Mary Berry Blinis Recipe

Mary Berry blinis are light, fluffy little pancakes traditionally served with savoury toppings such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, or crème fraîche. Soft in the centre with a gentle bite on the outside, these blinis are perfect for entertaining, festive starters, or elegant afternoon snacks. Made using a simple batter and cooked on the stovetop, they are quick to prepare and deliver consistently good results with minimal effort.

What Are Mary Berry Blinis?

Blinis are small pancakes originating from Eastern Europe, commonly used as a base for canapés. Mary Berry’s style focuses on a smooth batter, gentle cooking, and a light texture that holds toppings well without becoming heavy. They are smaller than traditional pancakes and designed to be eaten in one or two bites.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary
• Mary Berry Brussels Sprouts
• Mary Berry Bubble and Squeak
• Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Ideal for entertaining – Perfect canapé base
• Soft yet sturdy texture – Holds toppings without tearing
• Simple ingredients – Mostly pantry staples
• Quick stovetop method – No oven required
• Versatile serving options – Sweet or savoury toppings

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Blinis

• Plain flour – 100 g
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – a small pinch
• Eggs – 2 large, separated
• Milk – 150 ml
• Unsalted butter – 25 g, melted (plus extra for cooking)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Non-stick frying pan
• Spatula
• Ladle or tablespoon

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Blinis

• Prepare the dry ingredients – Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl to remove lumps.
• Mix the wet base – In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk and melted butter until smooth.
• Combine batter – Gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
• Whisk egg whites – In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks.
• Fold gently – Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter to keep it light and airy.
• Heat the pan – Lightly grease a non-stick frying pan and heat over medium-low heat.
• Cook the blinis – Spoon small rounds of batter into the pan and cook for about 1 minute until bubbles form.
• Flip carefully – Turn and cook for another 30–40 seconds until lightly golden.
• Keep warm – Transfer cooked blinis to a plate and cover loosely while finishing the batch.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Flat blinis – Overmixing knocked out air; gentle folding solved it.
• Too much browning – Heat was too high; lowering it helped.
• Uneven sizes – Using a tablespoon kept them consistent.
• Sticky pan – Light greasing between batches worked best.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Blinis

• Semi-skimmed milk – Reduces fat slightly
• Dry-fry method – Use minimal butter
• Smaller portions – Keep blinis bite-sized
• Wholemeal mix – Replace half the flour for extra fibre

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Blinis

• Plain flour – Gluten-free flour blend
• Milk – Oat or almond milk
• Butter – Light olive oil
• Baking powder – Self-raising flour (omit baking powder)

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Blinis

• Smoked salmon and cream cheese – Classic pairing
• Crème fraîche and chives – Simple and elegant
• Caviar or fish roe – Festive option
• Honey and yogurt – Sweet alternative
• Sautéed mushrooms – Vegetarian-friendly topping

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Blinis

• Separate eggs carefully – Fat-free whites whip better
• Soft peaks only – Prevents grainy texture
• Low heat cooking – Keeps blinis tender
• Do not overcrowd pan – Ensures even cooking
• Serve fresh – Best texture straight from the pan
• Reheat gently – Avoid drying them out

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Blinis

• Herb batter – Add chopped dill or chives
• Cheese version – Stir in finely grated parmesan
• Spiced twist – Add a pinch of paprika
• Sweet base – Add a little sugar and vanilla

Storing Mary Berry Blinis the Right Way

• Short-term storage – Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Layer with parchment – Prevents sticking
• Freeze option – Freeze flat for up to 1 month
• Thaw gently – Bring to room temperature before reheating

How to Reheat Mary Berry Blinis (If Needed)

Reheat briefly in a dry frying pan or warm oven. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g
• Fats: ~6 g
• Protein: ~6 g
• Sugar: ~2 g

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FAQs

Why are my blinis not fluffy?

This usually happens if the egg whites are overmixed or folded in too roughly. Whisk the whites only to soft peaks and fold them gently into the batter to keep as much air as possible.

Can blini batter be made ahead of time?

The batter is best used straight away for the lightest texture. If needed, it can rest for up to 30 minutes, but waiting longer may reduce the rise of the blinis.

How do I stop blinis from sticking to the pan?

Use a good non-stick pan and lightly grease it with butter before each batch. Cooking over medium-low heat also helps prevent sticking and burning.

How do I know when blinis are ready to flip?

Blinis are ready to turn when small bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set. The underside should be lightly golden before flipping.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry blinis are a simple yet elegant addition to any entertaining menu. Light, versatile, and easy to prepare, they work beautifully for festive occasions and relaxed gatherings alike, making them a reliable recipe to return to whenever you need a polished canapé base.