisineRussian
Cost$$
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten · fish
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 24 small blini
Flour
A mix of all-purpose and a little buckwheat for the traditional nutty note. Fresh flour has more flavor.
2 cups
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Yeast
The lift and the tang; the batter must proof to work. Active dry or instant.
2 tsp
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Milk and eggs
Warm milk to feed the yeast and eggs for richness. Whole milk and fresh eggs.
2 cups, 2 eggs
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Butter
In the batter and on the pan for browning. A good butter crisps the edges.
3 tbsp
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Sour cream and smoked fish
The classic topping, with dill; caviar for a celebration. A cultured sour cream is best.
to serve
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
  1. Proof the batterWarm the milk, stir in yeast and flour, and let the batter foam and rise 1-2 hours.
  2. Finish the batterBeat in egg yolks and melted butter, then fold in whipped whites for extra lift.
  3. Cook small and lacyLadle small rounds onto a buttered pan and cook until bubbled and golden, flipping once.
  4. Top and serveServe warm with sour cream, dill, and smoked fish or caviar.
The Toolkit

Nonstick skillet · Whisk · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Blini in an air fryer? — Not really

Not really — loose batter spreads and needs a flat, hot surface. Keep this one on the stovetop or griddle.

Can you freeze Blini? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Blini ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Blini gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Blini vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.742

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