Go Back
+ servings
Authentic Homemade Italian Manicotti with Crepes

Authentic Homemade Italian Manicotti with Crepes Just Like Nonna

This Authentic Homemade Italian Manicotti with Crepes combines traditional flavors with a unique twist, featuring tender crepes filled with creamy ricotta.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Crepes
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Swap with low-fat milk for a lighter option.
  • 4 large Eggs Choose organic for extra flavor.
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Table salt is a good alternative if kosher isn’t available.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Non-stick spray works well as a substitute.
For the Filling
  • 15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese Straining it results in a thicker consistency.
  • 1 cup Shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese Opt for low-fat cheese for a lighter filling.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese You can switch it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • 0.25 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Dried parsley can be used but will alter the flavor slightly.
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper White pepper can be used if you prefer a milder taste.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce (or Old School Italian Gravy) Homemade sauce enhances authenticity beautifully.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese More Parmesan can be used as a substitute if desired.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • non-stick skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Crepe Preparation
  1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of whole milk, 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend until smooth and homogenous. Let batter chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until creamy and cover. Chill in the refrigerator.
Crepe Cooking
  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with unsalted butter. Pour ¼ cup of the crepe batter into the skillet and cook until edges lift, about 30-60 seconds.
  2. Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate. Repeat until you have 6-8 crepes.
Manicotti Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Fill each crepe with ⅓ cup of ricotta filling, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce.
Baking
  1. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chilling the crepe batter for at least 30 minutes helps create light, airy crepes. Straining the ricotta cheese ensures a thicker filling.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!