Crêpes are usually one of two varieties: sweet crêpes (crêpes sucrées) or savoury galettes (crêpes salées). They are often served with a wide variety of fillings such as cheese, fruit, vegetables, meats, and a variety of spreads.

The Latin crispa, meaning “creases,” gives parentage primarily to thinner, folded-style pancakes from which French crêpes, along with Mexican crepas and Turkish krep, take their lead.

crepe, French pancake made of a thin batter containing flour, eggs, melted butter, salt, milk, water, and, if the crepes are to be served with a sweet sauce or garnish, sugar. Crepes can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury mixtures.