If your grandma or mother used to stand in the kitchen for hours, rolling her handmade pastry or cooking borscht, then these 19 traditional Eastern Europe recipes are guaranteed to bring back memories. Get warm and fuzzy feelings with this collection of classic dishes from the region, ranging from hearty main courses to refreshing drinks and desserts. With traditional recipes from cuisines of Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Bosnian culinary heritage, home cooks can harken back to the forgotten family favorites, or discover new flavors and techniques from the diverse culinary heritage of Slavic and Balkan cultures.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a one-pan meal that takes about 1 hour to cook. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, ensuring it stays juicy and tender. Paired with potatoes, this dish is seasoned with herbs and garlic for a full-flavored experience. It’s a simple, rustic dish that’s packed with homestyle goodness.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov

For a fragrant and colorful meal, the jeweled vegetarian rice plov is a feast for the senses, ready in roughly 45 minutes. It features a mix of rice, carrots, and dried fruits, seasoned with a blend of Eastern spices. This dish is a vegetarian twist on a classic, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile. The plov is a staple in many Eastern European homes.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled vegetarian rice plov

Cold Bulgarian soup with kefir, cucumbers, dill, walnuts and feta

This cold Bulgarian soup is a refreshing summer dish, taking about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a blend of kefir, cucumbers, dill, walnuts, and feta, creating a unique, tangy taste. The soup is traditionally served chilled, making it perfect for hot days. The combination of textures from the creamy kefir to the crunchy walnuts is delightful.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian soup with kefir, cucumbers, dill, walnuts and feta

Bosnian Pita Pie

Bosnian Pita Pie is a savory, flaky pastry filled with a choice of meat, cheese, or vegetables, and takes about 1 hour to make. The layers of dough are hand-stretched thin, creating a delicate texture. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to various fillings, each offering a different taste experience. Pita pie is a beloved comfort food in Bosnia.
Get the Recipe: Bosnian Pita Pie

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty Polish dish, typically requiring about 2 hours to prepare. They consist of cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of meat and rice. The rolls are baked in a tomato-based sauce, which infuses them with flavor. This dish is both comforting and filling, with a balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cherry cobbler

This cherry cobbler combines the tartness of cherries with a sweet topping, ready in about 1 hour. This dessert swaps traditional flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring a treat everyone can enjoy. The cobbler has a rich, fruity filling and a crumbly crust that offers a contrast in textures. It’s a simple yet satisfying end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free cherry cobbler

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a vibrant beet soup, usually ready within 1.5 hours. This version is packed with vegetables and beans, making it a substantial meat-free option. The borscht is known for its deep red color and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It’s often served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a clear broth typically made in under 1 hour, featuring fresh fish, root vegetables, and herbs. This soup is light yet nourishing, with a delicate flavor that highlights the fish. Ukha has been a staple in Russian cuisine for centuries. It’s enjoyed for its simplicity and the way it warms you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

The perfect rice pilaf

The perfect rice pilaf is a versatile side dish ready in about 30 minutes. It’s made with rice, onions, and carrots, and can be customized with various spices. The pilaf is fluffy and aromatic, with each grain of rice perfectly separated. It’s a staple in many Eastern European households for its ease of preparation and adaptability to different meals.
Get the Recipe: The perfect rice pilaf

Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Sauteed cabbage with peppers is a quick and easy dish, often ready in 20 minutes. It combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the mild flavor of cabbage. This sauté is a common side dish, offering a light and crunchy texture. It’s a simple way to add vegetables to your meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Spiced cranberry mors

Spiced cranberry mors is a traditional drink that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s a sweet and tart beverage made from cranberries, with added spices for depth. The mors is both refreshing and comforting, especially when served warm. It’s a unique alternative to common fruit juices and is often enjoyed during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Spiced cranberry mors

Traditional Russian blintzes

Traditional Russian blintzes are thin pancakes filled with sweet or savory fillings, requiring about 1 hour to make. They are similar to French crepes and can be stuffed with cheese, fruit, or meat. Blintzes have a tender texture and are a beloved dish for any time of day. They’re often served rolled up and topped with sour cream or jam.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Russian blintzes

Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions is a hearty dish, ready in about 40 minutes. It’s made with earthy buckwheat groats, which are gluten-free and nutritious. The mushrooms and onions add a rich, savory flavor that complements the nuttiness of the kasha. This dish is a staple in Eastern European cuisine for its comforting taste and texture.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping are a delightful treat, taking about 35 minutes to bake. They’re packed with chunks of apple and tart cranberries. The streusel topping adds a sweet crunch to the soft muffin base. These muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Apple olive oil cake

Apple olive oil cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that takes about 1 hour to bake. Olive oil gives the cake a rich texture without overpowering the sweetness of the apples. This cake is a lighter alternative to traditional butter cakes. It’s often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Apple olive oil cake

Baked creamy salmon

Baked creamy salmon is a dish that requires about 30 minutes in the oven. It features salmon fillets in a rich and creamy sauce. The dish is known for its tender fish and luxurious taste. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked creamy salmon

homemade gefilte fish recipe with beet chrein

The homemade gefilte fish recipe with beet chrein is a traditional Jewish dish, taking about 2 hours to prepare. Gefilte fish is made from ground fish formed into patties or balls. It’s typically served with beet chrein, a spicy horseradish condiment. This dish is a classic at many festive meals and is known for its distinctive flavor.
Get the Recipe: homemade gefilte fish recipe with beet chrein

Mushroom leek pasta kugel

Mushroom leek pasta kugel is a baked noodle dish ready in about 1 hour. It combines pasta with a creamy mushroom and leek mixture. This kugel is a comfort food with a creamy texture and savory taste. It’s often served at gatherings or as a satisfying main course.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom leek pasta kugel

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish that can be prepared in just 10 minutes. It’s a mix of cucumbers, dill, and onions, dressed in a light vinaigrette. The salad is known for its crisp texture and tangy flavor. It’s a perfect accompaniment to heavier dishes or as a light meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad