How to Host a Crepe Party

A crepe party is one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd: one big batch of batter, a table of toppings, and everyone builds their own. It works for a brunch, a birthday, a kids’ sleepover or a relaxed dinner, and most of the work can be done the day before.

Here’s how to plan it: a batter that makes about 30 crepes, a topping list with amounts for 8 to 10 people, and a simple timeline.

Toppings for 8 to 10 people

Set out a mix of sweet and savory. These amounts assume about three crepes per person.

Sweet

• 1 jar (13 oz) chocolate-hazelnut spread
• 1 pound (450 g) strawberries, sliced, and 1 pint blueberries
• 4 bananas, sliced just before guests arrive
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, whipped with 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Lemon wedges and a bowl of granulated sugar
• 1 jar each of two jams, plus maple syrup

Savory

• 8 ounces (225 g) sliced ham
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyère or cheddar
• 8 scrambled eggs, kept warm, or a dozen eggs to fry to order
• 2 cups sautéed mushrooms and a bowl of baby spinach
• Sour cream or crème fraîche, and chopped chives

Timeline

• Up to 2 days ahead: make the batter and refrigerate it. Make any cooked fillings, like sautéed mushrooms.
• The day before (optional): cook all the crepes, stack them with parchment between them, wrap and refrigerate. See Make-Ahead Crepes for storing and reheating.
• 2 hours before: whip the cream, slice the strawberries and set out the toppings in small bowls with spoons.
• 30 minutes before: cook the crepes (or rewarm the made-ahead ones) and keep them warm in a low oven.
• When guests arrive: slice the bananas and bring out the stack of crepes.

Setup tips

• Two pans are better than one. With two pans going, 30 crepes take under an hour.
• Go savory first. Put the savory toppings at the start of the table. Most people build a savory crepe, then come back for sweet.
• Label the bowls. A small card for each topping helps guests with allergies and keeps the line moving.
• Have a warm pan ready. A pan on low heat lets guests melt cheese or warm a filled crepe for 30 seconds.

For more ideas, see Crepes for Brunch and Sweet vs. Savory: Crepe Fillings. For specific fillings, try Nutella Banana Crepes, Savory Breakfast Crepes or Lemon Sugar Crepes.