Please imagine this: It’s Christmas Eve, the tree is decorated with festive szaloncukor, and the kids are waiting for baby Jesus to bring the presents.
What’s on the table? A feast of unique, comforting, and absolutely delicious Hungarian dishes. I mean, come on! This is the energy we are bringing into the holiday.
1. Authentic Chicken Paprikash
This stew is the very essence of comfort food. Chicken paprikash is one of the most popular dishes Hungary has, and for good reason. It’s just so good.
You get that tender and juicy chicken all folded up in a thick and creamy paprika sauce blanket. Seriously, it’s hard not to just lick the bowl clean.
2. Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake, Zserbó Szelet
When it comes to dessert, Zserbó Szelet is maybe Hungary’s most popular. I am just a little obsessed. Also known as the Gerbeaud cake, the main event here is the way it’s all structured.
We’re talking layers of yeasted dough cake, a delicious apricot walnut filling, and a finish of chocolate ganache. It’s a truly decadent dessert.
While it’s traditionally served at Christmas or Easter, it’s so beloved, you can find it in Hungarian cafes and patisseries any time of year.
3. Halászlé (Hungarian Fish Soup)
A Hungarian Christmas feast is just not complete without halászlé, also known as fisherman’s soup. This soup appears humble, but seriously, don’t sleep on this. This is one long love letter to FLAVOR.
It’s made with fish and a broth that’s spiced with Hungarian paprika. Even though the name is unassuming, it’s bursting with deliciousness. Because Hungary has no access to the sea, this stew features fresh-water fish, and carp is a common one.
Eating halászlé for Christmas is a tradition not only because it’s so yummy, but it’s also believed that the fish scales bring wealth and fortune.
4. Hungarian Kurtos Kalacs a.k.a. Chimney Cake
The Hungarian kurtos is as charming as it is delicious. YUM. It’s no surprise why this dessert is called chimney cake. It only takes one look to understand.
These pastries are rolled in cinnamon sugar, and while they may be simple, they are outrageously addictive. YES.
5. Traditional Meatloaf
Called Stefánia Szelet, the Hungarian meatloaf is as scrumptious and addictive as the American classic. Actually, scratch that. Personally, I think this meatloaf is even better because it’s covered with strips of pancetta.
The pancetta creates a crispy and crunchy crust that bursts with flavor all on its own! Serve this meatloaf with a salad for a light Christmas lunch or pile it next to some mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
6. Szegedin Goulash (Székely Gulyás)
Here’s another Hungarian goulash that’s sure to delight. The szekely gulyas is traditionally served at Christmas, but I’ll bet you’ll want to serve this every night. It’s hearty, cozy, and it’ll make your taste buds dance for joy.
It’s filled with bacon and pork, onions and bell peppers, and sauerkraut to boot. The broth is, of course, flavored with paprika, as well as bay leaf and caraway seeds. Served with a dollop of sour cream on top, this goulash is simply divine.
7. Apricot Kolaches
Here’s another Hungarian cookie you won’t be able to live without. We’re talking flaky pastries filled with apricots and rolled in sugar. They’re crunchy and flaky on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.
Every bite is just heavenly. The pastry dough has cream cheese in it, which makes it oh-so rich. It’s delectable even on its own! Together with the sweet apricot filling, they create a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures.
8. Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
The thought of cabbage as a Christmas dish doesn’t sound appetizing, but wait until you try this one. The Hungarian stuffed cabbage bursts with flavors and textures from ground meat and rice and is covered in a rich sauerkraut-tomato sauce.
It’s also topped with bacon, for good measure. You can make the rolls as thin or thick as you want. They’ll be delectable no matter the size.
9. Hungarian Lecso
Hungarian lecso is a cozy and warming stew filled with salami, bacon, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The broth gets its bright red hue from paprika, the country’s signature spice.
While lecso can be enjoyed solely with a spoon, it also makes for a fantastic side dish to meats. Serve this with roasted pork or grilled lamb for a hearty Christmas meal.
10. Hungarian Decadent Chocolate Cake
If you’re a certified chocoholic, I suggest you treat your tastebuds to this decadent chocolate cake. We’re talking a light and airy chocolate cake with subtle hints of coffee and rum.
It’s topped with a thick layer of chocolate ganache and finished off with a shiny glaze. Not only is it ridiculously delicious, but it looks so elegant, to boot.
PURE CHOCOLATE is running through my veins and it’s the best thing.
11. Meat Jelly
The sound of meat jelly isn’t at all enticing. But if you consider your palate adventurous, it’s a must-try. We are just straight up defying traditional food categories over here.
It’s exactly what you think it is: meat that’s turned into jelly. Again, it’s not for everybody. Personally, though, I think it’s very tasty. It takes days to make, so if you want it ready by Christmas, you’ll have to plan ahead.
Don’t worry, though; the process may be lengthy, but your involvement is very minimal. And I just don’t like cooking that involves work. Yeah?
12. Authentic Hungarian Walnut Rolls
These Christmas cookies are rolls of flaky pastry with a sweet and nutty center. They’re commonly served at Christmas, but don’t feel like you can’t make them any day of the week.
One bite of these delights can turn a bad mood around. There are two types of filling used in these cookies: poppy seeds and walnuts. Poppy seeds symbolize prosperity and welfare, while walnuts protect the home from evil.
13. Bishop’s Bread – Hungarian “Puspokkenyer”
Bishop’s bread is yet another decadent Hungarian dessert that’ll make your mouth water. It’s a moist cake fully loaded with chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. It’s flavors and textures galore!
Unlike most of the dessert recipes on this list, though, this one doesn’t require pro baking skills. In fact, you can even make this as late as 1 hour before the party begins. It’s both delectable and easy to make. What more can you ask for?
14. Mákos Guba – Hungarian Christmas Dessert
Makos Guba is a traditional Hungarian Christmas dessert featuring poppy seeds. It’s a hearty bread pudding peppered with nutty and crunchy poppy seeds.
It’s a super-basic recipe that calls for only four ingredients. But despite its simplicity, this dessert is for the win. It goes to show that Christmas dishes don’t have to be too complicated.
15. Snow Crescents (Hókifli)
The name of this dessert alone already tells you how beautiful they are. These fancy-looking treats are just as delicious as they are pretty.
With a tender and buttery almond cookie exterior and a sweet and tart prune and poppy seed filling, these cookies are to die for. The best part? This dessert is 100% plant-based. They’re for everyone to enjoy.
16. Harcsapaprikas, Hungarian Fish Paprikash
Harcsapaprikas is another fish-filled soup that won’t disappoint. While paprikash is typically a chicken goulash, this fishy variant is also a must-try.
It’s rich and flavorful catfish in a paprika-flavored stew, and it’s purely delish. Serve this goulash with csusza teszta, a curd cheese pasta, for an authentic Hungarian meal.
17. Crackling Scones – Tepertős Pogácsa
In Hungary, scones are served as appetizers. They come in various flavors, including cheese and crackling. The yeasted dough is folded three times to achieve the perfect, crumbly scone texture.
Also, in case you’re wondering what crackling is, it’s pork or poultry fat trimming deep-fried to crispy, golden-brown perfection. These scones are therefore wonderfully savory, and best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea.