A blintz is a type of filled crepe or pancake that originated in Eastern European Jewish cuisine. The name comes from Yiddish 'blintse', itself derived from the Russian 'blin' ('pancake').
Blintzes start as a thin, delicate crepe, which is filled with a sweet or savory mixture — commonly farmer's cheese, cottage cheese, fruit preserves, or sautéed mushrooms and onions — then folded or rolled around the filling and pan-fried or baked until golden. They are often served warm with sour cream or applesauce.
Blintzes are strongly associated with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when dairy dishes are traditionally served, though they are eaten year-round. Regional variations exist outside the Jewish tradition: in Russia and Ukraine blintzes may carry a savory filling of ground meat, onions, and spices, while the Polish version, nalesniki, is usually filled with sweetened farmer's cheese.
Blintzes are often confused with blini, the small, thick Russian pancakes the name derives from; blini are typically left plain and topped with butter, sour cream, or caviar, while a blintz is filled first, then folded and fried or baked.