Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the inviting aroma of sautéed onions wafted through the air, instantly bringing back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Potato Knishes, golden pastries that are as comforting as they are delicious. With their flaky dough encasing perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes, these lovely knishes are not only a budget-friendly option but also incredibly make-ahead friendly—perfect for those busy weeks! But don’t let their simple ingredients fool you; these delightful pastries can be customized with variations like spinach or mushrooms, allowing you to let your culinary creativity shine. Are you ready to dive into a world of flavor and nostalgia? Let’s make some knishes! Why Are Potato Knishes So Special? Comforting and nostalgic, Potato Knishes fill your home with delightful aromas, making them an instant crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. Versatile by nature, these pastries allow you to experiment with fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or even sweet options, perfect for any palate. Easy to make and budget-friendly, they are a fantastic way to elevate your meal prep. Plus, you can easily freeze them for a later treat! Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream or alongside a comforting soup like Potato Soup Comfort for a complete meal. Potato Knishes Ingredients • Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Potato Knishes! For the Dough Flour – Provides structure to your knish dough; for gluten-free, try using 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Oil (or Butter) – Ensures flakiness; substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor, or olive oil for a lighter touch. Eggs – Binds the dough together; replace with a flaxseed egg for an egg-free version. For the Filling Yukon Gold Potatoes – The stars of the filling; they deliver a buttery flavor and creamy texture. If unavailable, feel free to use Russet potatoes. Onions – Sauté to add sweetness in the filling; shallots can also be a flavorful alternative. Seasonings (Salt, Pepper) – Amplifies the filling’s taste; adjust to suit your personal preference. Remember, these ingredients allow you to create comforting Potato Knishes perfect for any occasion! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Potato Knishes Step 1: Prep Dough In a mixing bowl, combine flour and oil (or melted butter) until well-blended. Add a beaten egg and enough water to form a soft dough, mixing until smooth. Once the dough forms, it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes on the counter to relax the gluten, ensuring a flaky texture. Step 2: Chill Dough After resting, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that light, flaky texture in your Potato Knishes. While the dough chills, you can prepare the filling, ensuring everything is ready when you’re ready to assemble. Step 3: Cook Filling Peel and chop Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks, then boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Meanwhile, in a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until they are golden and caramelized. Drain the potatoes, mash them, and mix with the sautéed onions, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Step 4: Roll Dough Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to create thin sheets, aim for about 1/8 inch thick. The dough should be smooth and pliable; if it cracks, let it rest for a few minutes. Set aside the rolled sheets, keeping them lightly floured to prevent sticking. Step 5: Fill Knishes Cut the rolled dough into squares measuring about 4×4 inches. Place a generous spoonful of the potato and onion filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, sealing the edges by pressing gently with a fork or your fingers to ensure they are secure. Step 6: Egg Wash Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an egg wash by whisking another egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of your assembled Potato Knishes with the egg wash using a pastry brush. This will provide a beautiful golden-brown color once baked. Step 7: Bake Arrange the knishes on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for even cooking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky, puffing slightly as they bake. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t over-brown. Make Ahead Options These Potato Knishes are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions through the chilling stage and refrigerate the dough wrapped in plastic. The filling can also be made ahead; just refrigerate it after cooking, ensuring it’s completely cool to avoid moisture buildup. When it’s time to enjoy your knishes, roll out the dough, fill, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have golden-brown, flaky Potato Knishes that are just as delicious as if they were made fresh! What to Serve with Flaky Potato Knishes? Warm, crisp Potato Knishes bring joy and flavor to the table, and pairing them thoughtfully can elevate your meal even further. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture complements the flaky knishes, creating a potato lover’s dream feast. Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the knishes. Spicy Mustard: A tangy mustard adds a delightful zing, enhancing the savory filling and inviting a delightful kick to every bite. Pickled Vegetables: Bright and tangy pickles cut through the richness, offering a burst of flavor that keeps your palate excited. Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup makes a cozy pairing, the smooth texture harmonizing beautifully with the crispy knishes. Apple Sauce: A sweet side of apple sauce provides a wonderful contrast, creating a perfect balance between savory and sweet. Herbed Yogurt Sauce: A cool, dill-infused yogurt sauce can add a lovely creaminess, perfect as a dip or a drizzle atop the knishes. