Can You Freeze Blinis?
Blinis are one of those foods that seem to appear whenever Christmas or party season rolls around. Whether you’ve made a batch yourself or bought them ready-made, they’re perfect for preparing ahead.
The good news is that blinis freeze really well, making them ideal if you like to get organised before entertaining.
If you’re looking for more freezer tips, I’ve also put together a complete Freezing Food Guide covering hundreds of foods, storage advice and freezing times.
What Are Blinis?
Blinis are small savoury pancakes traditionally made with buckwheat flour, although many modern recipes use plain flour instead. Originating in Eastern Europe, they’re particularly popular in Russia and Ukraine.
They’re usually served as a canapé with toppings such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, pâté or caviar, although they’re equally delicious with plenty of other savoury toppings.
Because they’re fairly delicate, many people assume they won’t freeze well—but thankfully that’s not the case.
Can You Freeze Blinis?
Yes, you can.
Both homemade and shop-bought blinis freeze well without any noticeable change in flavour or texture. As long as they’re wrapped properly, they’ll be ready to defrost whenever you need them.
They’re one of my favourite make-ahead party foods because all that’s left to do on the day is warm them through and add your toppings.
Can You Freeze Blinis with Toppings?
It’s much better to freeze blinis on their own.
Toppings such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream and pâté are best added after the blinis have been reheated.
Not only do these ingredients freeze less successfully, but freshly assembled blinis look far more appetising when serving guests.
How to Freeze Blinis
Whether they’re homemade or shop-bought, the method is much the same.
- If you’ve made the blinis yourself, allow them to cool completely.
- Stack them in small portions, separating layers with baking paper if you’re worried they’ll stick together.
- Wrap the stacks well in cling film or place them into a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label and date before freezing.
If you’re freezing shop-bought blinis in an unopened packet, you can usually place the whole pack straight into the freezer. It’s worth checking the packaging first to make sure they haven’t already been frozen.
How Long Do Blinis Last in the Freezer?
For the best quality, use frozen blinis within three months.
They’ll remain safe to eat after this, but like most bread-based products, they gradually lose their freshness the longer they’re stored.
How to Defrost Blinis
The easiest way to defrost blinis is overnight in the fridge.
If you’ve forgotten, they also thaw quite quickly at room temperature and are usually ready within a couple of hours.
Once defrosted, they’re best eaten the same day.
How to Reheat Blinis
Although you can serve blinis at room temperature, I think they’re nicest when gently warmed.
Arrange them on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 170°C (Gas Mark 3) for around 5–8 minutes, just until heated through.
Avoid overheating them, as they can become a little dry.
Once warm, leave them to cool slightly before adding your chosen toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Homemade Blinis?
Yes. Homemade blinis freeze just as well as shop-bought ones. In fact, freezing them on the day they’re made is the best way to lock in their freshness.
Can You Freeze Shop-Bought Blinis?
Yes, provided they haven’t already been frozen. Most unopened packs can go straight into the freezer.
Can You Reheat Blinis from Frozen?
It’s possible, but I find they warm more evenly if you let them thaw first. As they defrost fairly quickly, it’s usually worth planning ahead.
