Potato Knishes
Alright, friend get ready for a cozy bite of comfort straight from the heart of deli-style dreams! Potato Knishes are those flaky, golden parcels stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed onions that warm you from the inside out. They’re the kind of snack that instantly makes everything feel better like a culinary hug wrapped in pastry. Whether you’re new to knishes or you grew up eating them, this easy version is about to become a go-to in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try one warm from the oven, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Potato Knishes
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, or picnics they fit into any mealtime.
Budget-Friendly: Made with humble pantry staples that go a long way.
Quick and Easy: This cheat’s version cuts the time without cutting the comfort.
Customizable: Add cheese, swap in sweet potatoes, or go wild with herbs.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Potato Knishes
The beauty of these knishes is that they rely on simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver big comfort. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting this is the soul of the filling.
Onions: Sautéed until golden and sweet, they add a deep savory layer.
Butter or Oil: For cooking those onions to golden perfection.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasonings that bring everything to life.
Pastry Dough: Store-bought puff pastry or pie crust works beautifully here easy and flaky.
Egg: For brushing on top and giving that shiny, golden-brown finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients: Sauté chopped onions in butter or oil until golden and soft. Stir them into your prepared mashed potatoes with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is warm and well combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Unroll your dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares or circles depending on your desired knish shape.
Assemble the Dish: Spoon a portion of the potato mixture into the center of each dough piece. Fold the edges up and pinch or pleat to seal, forming a neat little parcel.
Cook to Perfection: Place the knishes seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg for that lovely golden color. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and flaky.
Finishing Touches: Let them cool slightly before serving just enough so you don’t burn your fingers (or your mouth!).
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a dollop of sour cream or eaten right out of hand, these knishes are everything you want in a comfort snack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 270
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Potato Knishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With a side of sour cream or applesauce for dipping
- Alongside a big bowl of soup like matzo ball or chicken noodle
- Served on a platter with pickles, deli meats, and mustard for a true deli experience
- Topped with fresh herbs or scallions for a pop of color and flavor
- As a filling lunch with a crisp green salad on the side
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make the filling ahead of time to save time on busy days.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to reduce food waste and add flavor.
- Don’t skip the egg wash it really gives that bakery-style finish.
- Want extra flair? Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or flaky salt before baking.
- Freeze unbaked knishes for a quick future snack just pop them straight into the oven.
FAQ’s
- Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they’re not too runny thicker mash works best for stuffing. - Can I freeze the knishes?
Absolutely! Freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes. - What type of dough should I use?
Puff pastry or pie crust both work great. You can even try phyllo for a different twist. - Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, mashed potatoes with non-dairy milk, and skip the egg wash or use plant-based milk instead. - Do I have to sauté the onions first?
Yes! Raw onions won’t develop the same flavor sautéing brings out their sweetness and depth. - Can I add cheese to the filling?
Oh yes, a bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella is divine in the mix. - Why did my dough crack or split?
It may have dried out cover unused dough while assembling. Also, avoid overstuffing. - How do I reheat them?
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness microwaving can make them soggy. - Can I make mini versions?
Totally! Great for parties or appetizers just reduce the bake time accordingly. - What else can I stuff inside?
Try mashed sweet potatoes, mushrooms, ground meat, or spinach for different spins.
Conclusion
Potato Knishes are the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style simple, soulful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you enjoy them as a hearty snack, a side dish, or a centerpiece of your comfort-food spread, these golden parcels are guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings. Make a batch, share them (or don’t), and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this beloved classic.
Print
Potato Knishes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 knishes 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Jewish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Potato Knishes are classic Jewish pastries filled with creamy mashed potatoes and onions, wrapped in a tender dough and baked until golden brown—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- For the filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs (about 3 large) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add oil, vinegar, and warm water. Stir until a dough forms, then knead until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- While potatoes cook, sauté onions in oil over medium heat until golden, about 10 minutes.
- Mix mashed potatoes with sautéed onions, and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide rested dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a rectangle, spoon filling along one long edge, roll up, and cut into 2–3 inch pieces. Pinch ends closed.
- Place knishes seam side down on baking sheet. Brush tops with oil or egg wash.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can make mini knishes for appetizers or larger ones for a hearty snack.
- Filling can include mashed sweet potatoes or kasha for variation.
- Freeze uncooked knishes for baking later—just add a few extra minutes to bake time.
- Serve with mustard or sour cream for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knish
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: potato knishes, Jewish pastry, savory snack, mashed potato filling, traditional knish