10+ Czech Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Czech cuisine offers a delightful blend of flavors and traditions that reflect the rich culture of the region. Exploring these recipes can introduce you to hearty meals that are both comforting and satisfying.

From savory dishes like goulash to sweet treats like trdelník, you’ll find a variety of delicious options to try in your kitchen. These recipes are not only easy to follow but also allow you to share a taste of Czech history with your family and friends.

1) Apple Strudel

Czech apple strudel is a delightful dessert that combines thin, flaky pastry with a sweet apple filling. It often includes raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Making strudel can be a fun and rewarding experience in the kitchen.

To start, you’ll need to prepare your dough. Stretch it out until it’s very thin, then add your filling. Roll it up carefully and place it on a baking sheet.

Bake the strudel in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) until it’s golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar!

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 grams) flour
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) warm water
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, water, egg, and butter to form the dough.
2. Roll out the dough thinly.
3. Mix apples, sugar, raisins, and cinnamon.
4. Spread the filling on the dough.
5. Roll the dough to seal the filling.
6. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.

2) Czech Bublanina Cake

Bublanina is a delightful Czech cake that’s perfect for summer. It’s a light and fluffy dessert topped with seasonal fruits, making it a tasty treat. You can use berries, cherries, or any fruit you like.

To make Bublanina, you’ll enjoy a simple mixing process. The cake batter is easy to whip up and only takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Bake it at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes until it’s golden.

This cake is great for gatherings or just a family dessert. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Seasonal fruits (like cherries or berries)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix flour and baking powder together in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add milk, oil, and the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Stir well.
5. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and top with fruit.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!

3) Bohemian Dumplings

Bohemian dumplings, also known as “knedlíky,” are soft, fluffy dumplings enjoyed in Czech cuisine. They are often served as a side dish with meats and gravies.

To make these dumplings, you need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add bread cubes to give them a nice texture.

These dumplings are typically steamed or boiled. They can be sliced and enjoyed with your favorite sauce or gravy, adding a comforting touch to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup bread cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough until smooth.
4. Incorporate the bread cubes gently.
5. Shape the dough into a log and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
6. Boil water in a large pot.
7. Gently place the dumpling log into the boiling water.
8. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning once.
9. Remove and let cool slightly before slicing.

4) Svíčková na Smetaně (Beef in Cream Sauce)

Svíčková is a beloved Czech dish. It features tender beef cooked in a rich cream sauce. This dish is often served with bread dumplings, making it a perfect meal for special occasions.

The sauce is made from root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and celery. These ingredients add flavor and depth. Heavy cream gives it a creamy texture that complements the beef nicely.

To make this dish, you will need to braise the beef with bacon and a mix of herbs. The result is a savory and satisfying meal that you will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds (1.1 kg) sirloin or tenderloin
• 4 slices of bacon
• 2 carrots
• 1 parsnip
• 1 onion
• 1 celery root
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the beef into chunks and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the bacon in a pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Add chopped vegetables to the pot and sauté until softened.
4. Return the bacon and beef to the pot.
5. Add water to cover the beef. Simmer on low for about 2 hours.
6. Once the beef is tender, remove it and whisk in the heavy cream.
7. Serve the beef with the sauce over bread dumplings.

5) Czech Roast Pork (Vepřo knedlo zelo)

Czech roast pork, known as Vepřo knedlo zelo, is a beloved dish in Czech cuisine. It features tender roasted pork served with flavorful dumplings and tangy sauerkraut.

To make this dish, start with a good cut of pork, such as the shoulder. Roast it slowly to keep it juicy and delicious. The dumplings, or knedlíky, are made from bread and are perfect for soaking up the gravy.

Serve everything warm on a plate, pouring the rich gravy over the pork and dumplings. This meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) pork shoulder
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups (240 g) sauerkraut, drained
• 2 cups (240 g) bread dumplings
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the pork with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the pork on all sides.
4. Add chopped onion and water, then cover and roast for about 2 hours.
5. Cook the dumplings according to package instructions.
6. Serve the pork with dumplings and sauerkraut on the side. Enjoy!

6) Koláče (Czech Pastry)

Koláče are delicious Czech pastries made from sweet yeast dough. They are typically filled with fruits, poppy seeds, or cream cheese. This treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

To make Koláče, you will need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast. The dough creates a soft texture, while the fillings add a burst of flavor.

Enjoying Koláče fresh from the oven is a true delight. Serve them warm or allow them to cool, then share them with friends and family!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Fruit jam or cream cheese filling

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine flour and sugar.
3. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to flour. Mix until dough forms.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Shape dough into small circles and place on a baking sheet.
6. Fill each with your choice of filling.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

7) Czech Garlic Soup (Česnečka)

Czech Garlic Soup, known as Česnečka, is a warm and comforting dish. It’s commonly enjoyed for its rich flavor and simple ingredients.

You start with a base of chicken broth and add potatoes for heartiness. Fresh garlic is the star, giving the soup its distinct taste. Dried marjoram adds a special touch.

This soup is often called “hangover soup” because many believe it helps cure ailments like colds and hangovers. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for any day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and marjoram. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

8) Czech Potato Pancakes (Bramboráky)

Czech potato pancakes, known as bramboráky, are a delicious and crispy treat. They are made from raw, shredded potatoes mixed with garlic and herbs like marjoram.

You can enjoy them as a snack or a side dish. The unique flavor comes from ingredients like caraway seeds and garlic. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 pinch dried marjoram (optional)
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour (as needed for binding)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and grate the potatoes into a bowl.
2. Add the crushed garlic, caraway seeds, and marjoram to the potatoes.
3. Mix in the eggs, salt, and pepper. Add flour to bind.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (375°F or 190°C).
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
6. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

9) Moravian Sparrow (Moravský Vrabec)

Moravian Sparrow is a traditional Czech dish. It features tender pieces of pork that create a flavorful meal. This dish typically includes pork belly and shoulder, giving it a rich taste.

You will enjoy the mix of garlic, onions, and caraway seeds, which add depth to the flavors. The cooking process slow-roasts the pork, making it juicy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.3 lb (600 g) pork thigh
• 10.5 oz (300 g) onions
• 6 cloves garlic
• 0.25 tsp crushed cumin
• 0.25 tsp salt
• ¾ cup water
• Caraway seeds to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the pork into chunks.
3. Season the pork with salt, cumin, and caraway seeds.
4. Add the chopped onions and garlic.
5. Pour in water and cover the dish.
6. Bake for 1.5 hours, checking occasionally.

10) Kulajda (Czech Mushroom Soup)

Kulajda is a delicious Czech mushroom soup that blends creamy potatoes with flavorful mushrooms and dill. This soup has a unique sweet and sour taste that makes it special.

To make Kulajda, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Its creamy texture is usually enhanced with a splash of cream, while eggs are often added for richness. You can prepare this warming dish in about 30 minutes.

If you’re in the mood for something cozy and hearty, Kulajda is perfect. Serve it as a starter or a main dish, and enjoy its comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 medium potatoes (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the onion in a pot until soft.
2. Then, add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes and vegetable broth.
4. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
5. Mix in the cream and dill.
6. If using, whisk in the egg just before serving.
7. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.