Bryndzové Halušky so Slaninou – The Iconic Slovak Comfort Dish
Discover Slovakia's national dish! These potato dumplings with creamy bryndza cheese and crispy bacon are a must-try comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Slovak
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal
For the dumplings:
- 500 g potatoes, finely grated
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (optional, for extra firmness)
- 1 tsp salt
For the topping:
- 250 g bryndza cheese
- 100 g sour cream
- 150 g bacon, diced
Prepare the dumpling dough: Peel and grate the potatoes finely. Mix with flour, egg (if using), and salt to form a sticky dough.
Cook the dumplings: Drop small portions of the dough into boiling salted water using a spoon or a special halušky sieve. Cook until the dumplings float (about 3-5 minutes). Drain.
Prepare the topping: In a pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy.
Assemble the dish: Toss the hot dumplings with bryndza and sour cream until creamy. Top with crispy bacon and serve immediately.
Bryndzové Halušky so Slaninou, Slovakia's national dish, is a rich and hearty meal that perfectly captures the essence of Slovak cuisine. These tender potato dumplings, generously coated in creamy bryndza sheep cheese and topped with crispy golden bacon, offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed in a traditional mountain chalet (koliba) or homemade in your kitchen, this dish is a must-try for lovers of authentic Eastern European food!
What Makes Bryndzové Halušky Special?
While potato dumplings are common in Central and Eastern Europe, the magic of Bryndzové Halušky lies in its key ingredient: bryndza. This fermented sheep cheese, unique to Slovakia, gives the dish its distinctive tangy, salty, and creamy flavor.
What is Bryndza?
Bryndza is a traditional Slovak cheese made from raw, unpasteurized sheep's milk. It has: ✅ A sharp, salty taste with deep umami notes ✅ A slightly tangy and creamy consistency due to natural fermentation ✅ A crumbly yet spreadable texture, making it perfect for various dishes
For those new to strong cheeses, bryndza may be an acquired taste, but Slovaks adore it and use it in everything from spreads to pierogi-like dumplings!
How is Bryndzové Halušky Made?
The dish consists of four key elements:
1. Halušky (Potato Dumplings)
Made from grated raw potatoes, flour, and a pinch of salt, these soft, chewy dumplings are boiled to perfection.
2. Bryndza Sheep Cheese
Melted into the warm dumplings, this cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce.
3. Sour Cream (Smotana)
Added for extra smoothness and to balance the bold flavor of bryndza.
4. Crispy Bacon (Slanina)
Fried until golden brown, bacon bits provide the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft dumplings.
A National Dish with Cultural Significance
Bryndzové Halušky is so beloved in Slovakia that there's an annual Bryndzové Halušky Festival in the town of Turecká, where participants compete to eat the most dumplings the fastest! The dish is often enjoyed with a glass of žinčica, a fermented sheep milk drink that pairs beautifully with bryndza's strong flavors.
Why You Should Try Bryndzové Halušky
If you love hearty, traditional dishes, Bryndzové Halušky is a must-try. The creamy, salty cheese combined with chewy dumplings and crispy bacon creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you're visiting Slovakia or making it at home, one bite will transport you straight to the heart of Slovak culture!
Have you tried Bryndzové Halušky before? Let us know in the comments!
More Slovak recipes Keyword bryndza, halušky, potato dumplings, Slovak national dish, traditional Slovak food
