Grandma'S Knishes

Prep: 120 min Cuisine: Jewish

Grandma's knishes feature a tender, slightly sweet yeast dough perfect for stuffing with savory fillings. Ideal for family gatherings, they offer nostalgic comfort and hearty flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cake or package yeast
  • 3 to 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup water (warm)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup oil

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in two tablespoons of warm water and set aside.
  2. Mix 2 cups of flour with the remaining ingredients: egg, water, sugar, salt, and oil.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
  4. Gradually add up to 1 1/2 cups of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  5. Allow the dough to stand for an hour, covered, at room temperature.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Refrigerate the dough if desired before rolling and filling.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier dough, consider using half butter and half oil instead of all oil. If you're in a hurry, you can let the dough rise in a warm spot like the oven with just the light on. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating herbs or spices into the filling. For a filling variation, consider using mashed potatoes or sautéed mushrooms, which can pair well with this dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the knishes warm with a side of sour cream or applesauce for dipping. They make a delightful appetizer or snack. To create a full meal, pair them with a simple salad or serve alongside Grammpa'S Scottish Soup for a comforting combo. A light vegetable side dish also complements their rich flavors well.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the knishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will help maintain their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Knishes contains roughly 598 calories, with 7g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1967mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

598 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 30g 38% DV
Carbs 77.2g 28% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1966.9mg 86% DV
Potassium 453.5mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 193.5mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Calcium 185.1mg 14% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the knishes after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked knishes. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

What types of fillings can I use for knishes?

Traditional fillings include mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or ground meat. However, you can get creative with fillings like spinach and cheese or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you enjoy.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy to the touch. This typically takes about an hour. If your kitchen is cool, it may take a bit longer, so be patient and give it time to rise properly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →