15+ Czech Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Home

Czech cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors and traditions that can brighten any meal. Learning to make Czech recipes can bring a taste of this vibrant culture into your kitchen. From sweet pastries to hearty main courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Exploring these recipes not only lets you experience new tastes but also connects you to the warmth of Czech hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these dishes are sure to inspire your culinary journey.

1) Apple Strudel

Apple strudel is a classic Czech dessert that is both delicious and comforting. It features a flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples and raisins. This dish is perfect for any occasion.

To make apple strudel, you start with a dough that is stretched thin. You then fill it with a mixture of shredded apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins for added texture and flavor.

Baking the strudel gives it a lovely golden color and a crispy texture that complements the soft filling. Serve it warm, often with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 package of strudel dough or puff pastry
• 5 medium apples, peeled and shredded
• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter for brushing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll the dough onto a floured surface until thin.
3. Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, breadcrumbs, and raisins in a bowl.
4. Spoon the mixture onto the dough, leaving space at the edges.
5. Roll the dough around the filling and seal the edges.
6. Place on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

2) Czech Bublanina Cake

Czech Bublanina Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake features a light, fluffy texture with fresh seasonal fruits that burst with flavor.

You can make Bublanina easily in one bowl, which saves time on clean-up. It’s a versatile cake, and you can use whatever fruit you have on hand. Common choices include cherries, plums, or berries.

This cake is baked in a sheet pan, making it great for sharing. Once cooled, it’s perfect with coffee or as a light dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (115g) melted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit of your choice (about 2 cups)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan.
5. Scatter fresh fruit on top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving. Enjoy!

3) Czech Babovka

Czech Babovka is a beloved baked treat. This marble cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll often find it enjoyed with coffee or tea.

To make Babovka, you will need a few simple ingredients. It combines flour, sugar, eggs, and milk for a rich flavor. Sometimes, it includes cocoa powder for a lovely chocolate swirl.

Babovka can be made in a Bundt pan, giving it a lovely shape. The cake turns out moist and tender, with a delightful texture.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup oil
• Optional: cocoa powder for marbling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix eggs and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add milk and oil, then combine well.
4. Mix in flour and baking powder.
5. Pour half the batter into a pan, add cocoa powder to the other half, and swirl it.
6. Bake for about 40-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done. Enjoy!

4) Knedlíky (Czech Dumplings)

Knedlíky are traditional Czech dumplings. They are soft, fluffy, and made from a simple yeast dough. You can enjoy them as a side dish with sauces or meats.

To make knedlíky, you’ll start with flour, warm milk, yeast, and salt. Bread cubes are often added for extra texture. After mixing the dough, shape it into a cylinder and boil or steam until cooked.

These dumplings pair well with many Czech dishes. They soak up flavors and enhance your meal experience.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (600 g) flour
• 1 cup (250 ml) warm milk (105°F/40°C)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Bread cubes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt in another bowl.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix well.
4. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise for about an hour.
5. Shape into a cylinder and let it rest.
6. Boil water in a pot and drop in the dumpling. Cook for about 20 minutes.
7. Slice and serve with your favorite dish.

5) Zelí (Czech Sauerkraut)

Zelí, or Czech sauerkraut, is a traditional dish that adds a tangy flavor to many meals. It pairs well with meats like pork and can be enjoyed in various ways.

Making sauerkraut at home is simple. You only need a few ingredients and some patience while it ferments. The crunchiness and sour taste make it a favorite.

To use sauerkraut, you can cook it with meats, or serve it alongside dumplings. It’s also a common ingredient in soups, adding depth to the flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium heads of cabbage
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• Optional seasonings (caraway seeds, juniper berries)

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage finely.
2. In a large bowl, mix cabbage with salt.
3. Pack the mixture tightly into a fermentation jar.
4. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 1-4 weeks.
5. Taste periodically until it reaches your desired sourness.

6) Czech Goulash (Cesky Gulas)

Czech goulash, known as Cesky Gulas, is a hearty stew that’s perfect for any meal. It features beef, onions, and delicious spices that bring a warm flavor.

To make this dish, start with cubed beef and onions. Cooking them well before adding spices enhances the taste. Key seasonings include sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and bay leaves.

Serve your goulash hot, traditionally with dumplings or fresh bread. This meal is comforting and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef (cubed)
• 2 large onions (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef broth or water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until they are soft.
3. Stir in sweet paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth or water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.

7) Czech Potato Pancakes (Bramboráky)

Czech potato pancakes, known as bramboráky, are delicious, crispy treats. They are made from raw, shredded potatoes mixed with garlic and herbs. This dish is simple to make and perfect for any meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need potatoes, garlic, and some spices like marjoram and caraway seeds. You can also add eggs and flour for a better texture.

Now, let’s cook! Peel and grate the potatoes. Mix in the pressed garlic and any herbs you like. Then, combine the eggs and flour with the potato mixture.

Fry the pancakes in a pan with hot oil at around 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 pinch dried marjoram (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. Peel and grate the potatoes.
2. Mix in crushed garlic and herbs.
3. Combine eggs and flour in the potato mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry pancakes until golden brown.
6. Serve hot.

8) Czech Bread Dumplings (Houskové Knedlíky)

Czech bread dumplings, or Houskové knedlíky, are soft and delicious. They are often served with rich gravies or meaty dishes. Making these dumplings is a rewarding process.

To prepare them, you’ll mix flour, liquid, eggs, yeast, salt, and bread cubes. Shape the dough into a cylinder, then boil or steam until cooked through. They become fluffy and are perfect for soaking up sauces.

These dumplings are a staple in Czech cuisine and bring comfort to any meal. You’ll love how they complement your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 3.25 cups (425g) flour
• 1.5 cups (210g) water or milk
• 1 egg
• 1 packet (7g) yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• Bread cubes (about 2 cups)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add liquid and beaten egg, then knead the dough.
3. Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Shape the dough into a cylinder.
5. Boil water in a pot.
6. Place the dumplings in the pot and cook for 20 minutes.
7. Remove, slice, and serve warm.

9) Czech Garlic Soup (Česnečka)

Czech Garlic Soup, or Česnečka, is a warm and comforting dish. It is simple to make and is known for its strong garlic flavor. This soup often helps soothe colds and is a favorite in Czech homes.

The main ingredients include chicken broth, potatoes, and fresh garlic. You can also add dried marjoram for a nice touch of flavor. Some people call it “hangover soup” because of its hearty qualities.

This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. You can enjoy it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: bacon fat or sautéed bacon

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and marjoram. Cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, optionally adding bacon for extra flavor.

10) Czech Fruit Dumplings (Ovocné Knedlíky)

Czech fruit dumplings are a delightful treat. They are made from yeast dough filled with fresh fruit. Common choices include strawberries, plums, and apricots.

To create this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The soft, fluffy texture of the dumplings pairs perfectly with the sweet fruit inside. They can be served as a dessert or a delicious main dish.

These dumplings are a fun project to make at home. Boiling them in water gives them a unique texture. Once they’re cooked, you can enjoy them warm, often with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or Tvaroh
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• Fruit of your choice (strawberries, plums, apricots)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and ricotta in a large bowl.
3. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough until smooth.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. Divide the dough into pieces and wrap around the fruit.
6. Boil in salted water for about 10 minutes.
7. Serve warm with sugar or cream. Enjoy!

11) Czech Roast Pork with Dumplings and Sauerkraut (Vepřo Knedlo Zelo)

Czech roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, known as Vepřo Knedlo Zelo, is a beloved comfort food. This dish features tender roast pork served with fluffy bread dumplings and tangy sauerkraut. It’s a staple of Czech cuisine.

You will want to start by roasting the pork to perfection. It is typically seasoned with spices such as garlic and caraway seeds for a nice flavor. The dumplings, called knedlíky, are made from bread or potato.

Next, prepare the sauerkraut, which adds a deliciously sour contrast to the meat. This dish is often served with a rich sauce made from the pork drippings. It’s perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) pork shoulder
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 4 cups (240 g) bread, cubed (for dumplings)
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups (960 ml) sauerkraut

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season pork with caraway seeds and garlic.
3. Roast pork in the oven for 2 hours, basting occasionally.
4. Boil water and add bread to make dumplings.
5. Cook dumplings in simmering water for about 25 minutes.
6. Sauté onion and add sauerkraut to warm it through.
7. Slice pork and serve with dumplings and sauerkraut.

12) Czech Kolache

Czech kolache are delightful pastries filled with sweet ingredients. You can find them filled with fruit, poppy seeds, or cream cheese. They have a soft, yeast-based dough that makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Making kolache is a fun process. Start by preparing the dough and letting it rise until it doubles in size. Then, shape the dough into rounds and add your favorite filling in the center.

Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re golden brown. These treats are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• Filling of your choice (fruit, poppy seeds, or cream cheese)

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast in it.
2. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add the melted butter and egg to the dry mix.
4. Combine everything and knead until smooth.
5. Let it rise for about 1 hour.
6. Shape into rounds and add filling.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

13) Czech Beef with Cream Sauce (Svíčková na smetaně)

Czech Beef with Cream Sauce, known as Svíčková na smetaně, is a classic dish. It features tender beef served in a rich, creamy sauce made from root vegetables.

You start by cooking beef sirloin with a blend of carrots, celery, and onions. Once the meat is tender, you blend the cooked vegetables into a smooth sauce. Then, heavy cream is added to give it that signature richness.

It’s often served with bread dumplings on the side, soaking up the delicious sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for a family gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds (1.1 kg) beef sirloin
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 carrots
• 1 celery root
• 1 onion
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
3. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
5. Sauté until softened.
6. Return the beef to the pot with vegetables.
7. Add water to cover the beef and simmer for about 2 hours.
8. Once tender, remove the meat and let it rest.
9. Blend the vegetable mixture until smooth.
10. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper.
11. Slice the beef and serve it with the sauce and dumplings.

14) Czech Caraway Bread

Czech Caraway Bread is a loved staple in Czech cuisine. Its unique flavor comes from caraway seeds, which add a delicious twist to the bread. The mix of wheat and rye flour gives it a hearty texture.

To make this bread, you’ll enjoy the process of kneading and shaping the dough. Baking it fills your home with an amazing aroma. Enjoy it fresh with butter or as a side to your meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) rye flour
• 2 cups (240g) wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the rye and wheat flours, caraway seeds, and salt.
2. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
3. Combine both mixtures and knead until smooth.
4. Let the dough rise for about an hour until doubled.
5. Shape the dough and place it on a baking sheet.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes.

15) Czech Liver Dumpling Soup (Játrová polévka)

Czech Liver Dumpling Soup, known as Játrová polévka, is a comforting and hearty dish. It features savory liver dumplings that add rich flavor to a simple broth. This soup is popular in Czech cuisine and often enjoyed during chilly days.

To make this dish, you start by preparing a clear broth, usually from beef or chicken. The liver dumplings are made from ground liver mixed with bread and spices, then boiled in the broth until cooked through.

The dumplings float to the top, creating a delicious pairing with the broth. This soup is perfect for warming you up and satisfying your hunger.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef neck bones or chicken bones
• 1 pound calf liver, ground
• 100 grams day-old bread, soaked in milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the beef or chicken bones for the broth in a large pot.
2. Remove the bones and strain the broth.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground liver, soaked bread, onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Form small dumplings from the mixture.
5. Bring the broth back to a boil and add the dumplings.
6. Cook until they float, about 10 minutes. Enjoy!