Skip to main content

Caviar and Blinis

This classic vegetarian appetiser brings a touch of luxury to any gathering. These homemade buckwheat blinis are light, earthy, and provide the perfect foundation for the salty pop of black caviar and the rich tang of chilled crème fraîche. Whether you are hosting a festive celebration or an intimate dinner party, this dish offers a sophisticated balance of flavours and textures that is traditionally enjoyed with a crisp glass of English sparkling wine.

While the recipe is delightfully simple, using high-quality shop-bought buckwheat mix ensures a consistent result every time. For a more substantial platter, you can customise the toppings by adding delicate ribbons of smoked salmon and finely minced red onion. These savoury pancakes are best served fresh from the frying pan while still slightly warm, allowing the toppings to melt into the golden surface.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Caviar and Blinis

  • 240ml buckwheat pancake mix (we like the unsweetened organic one from Whole Foods, but you can use any unsweetened kind and follow the package instructions for all pancake ingredients, using an egg if called for)

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil

  • 160ml milk (any fat content) or water

  • Black caviar (our favourite is paddlefish)

  • Crème fraîche

  • Chives, snipped

  • Smoked salmon (optional)

  • Minced red onion (optional)

How to make Caviar and Blinis

  1. Combine the pancake mix with the salt, egg, butter or oil, and milk or water.

  2. Lightly brush another tablespoon of melted butter onto a skillet over medium-high heat.

  3. When the skillet is hot, spoon the batter into it a tablespoon at a time.

  4. Cook the blinis until tiny bubbles appear, about 1 minute, then flip them and fry until golden brown on each side.

  5. Transfer the blinis to a platter and serve warm with the caviar, crème fraîche, chives, and smoked salmon and onion (if desired).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.