Heavenly Ina Garten Blintz Casserole Recipe

Indulge in Ina Garten’s Dreamy Blintz Casserole Recipe Tonight

Brunch lovers rejoice as this delightful Ina Garten blintz casserole recipe brings a touch of comfort to your morning spread.

Creamy cheese and delicate pancake layers merge into a luxurious dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Soft, rich textures blend seamlessly with tangy cream cheese and sweet fruit fillings.

The casserole offers a sophisticated twist on traditional blintzes, making it perfect for weekend gatherings.

Each bite promises a delectable balance of flavors that will impress even the most discerning breakfast enthusiasts.

The recipe combines simplicity with elegance, ensuring a memorable meal that everyone will adore.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this irresistible casserole.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Ina Garten’s Blintz Casserole

For Pancake Batter:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for a silky smooth base..
  • Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness and helps create a tender texture..
  • Milk: Creates a light, delicate consistency and adds subtle creaminess..
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers a golden flavor and helps create a smooth, glossy batter..
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness..
For Cheese Filling:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Delivers a soft, creamy texture with a mild, slightly sweet taste..
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Adds luxurious richness and a velvety smoothness to the filling..
  • Eggs: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure..
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheese filling with a delicate touch..
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic depth to the filling..
  • Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness..
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy freshness and helps balance the creamy cheese..
  • Salt: Subtly enhances the overall flavor profile..
For Blueberry Sauce:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Provides bursts of juicy, sweet-tart flavor..
  • Orange Juice: Creates a subtle citrusy base for the sauce..
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the sauce..
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for a smooth, glossy consistency..
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty finish to the sauce..
  • Lemon Zest: Introduces aro.

What You’ll Use for Ina’s Blintz Casserole

  • Food Processor or Mixer: Essential for blending batter smoothly and efficiently.
  • Steel Blade: Needed for processing ingredients in the food processor.
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
  • Whisk: Useful for mixing cheese filling ingredients until well combined.
  • Medium Pot: Required for preparing the blueberry sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Zester or Grater: Helps in creating lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing cheese filling.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter and scraping ingredients.

How to Make a Cozy Blintz Casserole by Ina

How to Make a Cozy Blintz Casserole by Ina

Oven Preparation

Preheat the oven and ready a spacious baking dish. Spray the pan with cooking spray or gently coat with butter to prevent sticking.

Batter Creation

Combine all batter ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and silky, ensuring no lumps remain. Pour half the batter into the prepared dish and bake until set, creating a delicate pancake base.

Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together creamy cheeses, eggs, and sweetener. Add aromatic touches like vanilla, bright citrus zest, and a hint of salt. This layer will provide rich, decadent flavor to the casserole.

Layering and Baking

Carefully spread the cheese mixture over the initial baked pancake layer. Top with remaining batter, creating a beautiful multilayered dish. Return to the oven and bake until golden and slightly firm, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Blueberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine juice, sugar, and thickening agent. Introduce fresh blueberries and simmer gently. The sauce will transform into a glossy, vibrant accompaniment that perfectly complements the warm casserole. Finish with a splash of citrus for brightness.

Try These Twists on Ina Garten’s Blintz Recipe

  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding goat cheese or using only ricotta for a lighter texture. Greek yogurt can also replace mascarpone for a tangy twist.
  • Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake when ready to serve, which saves precious morning preparation time.
  • Replace blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or a mixed berry blend for a colorful and seasonal variation. Frozen berries work perfectly when fresh are unavailable.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
  • Top the finished casserole with powdered sugar, toasted sliced almonds, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and visual appeal.

Plating Ideas for Ina Garten’s Blintz Bake

  • Pair with Brunch Delights: Serve alongside crispy bacon strips or a light mixed green salad for a complete morning meal.
  • Garnish with Fresh Goodness: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Create a Blueberry Sauce Sensation: Drizzle the homemade blueberry sauce generously over each slice, letting the vibrant berries complement the rich cheese filling.
  • Elevate with Side Companions: Offer a chilled glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a light mimosa to balance the casserole's richness.

Save Blintz Casserole for Later Meals

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the blintz casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
  • Quick Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture if needed.
  • Freeze for Later: Prepare the entire casserole and freeze before baking. Wrap securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Store frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
  • Sauce Handling: Keep the blueberry sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sauce pairs perfectly when served chilled or gently warmed alongside the casserole.
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Heavenly Ina Garten Blintz Casserole Recipe

Heavenly Ina Garten Blintz Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s blintz casserole blends Jewish culinary traditions with modern comfort. Creamy cheese filling nestled between delicate layers promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (24 oz / 680 g) ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz (227 g) mascarpone cheese
  • 6 extra-large eggs
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 4 tbsps (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps sour cream
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tsps pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsps grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
  • 3 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (3 oranges)
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 half-pints fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
  2. Batter Creation: Process or blend batter ingredients until completely smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 10 minutes until slightly firm.
  3. Cheese Filling: Whisk ricotta, mascarpone, eggs, and sugar together. Incorporate salt, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice, ensuring even distribution. Spread this mixture carefully over the pre-baked pancake layer.
  4. Final Assembly: Pour remaining batter over cheese filling, creating an even top layer. Return to oven and bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and filling is mostly set.
  5. Resting Phase: Remove from oven and let casserole rest 10-15 minutes to stabilize filling and facilitate cleaner slicing.
  6. Blueberry Sauce: Combine orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Bring to gentle boil, stirring until thickened. Add blueberries and simmer 4-5 minutes, allowing some berries to break down while maintaining texture.
  7. Sauce Finishing: Stir in lemon juice and zest. Cool slightly before serving alongside warm blintzes.

Notes

  • Master Batter Consistency: Achieve a silky, lump-free batter by using a food processor or electric mixer, ensuring smooth blending of ingredients for a perfect texture.
  • Cheese Filling Technique: Whisk ricotta and mascarpone carefully to create a creamy, well-incorporated filling without overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture.
  • Layering Precision: Pour batter in two even layers, allowing the first layer to set slightly before adding the cheese filling to prevent mixing and maintain distinct layers.
  • Sauce Simmering Secrets: Cook blueberry sauce gently, letting some berries break down while keeping others whole for a vibrant, textured sauce with balanced sweetness and acidity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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