Easy Blini with Caviar (video)

My all-time favorite appetizer recipe for special occasions and holidays! An easy recipe for blini with caviar and all the fixings! Caviar blini are made with mini pancakes topped with a combination of crème fraiche, chopped eggs, shallots, dill, and capers. Use your choice of black sturgeon caviar or salmon roe as the topping. This impressive appetizer is always a huge hit with everyone!

Watch My Caviar Blini Video Tutorial

Watch my YouTube caviar blini video tutorial for step-by-step instructions and see how to make the pancakes and assemble the appetizer! Want to stay up to date on the newest recipes? Subscribe to my website email list and my YouTube channel for notifications.

Ingredients for Blini with Caviar

Here are my tips for the main ingredients you’ll need to make blini with caviar. You can find the full list of ingredients with measurements in the printable recipe card below.

• Caviar – my personal caviar is black sturgeon caviar, specifically Royal Ossetra; my husband loves salmon roe! Both are a great choice for this appetizer recipe.
• Crème Fraiche – this creamy spread is similar to sour cream, but without the tangy flavor.
• Hard Boiled Eggs – you’ll need to separate the egg white from the egg yolks.
• Capers or Pickles – finely chopped capers or dill pickles will both work great and pair nicely with the caviar.
• Buttermilk – a key ingredient for making the fluffiest pancakes!
• All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda – a few of the dry ingredients you’ll need to make the pancakes.
• Fresh Dill – for garnishing the blini with caviar at the very end!

Supplies & Tools for the Recipe

Need some supplies or tools for making this recipe at home? I’m sharing several links for caviar, as well as Amazon Affiliate links for the items I use in my kitchen. See Disclosure Statement.

• Imperia Caviar – I’ve ordered Royal Ossetra caviar from this brand several times, and their caviar has always been fantastic! It will ship overnight on dry ice.
• Costco Caviar – if you have a Costco membership, check out their in-store or online selection.
• Large Serving Platter
• Mother-of-Pearl Caviar Spoons
• Caviar Tin Opener
• Caviar Chiller Set

Preparing the Blini Pancake Batter

Blini are essentially mini pancakes that can be topped with just about any type of topping. They make a great base for caviar! Plus, they’re super easy to make.

1. For the pancake batter, pour the buttermilk into a large mixing bowl and add the melted butter and egg. Whisk together until the egg is well-beaten.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix together, then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
3. Whisk the batter until it’s smooth and clump free. It should be on the thicker side. Use the batter right away.

How to Make Blini for Caviar

Once you have the pancake batter ready, it’s time to make some blini!

1. Preheat a griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat.
2. For each pancake, drop 1 tablespoon of batter onto the hot griddle. Wait until air bubbles start to rise, then flip the pancakes over. The pancakes should be a light, golden-brown color.
3. Transfer hot pancakes onto a wire rack to cool. Don’t stack the pancakes until they’ve cooled to room temperature.

If you have blini left over, place them into an airtight container or zipped bag and into the freezer. These will freeze nicely! When you need the pancakes again, place them onto a griddle on low heat to warm back up.

Preparing Caviar Blini Toppings

Blini with caviar can be served completely plain – just pancakes and caviar. You can also use a variety of different toppings. I like to do a combination of crème fraiche, egg whites, egg yolks, shallots, and capers.

1. Prepare the toppings next. For the eggs – first split the eggs open, then separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Very finely dice the egg whites and place into a ramekin. Crush the egg yolks with a fork until crumbly and place them into a separate bowl.
2. Very finely dice the shallot. Finely chop the capers. Place all the toppings into separate ramekins with small serving spoons.
3.  Place the crème fraiche into a small serving bowl. You can add fresh dill directly into the crème, if desired.

How to Serve Blini with Caviar

You can serve the blini with caviar as a spread and each guest can help themselves to the pancakes and toppings. You can also prepare each pancake with the toppings and caviar and set the ready blini onto a serving tray.

1. For serving the caviar: fill a bowl with crushed ice and place the caviar in its tin directly onto the ice. If the caviar doesn’t come in a tin or glass jar, transfer it into a glass bowl. Add mother-of-pearl spoons on the side for serving.
2. If making a platter – place the caviar on ice onto a large serving platter or board and arrange all the toppings and pancakes around the caviar. Check out my video tutorial to see how I did this.
3. Each guest can then make their own blini with caviar with their desired toppings.
4. For ready-made blini – add a small amount of crème fraiche onto each pancake. Sprinkle a tiny bit of each topping over the top, then add the caviar on top. Garnish with a tiny piece of fresh dill, if desired.
5. Caviar blini should be enjoyed right away. Keep the caviar well chilled!

More Recipes to Try!

Enjoyed this delicious caviar appetizer recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches – an easy classic! Smoked salmon on toast with herbed cheese and cucumbers.
• Smoked Salmon Cheese Dip – a delicious and cheesy dip with smoked salmon and a crispy panko topping! Great with crackers or toasted baguette.
• Cheese & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms – the best mushroom appetizer, stuffed full of cheese, chicken sausage, and a panko crumb topping!
• The Best Crab Cakes – homemade crab cakes with real crab, served with a homemade tartar sauce. These are so delicious!