As a chef who has spent countless hours in the kitchen perfecting these traditional dishes, I’m thrilled to share 40 of my favorite recipes with you.
Each one tells a story of rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and the comforting warmth of Czech home cooking.
From savory meats and creamy sauces to sweet pastries and delicate soups, these recipes offer a taste of Czech heritage that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to these dishes, you’ll find each recipe easy to follow and rewarding to make.
1. Beef Sirloin in Cream Sauce
Imagine slow-cooked beef sirloin marinated in a tangy vinegar-based mixture, then simmered with root vegetables like carrots, celery, and parsley.
The rich sauce is made from vegetables and beef drippings, thickened with heavy cream and a touch of flour.
Serve this with a side of bread dumplings to soak up every bit of the velvety sauce.
It’s a hearty meal, rich in protein and iron, perfect for chilly evenings.
2. Vepřo Knedlo Zelo
Roast pork is seasoned with garlic and caraway seeds, then baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
The dumplings, made from flour, eggs, and milk, are light and fluffy, perfect for absorbing the juices from the pork.
Sauerkraut provides a tangy contrast, packed with probiotics for gut health.
This traditional meal is a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
3. Bramboráky (Potato Pancakes)
These crispy potato pancakes are made with grated potatoes, flour, eggs, and seasoned with garlic and marjoram.
Fried until golden brown, they are a deliciously savory treat.
They are often served with a side of sauerkraut or as a complement to meat dishes.
They are a great source of carbohydrates and vitamin C from the potatoes.
4. Kulajda (Creamy Mushroom Soup)
Kulajda is a creamy mushroom soup with potatoes, dill, and a poached egg on top.
The earthy flavor of wild mushrooms blends beautifully with the tanginess of sour cream and the freshness of dill.
It’s a nourishing and hearty soup, rich in vitamins and minerals from the mushrooms and potatoes, making it a perfect starter or light meal.
5. Smažený Sýr (Fried Cheese)
Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-breaded cheese that’s perfectly melted inside.
Smažený sýr is typically made with Edam or Gouda, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection.
They are served with tartar sauce and a side of fries or salad, this is a favorite comfort food.
It’s indulgent, rich in calcium, and irresistible.
6. Česnečka (Garlic Soup)
This simple yet flavorful garlic soup is a lifesaver during cold seasons.
They are made with a generous amount of garlic, potatoes, and sometimes topped with a poached egg or croutons,
Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, making this soup not just delicious but also beneficial for your health.
7. Guláš (Goulash)
Czech goulash is a thick, hearty stew made with beef, onions, and a generous amount of paprika.
Slow-cooked to tender perfection, it’s served with bread dumplings or rye bread.
The dish is packed with protein and iron from the beef and has a comforting warmth from the spices, making it a favorite during the colder months.
8. Rajská Omáčka (Tomato Sauce with Beef)
Rajská omáčka features tender pieces of beef simmered in a slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce.
It is then seasoned with cinnamon, bay leaves, and a touch of sugar.
It’s often served with bread dumplings.
The combination of lycopene-rich tomatoes and lean beef provides a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to cook.
9. Pečená Kachna (Roast Duck)
Roast duck is seasoned with marjoram, salt, and caraway seeds, then slow-roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy.
It’s traditionally served with red cabbage and bread or potato dumplings.
Duck meat is rich in iron and B vitamins, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
10. Moravský Vrabec (Moravian Sparrow)
Despite its name, this dish is made from tender pork shoulder, marinated and roasted with garlic and caraway seeds.
The succulent pork provides a good source of protein, while the sauerkraut adds a healthy dose of probiotics, aiding in digestion.
11. Hovězí na Houbách (Beef with Mushrooms)
This dish features succulent beef simmered with an array of wild mushrooms, onions, and garlic, creating a rich and earthy flavor profile.
The mushrooms add a depth of umami while also being a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Serve this with a side of mashed potatoes or dumplings for a hearty and nutritious meal.
12. Rybí Polévka (Fish Soup)
A staple during Christmas, this fish soup is made from carp and root vegetables.
The broth is light and provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids from the fish.
It’s a warming dish, that’s perfect for the winter season.
13. Czech Crepes
These thin, delicate crepes can be served with sweet fillings like jam, fruits, or Nutella.
They are made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, they’re versatile and easy to prepare.
Palačinky is a delightful breakfast or dessert option.
14. Zelňačka (Cabbage Soup)
Zelňačka is a hearty cabbage soup with a smoky flavor, thanks to the addition of smoked sausage or bacon.
It also includes potatoes and a touch of sour cream.
Cabbage is rich in vitamins K and C, making this soup not only delicious but also very nutritious.
15. Knedlíky (Dumplings)
These bread dumplings are a staple in Czech cuisine, often served alongside meats and sauces.
They are made from flour, eggs, and milk, then boiled and sliced into rounds.
Knedlíky is excellent for soaking up rich gravies and sauces.
16. Závitky (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Cabbage leaves are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
This dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome and filling meal.
17. Ham and Noodle Casserole
This comforting casserole combines noodles, diced ham, eggs, and cream.
It’s a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for a family meal.
The ham provides a good source of protein, while the noodles offer carbohydrates for energy.
18. Carp in Black Sauce
Carp is simmered in a sauce made from gingerbread, dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
This unique dish is traditionally served during Christmas.
Carp is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the sauce is packed with flavors from the festive ingredients.
19. Buchty (Sweet Buns)
These sweet buns are filled with various fillings like poppy seeds, jam, or cottage cheese.
They’re soft and fluffy and perfect for a breakfast treat or a snack.
Buchty is a delightful way to enjoy a touch of sweetness, providing carbohydrates and a bit of protein from the filling.
20. Koláče (Kolache)
Koláče are sweet pastries filled with fruit, poppy seed, or cheese, and often topped with a streusel.
They are a beloved treat, perfect for dessert or breakfast.
The dough is light and slightly sweet, while the filling adds a burst of flavor.
These pastries are a delightful indulgence and a staple in Czech baking.
21. Bread Dumplings
These classic bread dumplings are made with flour, yeast, milk, and cubed bread, then boiled until firm.
They are a perfect side dish to soak up sauces from hearty meat dishes.
Bread dumplings are a comforting and filling component, adding a satisfying texture and flavor to meals.
22. Fried Hermelín Cheese
Hermelín cheese is similar to Camembert.
It is breaded and fried until crispy on the outside and melted inside.
They can be served with tartar sauce and bread, it’s a decadent treat.
Rich in calcium and protein, this dish is a delightful indulgence, perfect for cheese lovers.
23. Jitrnice (Liver Sausage)
Jitrnice is a traditional sausage made from pork liver, rice, and various spices.
It’s usually boiled and served with sauerkraut and bread.
The liver provides a rich source of iron and vitamins, making this sausage both flavorful and nutritious.
It’s a hearty and traditional dish, perfect for those who enjoy robust flavors.
24. Mushroom Barley
This dish combines barley with wild mushrooms, garlic, and marjoram.
It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s rich in fiber and vitamins from the mushrooms and barley.
25. Vánočka (Christmas Bread)
Vánočka is a sweet, braided bread traditionally made for Christmas.
It’s enriched with butter, eggs, raisins, and almonds, creating a soft and slightly sweet loaf.
This bread is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients from the dried fruits and nuts.
26. Vdolečky (Sweet Fried Cakes)
These sweet fried cakes are similar to doughnuts, often topped with jam and powdered sugar.
They are light and fluffy, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Vdolečky is a delightful treat, offering a bit of indulgence and sweetness.
27. Rohlíky (Czech Bread Rolls)
Rohlíky are soft, crescent-shaped bread rolls that are a staple in Czech households.
They are perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and stews.
They are made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, and milk, and they are a good source of carbohydrates.
28. Koprová Omáčka (Dill Sauce)
This creamy dill sauce is made with a base of flour, butter, and milk, then seasoned with fresh dill and vinegar.
It’s typically served over boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.
The fresh dill adds a vibrant flavor, while the sauce is rich and creamy, providing a comforting and flavorful dish.
29. Utopenci (Pickled Sausages)
Utopenci are sausages pickled in a mixture of vinegar, onions, and spices.
They are typically served as a snack or appetizer with bread and beer.
The pickling process gives the sausages a tangy and savory flavor, making them a unique and flavorful treat that’s also a good source of protein.
30. Fried Pork Schnitzel
This dish features thinly pounded pork, breaded and fried until golden and crispy.
It’s served with a side of potato salad or mashed potatoes.
The schnitzel is juicy and flavorful, with a satisfying crunch from the breading.
It’s a delicious and hearty meal, rich in protein, and perfect for a comforting dinner.
31. Chocolate Glaze
This luscious chocolate glaze is made with cocoa, sugar, and butter.
It is then melted together until smooth and glossy.
It’s perfect for drizzling over cakes, pastries, or cookies.
32. Trdelník (Chimney Cake)
Trdelník is a sweet pastry made from rolled dough, then wrapped around a stick and grilled until golden brown.
After that, it is then coated in sugar and nuts.
It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delightful combination of textures.
This treat is a popular street food, perfect for enjoying while exploring the city.
33. Poppy Seed Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is made with ground poppy seeds, flour, and eggs.
It is often sweetened with honey or sugar.
Poppy seeds are rich in calcium and magnesium, making this cake not only delicious but also nutritious.
It’s a perfect dessert or snack, offering a unique and delightful flavor.
34. Svítek (Savory Pancake)
Svítek is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and milk.
It’s baked until golden brown and can be served as a side dish to soups or stews.
This dish is simple yet flavorful, providing a good source of protein and carbohydrates.
35. Fish Skewers
These fish skewers are made with chunks of fresh fish, marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled until perfectly cooked.
They are light and flavorful, offering a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Serve them with a side of vegetables or salad for a healthy and delicious meal.
36. Fruit Dumplings
These sweet dumplings are made with a dough of flour and potatoes.
It is then filled with fresh fruit like plums or strawberries, and then boiled.
They are served with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar.
These dumplings are a delightful treat, offering a burst of fruity sweetness with every bite.
37. Zapečené Brambory (Baked Potatoes)
These baked potatoes are layered with cream, cheese, and sometimes ham or bacon, then baked until golden and bubbly.
They are rich and creamy, offering a satisfying and comforting dish.
Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins.
38. Christmas Eve Carp
Traditionally served on Christmas Eve, this dish features carp that is breaded and fried until golden.
It’s typically served with potato salad.
Carp is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this a nutritious meal.
39. Černá Omáčka (Black Sauce)
This unique sauce is made from a base of gingerbread, dried fruits, nuts, and spices, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile.
It’s traditionally served with meats like beef or pork.
The sauce is rich and flavorful, offering a complex taste that complements the savory meat perfectly.
It’s a delightful addition to any meal, adding a touch of festive flavor.
40. Kolínko (Pork Knuckle)
This hearty dish features a pork knuckle that’s slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
It’s typically served with sauerkraut and bread dumplings.
The pork knuckle is rich in protein and collagen, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
The crispy skin and tender meat create a delightful combination, perfect for a comforting dinner.
