Traditional Polish Recipes - Authentic Polish Cooking
Discover authentic Polish dishes from pierogi to żurek. Browse 70+ traditional recipes with step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and authentic techniques. Cook like a true Pole with our family recipes!
Racuchy - Polish Apple Pancakes
Thick fluffy pancakes with grated apple inside. Fried until golden, dusted with powdered sugar. Popular comfort food, between pancake and fritter in texture.
Schab Pieczony - Roast Pork Loin
Classic Polish Sunday roast with pork loin. Marinated in garlic and herbs, roasted until golden. Served with traditional sides, centerpiece of family dinner.
Pstrąg w Migdałach - Trout with Almonds
Elegant Polish fish dish with toasted almonds and butter. Pan-fried trout with crispy skin, garnished with golden almonds. Restaurant-quality meal, surprisingly simple to make.
Pierogi z Truskawkami - Strawberry Pierogi
Sweet summer pierogi filled with fresh strawberries. Served with sour cream and sugar, or melted butter. Perfect seasonal dessert when strawberries are at peak.
Sałatka Gyros - Polish Gyros Salad
Popular Polish interpretation of Greek gyros in salad form. Seasoned chicken or pork with vegetables, feta, and yogurt dressing. Fresh, filling, and flavorful.
Sałatka Warstwowa - Layered Salad
Colorful layered salad perfect for buffets and parties. Multiple vegetable layers with mayo, beautiful presentation. Make-ahead dish that looks impressive and tastes fresh.
Placek Drożdżowy - Polish Yeast Cake
Traditional Polish sheet cake with crumb topping. Soft yeast base with butter crumble, often flavored with plums or apples. Sunday afternoon favorite with tea.
Drożdżówki - Polish Sweet Buns
Soft yeast buns topped with various sweet toppings. Popular bakery item for breakfast or snack. Fluffy texture with butter crumb topping, jam, or sweet cheese.
Kompot - Polish Fruit Compote
Traditional Polish fruit drink served at every holiday meal. Warm spiced drink made from dried fruits. Not too sweet, refreshing, aids digestion after heavy meals.
Kołduny - Lithuanian Dumplings
Traditional Polish-Lithuanian meat dumplings. Similar to pierogi but smaller, with rich meat filling. Often served in clear broth for special occasions.
Kutia - Christmas Wheat Berry Dessert
Traditional Christmas Eve dessert from Eastern Poland. Sweet wheat berries with poppy seeds, honey, and nuts. Symbolic dish representing prosperity and unity.
Śledź pod Pierzynką - Herring Under Fur Coat
Iconic Polish layered salad for holidays and celebrations. Pickled herring topped with layers of vegetables, eggs, and mayo. Known as 'herring under blanket' for its covered appearance.
Kaczka z Jabłkami - Roast Duck with Apples
Classic Polish roast duck with apples and herbs. Crispy golden skin, tender meat, sweet-tart apples. Festive main course perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Pierogi z Grzybami - Mushroom Pierogi
Traditional forest mushroom pierogi, especially popular during Christmas. Earthy wild mushroom filling, deeply flavored with onions. Vegetarian and perfect for holidays.
Pierogi ze Szpinakiem i Fetą - Spinach Feta Pierogi
Modern twist on traditional pierogi with Mediterranean flavors. Fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese filling. Light, flavorful, perfect for vegetarians.
Pierogi z Serem i Ziemniakami - Sweet Cheese Pierogi
Sweeter variation of pierogi with farmer's cheese and potato filling. Served with sour cream and sugar, or melted butter. Perfect comfort food, popular in summer.
Sałatka z Czerwonej Kapusty - Red Cabbage Salad
Traditional Polish winter salad with red cabbage and apples. Sweet-sour flavor, vibrant purple color. Classic side dish for hearty meat meals and holiday dinners.
Sałatka Greek - Polish Greek Salad
Polish interpretation of Greek salad, popular in Polish restaurants. Fresh vegetables with feta cheese, olives, and vinaigrette. Light, refreshing summer salad.
Śledzie w Oleju - Herring in Oil
Classic Polish appetizer featuring marinated herring fillets. Traditional preparation with onions, bay leaves, and spices. Essential part of Polish holiday meals and Sunday lunches.
Obwarzanek Krakowski - Kraków Pretzel
Traditional Kraków street food, protected regional product. Ring-shaped bread boiled then baked, sprinkled with poppy seeds or sesame. Crispy outside, soft inside, eaten fresh.
Kołacz - Polish Fruit Tart
Traditional Polish sweet bread topped with seasonal fruit and streusel. Soft yeast dough base with fruit filling and buttery crumb topping. Popular for celebrations and Sunday coffee.
Rogale Świętomarcińskie - St. Martin's Croissants
Famous Poznań specialty, protected regional product. Crescent-shaped yeast pastries filled with white poppy seed paste, glazed with icing. Traditionally made for St. Martin's Day.
Babka Wielkanocna - Easter Babka
Traditional Polish Easter cake, tall and cylindrical with golden crust. Rich yeast cake with raisins, almonds, and rum. Blessed on Holy Saturday, centerpiece of Easter breakfast.
Faworki - Angel Wings (Chrust)
Delicate crispy pastries traditionally made for Fat Thursday and Carnival. Thin dough twisted into ribbons, deep-fried until golden, dusted with powdered sugar. Light as air.
Kremówka - Papal Cream Cake
Famous Polish cream cake, beloved by Pope John Paul II. Layers of crispy puff pastry with thick vanilla custard cream. Light, elegant, and utterly delicious.
Makowiec - Poppy Seed Roll
Traditional Polish Christmas cake filled with sweet poppy seed paste. Rich yeast dough rolled with ground poppy seeds, honey, raisins, and nuts. A festive centerpiece.
Ryba po Grecku - Fish Greek Style
Polish interpretation of 'Greek style' fish - fried fish with sweet-sour vegetable sauce. Cold appetizer or main dish. Party classic.
Sztuka Mięsa - Boiled Beef with Horseradish
Classic Polish boiled beef served with horseradish sauce. Simple preparation yields tender, flavorful meat. Traditional Sunday dinner.
Pulpety w Sosie - Polish Meatballs in Sauce
Tender meatballs in tomato or mushroom sauce. Comfort food served with rice or potatoes. Family favorite weeknight meal.
Kotlet de Volaille - Polish Chicken Kiev
Elegant Polish chicken breast stuffed with herb butter. Breaded and fried until golden. Special occasion dish with dramatic presentation.
Karkówka Pieczona - Roasted Pork Neck
Tender roasted pork neck, Polish BBQ favorite. Marinated with garlic and spices, roasted until juicy. Perfect for gatherings.
Pieczeń Rzymska - Roman Roast
Polish meatloaf roll with hard-boiled eggs inside. When sliced, reveals beautiful egg pattern. Cold appetizer or hot main dish.
Zrazy Zawijane - Beef Rolls
Traditional Polish beef rolls stuffed with bacon, pickles, and mustard. Braised until tender in rich sauce. Elegant Sunday dinner dish.
Gulasz Wołowy - Polish Beef Goulash
Rich Polish beef stew with paprika and vegetables. Slow-cooked until tender. Comforting one-pot meal perfect for cold days.
Kotlet Mielony - Polish Ground Meat Cutlet
Polish version of meatloaf cutlets, pan-fried until golden. Childhood favorite, budget-friendly family meal. Served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Pierniki - Polish Gingerbread
Traditional Polish gingerbread cookies, especially popular at Christmas. Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ginger. Often decorated with icing.
Barszcz Wigilijny z Uszkami - Christmas Eve Beet Soup
Clear red beet soup served with uszka dumplings. Essential Christmas Eve dish. Elegant and warming.
Karp Smażony - Fried Christmas Carp
Traditional Christmas Eve main dish. Carp fried in breadcrumbs until golden. Central to Polish wigilia celebration.
Sałatka Jarzynowa - Polish Vegetable Salad
Essential Polish potato salad with vegetables and mayo. New Year's Eve and party staple. Comfort food that everyone loves.
Surówka z Kapusty - Cabbage Slaw
Traditional Polish cabbage salad, crunchy and tangy. Essential side for kotlet schabowy. Simple but perfectly balanced.
Mizeria - Cucumber Salad in Cream
Classic Polish cucumber salad with sour cream. Refreshing side dish, perfect with meat. Name means 'misery' - legend says Queen Bona missed Italian sun.
Chałka - Polish Challah
Sweet braided egg bread, Polish version of challah. Rich and tender, perfect for sandwiches or French toast. Sunday breakfast tradition.
Chleb Żytni - Polish Rye Bread
Traditional dark Polish rye bread with sourdough starter. Dense, flavorful, perfect with butter and pickles. Staple of Polish cuisine for centuries.
Pączki - Polish Donuts
Legendary Polish donuts filled with rose jam. Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek) tradition. Rich yeast dough, deep fried, absolute indulgence.
Szarlotka - Polish Apple Pie
Classic Polish apple cake with shortcrust pastry and cinnamon apples. Simpler than American apple pie, utterly delicious. Served warm with whipped cream.
Sernik - Polish Cheesecake
Poland's most beloved dessert - creamy cheesecake made with farmer's cheese. Dense, rich texture unlike American cheesecake. Essential for every celebration.
Leniwe Pierogi - Lazy Pierogi
Quick 'lazy' version of pierogi - dumplings made from farmer's cheese dough, no wrapping needed. Fast weeknight dinner served with butter and sugar or savory toppings.
Pierogi z Jagodami - Blueberry Pierogi
Sweet summer pierogi filled with fresh blueberries. Served with sour cream and sugar. Popular dessert or breakfast treat in Poland.
Pierogi z Kapustą i Grzybami - Sauerkraut Mushroom Pierogi
Classic Christmas Eve pierogi filled with sauerkraut and dried forest mushrooms. Traditional vegetarian option with deep umami flavors.
Pierogi z Mięsem - Meat Pierogi
Traditional savory pierogi filled with seasoned ground meat. Usually made from leftover roast or fresh ground pork. Hearty and satisfying main dish.
Pierogi Ruskie - Potato Cheese Pierogi
Most popular pierogi variety in Poland. Filled with potato and farmer's cheese, topped with fried onions. Comfort food that defines Polish cuisine. Can be served savory or slightly sweet.
Bigos - Hunter's Stew
Legendary Polish hunter's stew with sauerkraut and meats. National dish with centuries of history. Complex flavors develop over days of cooking. Perfect for gatherings.
Gołąbki - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Traditional Polish cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice. Simmered in tomato sauce until tender. 'Little pigeons' in Polish. Labor of love that feeds the whole family.
Kotlet Schabowy - Breaded Pork Cutlet
Poland's national dish - breaded pork cutlet similar to schnitzel. Crispy golden crust, tender juicy meat. Served with mashed potatoes and cabbage salad. Sunday dinner favorite.
Zupa Fasolowa - White Bean Soup
Hearty Polish white bean soup with smoked meat. Thick, satisfying, and nutritious. Working-class origins, now beloved by all. Perfect winter warmer.
Zupa Szczawiowa - Sorrel Soup
Tangy Polish sorrel soup, bright green and refreshing. Lemony taste from fresh sorrel leaves. Spring favorite when sorrel is in season.
Zupa Ogonowa - Oxtail Soup
Rich Polish oxtail soup, slowly simmered to perfection. Deep, meaty flavor with vegetables. Festive dish reserved for special occasions.
Czernina - Duck Blood Soup
Unique Polish soup made with duck blood and fruit. Sweet-sour taste from dried fruits and vinegar. Historical dish with deep cultural significance.
Flaki - Tripe Soup
Traditional Polish beef tripe soup, rich and flavorful. Spiced with paprika, ginger, and marjoram. Considered a hangover cure and delicacy.
Krupnik - Barley Soup
Traditional Polish barley soup with vegetables and meat. Thick, nutritious, and warming. Medieval origins, still popular today. Hearty one-pot meal.
Zupa Grzybowa - Mushroom Soup
Aromatic Polish wild mushroom soup. Made with dried forest mushrooms, creating deep, earthy flavors. Christmas Eve staple and autumn favorite.
Chłodnik - Cold Beet Soup
Refreshing cold Polish soup for summer. Bright pink, made with beets, kefir, and fresh vegetables. Served ice-cold with hard-boiled eggs.
Kapuśniak - Sauerkraut Soup
Traditional Polish sauerkraut soup with meat. Tangy flavor from fermented cabbage, rich and hearty. Popular throughout Poland's history.
Grochówka - Split Pea Soup
Hearty Polish split pea soup with smoked sausage. Thick, warming, and filling. Traditional army soup now beloved family meal. Perfect for cold winter days.
Ogórkowa - Dill Pickle Soup
Unique Polish soup featuring fermented pickles. Tangy, creamy, surprisingly delicious. Made with naturally fermented cucumbers and served with potatoes.
Pomidorowa - Tomato Soup with Rice
Creamy Polish tomato soup, childhood favorite across Poland. Bright orange color, slightly tangy, served with rice or pasta. School cafeteria classic that everyone loves.
Rosół - Golden Chicken Broth
Poland's quintessential chicken soup, golden and healing. Sunday dinner staple served with homemade noodles. Known as Polish penicillin for its restorative properties.
Barszcz Czerwony - Red Beet Soup
Classic clear Polish beet soup with ruby-red color. Traditionally served at Christmas Eve with uszka dumplings. Elegant balance of sweet beets and sour notes.
Żurek - Sour Rye Soup
Traditional Polish sour rye soup with white sausage and eggs. A beloved Easter dish with distinctive tangy flavor from fermented rye. Perfect comfort food served in bread bowls.
Traditional Polish Chicken Soup (Rosół)
A comforting traditional Polish chicken soup with a golden, crystal-clear broth and tender noodles. Rosół is often called “the queen of Polish soups,” loved for its rich, meaty flavor and soothing qualities . It’s a Polish family staple – typically served for Sunday dinner or at celebrations – and is even believed to help cure the common cold. This classic recipe follows authentic Polish methods, slow-simmering chicken (and a bit of beef for extra depth) with aromatic vegetables to create an ultra-flavorful, restorative soup.