Polish Christmas foods? Oh my goodness. Get ready. I know I say this about a lot of holidays, but this one is just… the best. We are talking about Wigilia (that’s Christmas Eve), and it’s a huge, flavor-packed celebration.
They serve 12 traditional meatless dishes right after the first star shows up in the sky. Why 12? It’s for the 12 apostles. And let me tell you, it’s the tastiest tradition ever. From savory soups to the most amazing cookies, these recipes are pure holiday magic.
1. Sauerkraut and Mushroom Pierogi
Okay, I have to say it: I just love pierogies! And this recipe? It’s a total home run for that Christmas Eve feast because it’s completely meat-free.
We’re talking about a filling that is tangy and earthy from sauerkraut and mushrooms. Just so good. If you want to get a little extra, you can toss in some prunes for more depth.
2. Barszcz (Polish Borscht)
Borscht is a classic, but you’ll want the Polish rendition for this holiday. This one calls for onions, carrots, and celery. You’ll add some fresh garlic, too. That bright, vibrant color is just amazing.
It has a sweet and sour flavor that I just can’t get enough of. And while it’s fantastic all on its own, you can take it over the top by serving it with a big dollop of sour cream.
3. Sernik (Polish Cheesecake)
You know it’s a real holiday in my house when I break out a cheesecake. And this year, I am all about this Polish version. What makes it so special?
It starts with a sugary cocoa powdered crust. Then you get that lush, creamy filling, which actually uses vanilla pudding! Seriously. So. So. Good.
4. Polish Christmas Eve Mushroom Soup
If the weather is feeling a little frightful, this is the soup you want. It’s a total Polish staple. There is no meat or dairy in this, but it is absolutely spectacular and perfect for Christmas.
It’s this earthy blend of dried mushrooms, herbs, and Lazanki noodles. That’s a type of Polish pasta, and it adds this luscious layer. If you can’t find Lazanki, a wide egg noodle totally works too.
5. Polish Layered Herring Salad (Śledź pod Pierzynką)
So, red meat is a no-go for the religious part of Christmas, but fish is the one exception! That makes this herring salad the perfect fit. You can serve it as an appetizer or a side, and it’s a simple, economical meal you can get ready fast.
It’s built in layers with boiled potatoes, carrots, and herring. Just a heads-up: herring can be really salty on its own, so you might want to skip adding any extra salt.
6. Dried Fruit Kompot (Kompot z Suszonych Owoców)
I find this recipe so interesting. It’s basically a fruit broth that’s seasoned with a little spice and just a hint of honey.
You have two ways to go here: either drink it as a warm beverage, or leave the fruit in and eat it just like a soup. Choose your own adventure!
7. Polish Poppy Seed Noodles (Kluski z Makiem)
If you want your noodles to have a little more flair, you have to try this recipe. It takes egg noodles and gives them a festive twist.
We’re talking a handful of poppy seeds plus raisins, nuts, and honey. I know it might sound like a strange combination, but trust me, it’s one you’ll want to try.
8. Polish Gingerbread Cookies (Pierniczki Tradycyjne)
These gingerbread cookies are not like the little gingerbread men you see in the US. Not at all. These use gingerbread spice, honey, and powdered sugar.
My favorite part, though? It’s the topping, which is just a simple powdered sugar glaze. Between the flavor and how great they look, these traditional Polish treats are a must-have for your Christmas cookie platter.
9. Polish Potato Salad (Sałatka Kartofli)
You didn’t think I could have a list of Polish foods without a potato dish, did you? Just like cabbage, potatoes are a total staple, and this potato salad is no exception.
It uses mayo to bind together this amazing mix of potatoes, celery, onions, and dill pickle. The recipe does call for sugar, but I usually just leave it out.
10. Polish Kutia (Wheat Berry Pudding)
Kutia is such a popular Christmas pudding. You can pretty much guarantee it will be on the table on Christmas Eve. It’s this sweet and savory combination of wheat berries, dried fruits, and nuts.
The poppy seeds are a great touch; they mix with half-and-half to help thicken the pudding. I love that this makes it a bit more creamy, but you can totally substitute non-dairy milk, too.
11. Ryba Po Grecku (Polish “Greek-style” Fish)
I just think every Polish Christmas table needs this dish. It’s such an elegant meal. It features a firm white fish and root veggies, all with a tomato paste coating.
You’ll want to use a firm fish for this, like cod or haddock. While pollock is super popular in Poland, it’s more delicate and soft. So if you go that route, just be careful not to overcook it.
12. Polish Christmas Fruit Cake
I’ll be honest, there was always something about Christmas fruit cake that felt a little off-putting to me. And then I tried the Polish version and just fell in love.
It’s soft and subtly sweet, with a great blend of dried fruits and nuts for the filling. You could serve this all by itself, or you can go with the Polish tradition and offer it with a bunch of other dessert options.
13. Grandma’s Golumpki (Stuffed Polish Cabbage)
Cabbage is such a common ingredient, you’ll see it in all the best Polish recipes. I have a few favorites, but this one is just perfect for a holiday feast.
It’s a homey recipe that comes straight from a grandmother’s kitchen, so you just know it’s going to be amazing. It involves boiling cabbage leaves and stuffing them with a savory mix of ground beef, pork, and rice.
Now, I know I mentioned red meat isn’t usually on the Christmas Eve menu, but this one is just too good to pass up! I say, just bust it out the next day.
14. Traditional Polish Shredded Beets Salad (Buraczki)
Warm or cold, this beet salad is a holiday must-have. It needs minimal ingredients and is so simple to whip up. You’ll want to spruce up the beets with an acidic base to give them more flavor.
I’m a fan of using balsamic or red wine vinegar, but lemon juice also works. If you’re serving this warm, you can skip the vinegar and serve it with thickened hot butter instead. Yum.
15. Christmas Fried Carp
Whether you’re doing the full 12 dishes or just want a few amazing recipes, I think fried carp needs to be high on your list. These carp have a light coating that gives them a really nice crunchy texture.
For seasoning, you can keep it simple. Just a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper is all you need.
16. Polish Kolaczki Cookies
While the savory dishes are great, the Polish sweets are definitely something to write home about. Like these kolaczki cookies. Oh my. These creamy, buttery cookies are an extra special Christmas treat.
They have cream cheese right in the dough and use canned fruit for the filling. I think jams and jellies would also work really well. No matter what, you’ll want to polish these off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
17. Polish Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)
Christmas desserts shouldn’t just taste good; they need to look stunning, too. And that’s why I just love this Polish roll.
Sweet, buttery dough gets smothered in a poppy seed spread that’s texturized with eggs. Then, for the final touch, there’s a powdered citrus sugar glaze. Just beautiful.
18. Homemade Kluski Egg Noodles
When you think of egg noodles, you might just be thinking of Asian cuisine. But you can find them in Poland, too! This dish needs only five ingredients, and you can have it ready to serve in just 30 minutes.
You can top them with extra ingredients if you want, but honestly, they taste grand with just a coating of butter and a sprinkle of salt.