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Serve with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea to refresh your palate alongside these comforting pastries. How to Store and Freeze Potato Knishes Fridge: Store leftover Potato Knishes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven to maintain their delightful crispiness. Freezer: Freeze unbaked Potato Knishes on a tray until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time for perfectly flaky results. Room Temperature: If you have any leftover baked knishes, they can be kept at room temperature for about 2 hours before needing refrigeration. Reheating: To reheat baked Potato Knishes, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Expert Tips for Potato Knishes Perfectly Sautéed Onions: Use a hot skillet to achieve beautifully caramelized onions, adding depth to your filling without burning them. Dough Handling: Avoid overworking the dough when mixing and rolling; this keeps it light and flaky, essential for delicious Potato Knishes. Sealing Edges: Make sure to seal your knishes well to prevent leaking during baking. Use a fork or pinch with fingers for a tight closure. Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough; it helps create that sought-after flaky texture and makes rolling much easier. Freezing Tips: For meal prep, freeze unbaked knishes on a tray, then store them in a bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 10 minutes to the cook time. Potato Knishes: Customization Ideas Feel free to play around with these delightful variations to suit your taste and what you have on hand! Spinach-Feta: Mix in sautéed spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist. This adds a burst of flavor and a lovely color to your filling. Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms with a hint of garlic for an earthy flavor. This filling not only enhances the taste but also adds a lovely depth of richness. Mini Knishes: Cut the dough into smaller squares for bite-sized versions. Perfect for parties or quick snacks that everyone will love! Sweet Variations: Try filling your knishes with sweetened mashed sweet potatoes or even chocolate for a dessert twist. It’s a fun departure from the traditional savory approach. Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into the filling to personalize the flavor profile. It elevates the taste and brings freshness. Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella to the potato filling for a gooey, melty surprise that’ll delight the cheese lovers at your table. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. It’s an excellent way to build excitement if you love a little heat. Garlic Butter Drizzle: After baking, brush your knishes with garlic-infused melted butter for added richness. Pair it with a side of spicy mustard, or enjoy them alongside Garlic Parmesan Sweet potato wedges for a comforting meal. No matter how you choose to customize your Potato Knishes, you’re sure to create a comforting dish that’s uniquely yours! Potato Knishes Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes work best for the filling? Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for the filling due to their buttery flavor and smooth texture. If you can’t find them, Russet potatoes make a fine substitute. Their starchiness will still yield a delightful filling. How should I store leftover Potato Knishes? To keep your knishes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend using a toaster oven to reheat, as this helps restore their delightful crispiness. Can I freeze Potato Knishes, and if so, how? Very much so! You can freeze unbaked Potato Knishes by placing them on a tray to firm up for about an hour, then transferring them to a resealable bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake them, simply add 10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from frozen! How do I avoid a soggy bottom on my knishes? To prevent sogginess, ensure your filling has cooled before wrapping. Drier fillings work best. Plus, I suggest baking on a lined tray and avoiding overcrowding, which can cause steam and moisture to linger. Are Potato Knishes suitable for vegetarians? Yes! Potato Knishes are inherently vegetarian since they use simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and flour. You can also customize your fillings to keep them aligned with vegetarian dietary preferences, like adding in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added flavor! Savory Potato Knishes: Comfort Food You Can Customize Delicious and comforting Potato Knishes, customizable and perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 40 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 knishesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Eastern European, JewishCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups Flour For gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.1/2 cup Oil (or Butter) For a richer flavor, substitute with melted butter.1 large Eggs Replace with a flaxseed egg for an egg-free version.For the Filling4 large Yukon Gold Potatoes Russet potatoes can be used if Yukon Gold is unavailable.1 large Onions Shallots can also be a flavorful alternative.to taste Seasonings (Salt, Pepper) Adjust to suit your personal preference. Equipment Mixing BowlSkilletRolling PinBaking Sheetplastic wrapPastry Brush Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine flour and oil (or melted butter) until well-blended. Add a beaten egg and enough water to form a soft dough, mixing until smooth. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks, then boil in salted water for about 15 minutes. Sauté onions until golden and caramelized.Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.Cut the rolled dough into 4x4 inch squares, fill with potato and onion mixture and seal the edges.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the knishes with an egg wash.Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Nutrition Serving: 1knishCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg NotesServe warm with sour cream or alongside potato soup for a complete meal. These knishes freeze well before baking and can be baked straight from the freezer. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!