Haluski (Fried Cabbage and Noodles) Recipe

Introduction

Haluski is a comforting Eastern European dish featuring tender cabbage and egg noodles fried with savory bacon and butter. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. This recipe highlights the balance of smoky, buttery, and peppery flavors that make haluski so beloved.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bacon, diced small (or 2 ounces pancetta for a less smoky flavor)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cups yellow onion, diced
• 1 ½ pounds green cabbage, cored and cut into one-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces dry egg noodles, dumpling or extra broad size

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium nonstick pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp.
2. Step 2: Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon or spider, leaving one tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. Discard the rest of the fat.
3. Step 3: Keep the heat on medium, add two tablespoons of butter and the diced onions. Cook for about two minutes until the onions begin to soften.
4. Step 4: Add another two tablespoons of butter, the chopped cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then add the cooked bacon back in. Cover and cook on medium-low for about ten minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Step 5: While the cabbage is cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain well.
6. Step 6: Once the cabbage is tender, add the drained noodles and the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot.
8. Step 8: Traditionally, haluski is served generously seasoned with freshly ground black pepper for a bold finish.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping paprika or caraway seeds for some added depth and traditional flavor.
• Use pancetta instead of bacon for a milder, less smoky taste.
• For added protein, stir in cooked sausage or kielbasa pieces.
• To keep noodles from sticking, toss them with a little butter or oil after draining.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or butter to keep the noodles moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of noodles for haluski?

Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use dumpling noodles, spaetzle, or even broad pasta varieties that hold sauce and flavor well.

Is haluski gluten-free?

Traditional haluski uses egg noodles made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free noodles or rice noodles.

Haluski (Fried Cabbage and Noodles) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 112 reviews

Haluski is a comforting Eastern European dish featuring tender fried cabbage mixed with buttery egg noodles and crispy bacon. This hearty and simple meal combines the savory flavors of caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and sautéed cabbage for a deliciously satisfying side or main dish.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Fat

• 4 ounces bacon, diced small (or 2 ounces pancetta for a less smoky flavor)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Vegetables

• 2 cups yellow onion, diced
• 1 ½ pounds green cabbage, cored and cut into one-inch chunks

Dry Goods

• 6 ounces dry egg noodles, dumpling or extra broad size

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a nonstick medium pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. This renders out the fat and creates crispy pieces to add flavor and texture.
2. Remove Bacon and Retain Fat: Using a spider or strainer, remove the bacon pieces from the pot. Leave one tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan and discard the rest. This fat will be used to sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
3. Sauté Onions: Keep heat on medium. Add two tablespoons of butter to the pan along with the diced onions. Cook for two minutes until the onions start to soften and become translucent.
4. Cook Cabbage: Add another two tablespoons of butter, the chopped cabbage, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and cook until the cabbage is heated through. Then add back the cooked bacon pieces, cover the pot, and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Prepare Noodles: While the cabbage cooks, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well.
6. Combine Noodles and Cabbage: Once the cabbage is tender, add the drained noodles to the pot along with the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Stir everything well and heat until the dish reaches serving temperature.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot as a hearty side or main dish.
8. Traditional Serving: Haluski is traditionally served with a heavy hand of black pepper to enhance its robust flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute pancetta for bacon if you prefer a milder, less smoky flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use all butter or a plant-based fat.
• Adjust cabbage cooking time based on your preferred texture—less time for crunchier cabbage, more time for softer.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with sausages, kielbasa, or as a side to roasted meats.
• Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: Haluski, fried cabbage and noodles, Eastern European recipe, bacon and cabbage, comfort food, egg noodles, sautéed cabbage