In just 40 minutes, I can have this scrumptious Giada Savory Breakfast Crepes ready, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The ingredients are so wholesome and comforting, with flavors like ricotta cheese and baby spinach taking center stage.

The texture is perfectly pan-cooked, and the savory flavor just makes it so satisfying. It’s great for breakfast and super easy to pull together on busy days.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 cup (8 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces black forest ham, diced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Crepe Batter

• ½ cup pancake mix, such as Nature’s Path
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large shallots, diced

How To Make Giada Savory Breakfast Crepes

Make the Filling

1. Heat the Filling Ingredients: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, shallots, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the lemon zest.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients: Transfer the cooked spinach to a cutting board and chop coarsely. Fold the spinach into the ricotta mix.

Cook the Crepes

1. Mix the Crepe Batter: Combine the pancake mix, egg, and water to make a smooth batter. Stir until there are no lumps.
2. Cook the Crepes: Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in approximately ¼ cup batter, then swirl the pan to coat the bottom with a thin layer. Cook for 1 minute, then flip the crepe and cook the other side for 30 seconds.

Assemble the Crepes

1. Assemble and Roll the Crepes: Place a cooked crepe on your work surface, then spoon some of the filling down the center. Roll the crepe like a cigar and place it in a 9 × 13-inch glass baking dish.
2. Top with Parmesan: Roll and fill the remaining crepes, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through and the Parmesan is melted.

Recipe Tips

• Ingredient Substitution: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness and maintains the creamy texture while making the dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance and other dietary restrictions.
• Make Ahead: Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing you to easily serve a delicious, stress-free breakfast to a crowd, anytime.
• Filling Variations: Experiment with different savory fillings like goat cheese and herbs, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats to add your personal touch and create unique flavor combinations that will elevate your breakfast game.
• Batter Customization: Add a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of sugar, or a handful of chopped herbs to the crepe batter to create a deliciously balanced flavor profile that complements your chosen filling and adds a professional touch to your dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your savory crepes with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad, adding a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crepes, making for a beautifully presented and well-rounded breakfast or brunch dish.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Monte Cristo Sandwiches
• Giada Mushroom Toast
• Giada Christmas Seafood Salad