Potato Knish Recipe

Potato Knishes on a platter

Serious Eats / Qi Ai

Anyone who is a fan of this Jewish dumpling has had that moment when you bite into a knish that you think has cooled, when in fact the potato center is still molten hot. It's a truly painful, but somehow totally worthwhile experience. And it's an experience I never learn from and repeat every time I make this dish.

Generally thought of a snack food, knish also makes a fantastic brunch dish. It's a filling savory baked dumpling that reheats beautifully, and as many of us know, has the potential to stay hot for an incredibly long period of time. This is a twist on the classic potato filling, using scallions instead of sautéed onions. You can make both the filling and the dough up to three days ahead of time, then assemble and bake them before guests arrive.

Recipe Details

Potato Knish Recipe

Prep 2 hrs
Cook 60 mins
Active 45 mins
Total 3 hrs
Serves 8 knishes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups (12 1/2 ouncesall-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice from 1 lemon

  • 1/2 cup water

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces (about 2 medium)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 cup finely sliced scallion whites and greens (about 4 scallions)

  • 1 large egg, beaten

Directions

  1. For the Dough: In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl whisk together egg, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and water. Pour wet ingredients over dry and using a wooden spoon mix until a dough forms. Using your hands knead until dough comes together and is smooth, about 1 minute. Wrap dough tightly with plastic wrap and let sit for 1 hour at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Allow to come to room temperature before proceeding.

    Knish dough making collage

    Serious Eats / Qi Ai

  2. For the Filling: In a large pot cover the potatoes with water, season well with salt, and bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes. Drain potatoes and let dry for a few minutes before adding the butter and mashing until almost smooth. Add scallions and mix, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to cool to room temperature.

    Potato knish filling in a large metal bowl

    Serious Eats / Qi Ai

  3. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

    Parchment paper lined baking sheet

    Serious Eats / Qi Ai

  4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Divide dough in half and roll it out into a wide, thin rectangle, less than 1/4-inch thick. Using half the filling, form a log of filling along the bottom long edge of the dough, roll the dough up, and then cut into four equal portions. Seal and pinch dough around filling on one end of each portion, and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press each portion down a little to flatten slightly. Repeat process with remaining dough and filling to form a total of 8 knishes, then brush all portions with beaten egg. Bake until golden, about 45 minutes. Serve immediately.

    Making Potato Knishes collage, rolling dough around filling, slicing dough and brushing potato knishes with egg wash

    Serious Eats / Qi Ai

Special Equipment

Baking sheet

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
382 Calories
18g Fat
47g Carbs
8g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 382
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 466mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 47g 17%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 6mg 31%
Calcium 64mg 5%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 395mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)