Savory Potato Knish Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen sparked this mouthwatering potato knish casserole that brings comfort right to your plate.

Jewish delis across New York inspired this hearty dish packed with robust flavors.

Crispy edges and soft, pillowy centers make each bite absolutely irresistible.

Layers of seasoned potatoes blend perfectly with caramelized onions and flaky pastry.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this incredible one-pan wonder.

Savory and rich, this casserole turns simple ingredients into a celebration of traditional cuisine.

Warm up your evening and delight everyone at the table with this incredible recipe.

Potato Knish Casserole Ingredients

• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides creamy texture and hearty foundation for the casserole. Waxy or all-purpose potatoes work best for smooth mashing.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the potato mixture. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Eggs: Help bind the potato mixture and provide structure. Fresh eggs at room temperature mix more easily.
• Sour Cream: Enhances creaminess and adds tangy flavor. Optional but recommended for depth.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the potato's natural flavor. Use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the potato base. Freshly ground provides more robust flavor.

Potato Knish Casserole Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Boiling

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes to Perfection

Submerge potato chunks in the salted water and bring to a rolling boil.

Cook until potatoes are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork, typically around 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and Mash Potatoes

Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot.

Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Enhance Potato Flavor

• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sour cream (optional)

Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Cool Potato Mixture

Allow the potato mixture to cool for a few minutes, which helps prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until well beaten.

Gently fold the eggs into the slightly cooled potato mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the potato mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven and bake the potato knish casserole until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.

Casserole Prep for Potato Knish

• Use a potato masher or ricer for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes without chunks.
• Add caramelized onions or roasted garlic to the potato mixture for extra richness and complexity.
• Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of sour cream for a vegan-friendly version.
• Let potatoes cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling and maintain a creamy texture.
• Experiment with herbs like dill, chives, or thyme to personalize the casserole's flavor profile.

Potato Knish Casserole That’s Just as Good Tomorrow

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the casserole covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before freezing to maintain texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Let stand for a minute before serving to distribute heat evenly.

Good Matches for Potato Knish Casserole

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the creamy potato texture and provides a smooth, earthy counterpoint to the rich casserole flavors.
• Enhance with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's heaviness, adding refreshing brightness and balancing the dish's richness.
• Match with Tangy Pickle Sides: Serve dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables on the side to introduce a sharp, acidic contrast that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy potato knish casserole.
• Complement with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chives or dill over the casserole to add a subtle onion-like or herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor profile and provides a fresh, zesty element.

Potato Knish Casserole in Other Styles

• Gluten-Free Potato Knish Casserole: Replace traditional flour-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Potato Casserole: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter or olive oil, and replace sour cream with cashew cream for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Knish Bake: Substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the comforting, hearty essence of the original recipe.
• Herb-Infused Potato Knish Casserole: Enhance flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like dill, chives, or rosemary to create a more aromatic and sophisticated dish that elevates the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What are knishes traditionally made of?

Knishes are Jewish pastries typically filled with mashed potatoes, ground meat, or other savory fillings, traditionally encased in a soft dough and baked or fried.

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit any meat ingredients and use vegetable broth or additional seasonings to enhance flavor. The potato base provides a hearty vegetarian foundation.

• Is this dish similar to a potato kugel?

While both are potato-based Ashkenazi Jewish dishes, a knish casserole is more loosely structured and has a different texture compared to the more compact kugel, which is usually more dense and baked in a single pan.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they mash smoothly and create a creamy, consistent texture in the casserole.

Why Potato Knish Casserole Is So Comforting

• Comfort Food Champion: This hearty casserole transforms traditional knish flavors into an easy-to-serve family-friendly dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.
• Quick Prep Magic: Boiling potatoes and mixing ingredients takes less than 30 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive kitchen time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: The creamy potato base with simple seasonings appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy a satisfying and familiar taste experience.
• Versatile Meal Option: Suitable for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this casserole adapts easily to different occasions while providing a filling and comforting main course.

Potato Knish Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets tradition in this potato knish casserole, blending Eastern European flavors with hearty home-style cooking. Crispy edges, creamy potato layers, and caramelized onions promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 6 sheets phyllo dough (or 1 sheet puff pastry)

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Submerge the potatoes in generously salted water and simmer until they yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork, approximately 15 minutes.
2. Carefully drain the potatoes and transform them into a creamy mash, incorporating butter, seasoning with salt and pepper, and blending in sour cream for luxurious richness.
3. Allow the potato mixture to rest and cool momentarily, preventing the eggs from scrambling upon contact.
4. Whisk the eggs until smooth and gently fold them into the slightly cooled potato mixture, creating a cohesive and velvety texture.
5. Ensure the potato and egg blend is well integrated, maintaining a light and airy consistency that will provide a delectable foundation for the casserole.
6. Transfer the potato mixture to a prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer that will bake into a golden, appetizing crust.

Notes

• Customize the creaminess by adjusting the amount of sour cream, creating a richer or lighter potato base depending on your preference.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping to maintain the traditional crispy texture.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding caramelized onions or roasted garlic to the mashed potato mixture for extra depth and complexity.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based butter and egg substitutes, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg