Calling all Polish food lovers! And all non-Polish-food lovers! It really doesn’t matter what your thoughts are on the cuisine, because this is food in a league entirely of its own. I will be the first to admit that I typically thought Polish food was just heavy and not for me.
However, I absolutely love these flavorful and comforting dishes. That’s my testimonial for all the skeptics. Just give it a try and I dare you not to like it.
1. Blueberry Pierogi
I know we’re more familiar with the savory, meat-stuffed pierogi, but have you ever tried them with a sweet filling? This is a total game-changer. These sweet and fruity pierogi are an absolute must-try!
In Poland, they traditionally use bilberries, which are a bit smaller and darker. For this recipe, though, we’re using blueberries. The taste will be different, but trust me, they are delicious just the same.
2. Polish Leek Salad
Made with leeks and apples, this Polish leek salad creates a wonderful combination of flavors. It’s coated in a simple dressing made from lemon juice, honey, and vegetable oil.
What you get is a simple salad that is just packed with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that just works.
3. Polish Plum Cake
Placek z sliwkami, or Polish plum cake, is a dessert filled with plums. The combination of sweet and slightly tart plums gives the cake a fantastic balance of flavors.
The cake itself is super-light and has just the right amount of sweetness. It’s not too heavy, making it a wonderful way to finish a big, hearty meal.
4. Polish Rogaliki
Okay, you guys. These Rogaliki are crescent cookies filled with jam and they are seriously addictive. I’m talking perfectly sweet, buttery, and fruity. YUM!
It’s completely impossible to have just one. Or even six! I’d recommend doubling the recipe because I promise, these cookies are going to be a huge hit.
5. Smoked Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut
This is a traditional dish you’ll find in Polish homes, and it is simply delightful. The smokiness from the sausage paired with the tang of the sauerkraut creates such a wonderful contrast of flavors! It’s one of my favorites.
6. Polish Plum Dumplings
Knedle ze sliwkami are dumplings made from a potato base and stuffed with plums. Can you even?
You top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. It makes for a sweet and light dessert that is sure to please your palate.
7. Polish Babka
Let’s talk about Polish babka. It’s a type of sweet bread that is traditionally served for Easter. What makes it so special is the addition of dried fruit, a rum syrup, and icing. It’s just so, so good.
Whether you decide to have it for breakfast or as a dessert, you really can’t go wrong. I love having a slice with a hot cup of coffee.
8. Polish Apple Pie
Szarlotka, or Polish apple pie, is a little different from the version we might be used to. The crust and filling aren’t as sweet, and it’s typically loaded up with almonds and raisins. Yum!
Some versions have a crumble topping, while others feature meringue. No matter which way you make it, it tastes absolutely fantastic.
9. Polish Cabbage Casserole
I know, cabbage, tomatoes, and chicken in a casserole might sound a little boring, but it is totally the opposite! This Polish cabbage casserole transforms bland cabbage into the ultimate comfort food.
Plus, it couldn’t be easier to throw together. Just put all your ingredients into a Dutch oven, give it a stir from time to time, and that’s it! Dinner is served.
10. Polish Gingerbread Loaf
Pernik is Poland’s take on the gingerbread loaf, and it is just amazing. It’s a sweet, dense, and buttery cake that gets infused with candied ginger.
What a wonderful way to start the day! I like to top it with a little more butter and honey for a perfect breakfast.
11. Polish Potato Pancakes
Potatoes show up a lot in Polish dishes, and these pancakes are a perfect example of why. Called placki kartoflane, these potato pancakes are loaded with carrots, zucchini, and other veggies.
They get their flavor from garlic and onion.The result is hearty, savory, and oh-so-yummy!
12. Polish Strawberry Soup
Strawberries in a soup? It might sound a little strange, but I promise, it just works.
This dish, called zupa truskawkowa, is a thick soup with a sweet strawberry flavor. You have options here, which I love. You can serve it hot over a bed of egg noodles, or enjoy it cold all by itself. Choose-your-own-adventure!
13. Polish Beetroot Soup
If you think you aren’t a fan of beets, this recipe might just change your mind. I used to be a beet skeptic myself, but this soup converted me.
Polish beetroot soup is a sweet, earthy, and refreshing appetizer. It is just so good.
14. Polish Crepes
These are thin, crepe-like pancakes that are an absolutely elite canvas for whatever fillings you can dream up. You can stuff them with either sweet or savory options, roll them up, and then bake or pan-fry them.
Whether you’re in the mood for jams and preserves or you’re craving ham and cheese, these crepes are the perfect vessel.
15. Polish Haluski
Haluski is a traditional Polish dish, and let me tell you, it’s a winner. It’s made with egg noodles, cabbage that has been caramelized, and onion, all coated in a butter sauce.
I love to serve this alongside pierogi. You end up with a meal that is the ultimate Polish comfort food.
16. Polish Apple Pancakes
Imagine apple slices, first submerged in a sweet pancake batter and then fried to absolute golden perfection. How amazing does that sound?!
And it gets even better. These pancakes are also dusted with powdered sugar, which just makes them even more addictive.
17. Polish Potato Soup
Kartoflanka is a rich and hearty soup that is absolutely loaded with potatoes, meat, and other veggies. This is peak winter food. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold night.
It’s a complete meal all on its own and comes together so quickly. Just 30 minutes, and you have dinner on the table.
18. Polish Carrot Salad
This Polish carrot salad is a medley of grated carrots, apples, and raisins. The whole thing is coated in a dressing made from lemon juice, sunflower oil, sugar, and salt.
It’s a crisp, light, and refreshing side dish. I find it pairs perfectly with any rich and heavy entrée.
19. Polish Hunter’s Stew
Bigos is a rich and hearty stew, packed with smoky sausage and bacon, wild mushrooms, and juniper berries. It’s called Hunter’s Stew for a good reason!
This dish takes the best ingredients from the forest and turns them into one delectable meal.
20. Polish Donuts
And to round out our list, we have the paczki. These are soft and pillowy Polish donuts that can be filled with lemon curd, custard, or jam. These guys are so, so good.
They’re especially popular around Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, but with this recipe in your back pocket, you can have them any day of the year.