10 Most Popular Russian Breakfast Ideas
on May 05, 2022, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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Traditional Russian breakfasts are hearty, filling, and comforting. We’ve collected 10 of the most popular Russian breakfasts, from dark rye bread to healthy buckwheat porridge, you’ll want to give these recipes a try!
Traditional Russian Breakfast
Syrniki (Russian Cheese Pancakes)
Syrniki are slightly sweet Russian pancakes made with farmer’s cheese. They’re delicious topped with maple syrup, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or fruit preserves.
Buckwheat Porridge
You’ll love the slightly sweet flavor of this hearty buckwheat porridge. Top it with a drizzle of honey, some sliced bananas or your favorite berries!
Donut Holes (Ponchiki)
You won’t be able to stop at one when you taste these delightful donut holes! They’re delicious topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Russian Black Bread
This hearty dark rye bread will satisfy the biggest of appetites! Serve it with chunks of cheese, or a steaming hot bowl of soup or stew.
Semolina Porridge
You’ll need just 10 minutes to make this comforting porridge. It’s similar to Cream of Wheat and is delicious topped with fresh berries or sliced bananas.
Sharlotka (Apple Cake)
This moist cake is studded with pieces of tender apple. It uses 5 basic ingredients you’re likely to have on hand, and is super easy to make!
Farmers Cheese Cake Recipe (Zapekanka)
If you prefer a breakfast that isn’t too sweet, give this recipe a try! It’s full of plump raisins, and can also be enjoyed as a dessert!
Sweet Piroshky
These sweet treats are similar to deep-fried donuts! Each piroshky features a delicious poppy seed filling.
Draniki
Serve these crisp potato pancakes as an appetizer, or serve them alongside a main. They have a delicious crunch and are wonderful topped with sour cream or applesauce.
Russian Tea
This sweet Russian tea is infused with citrus, cloves, and cinnamon flavors. Enjoy a cup on a cold day!
Russian Breakfast Syrniki Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb farmer’s cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ + ⅓ cup all purpose flour, divided
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins, optional
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, use a fork to crumble the cheese into little pieces. Add the eggs and mix well. Add ½ cup of flour (reserve ⅓ cup for step 2), sugar, and salt. Mix well, using the fork to break apart any clumps of flour or cheese. Add raisins, if using. The batter will be thick like dough, not like traditional pancake batter.
- Form the pancakes: Place ⅓ cup flour into a small bowl.
- Scoop out approximately ¼ cup of pancake dough at a time. Use your hands to gently flatten the dough into a small patty. Dredge the pancake in the flour on both sides. Shake off the excess flour and set aside until you are ready to cook the pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes: In a large skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Gently place the flour-dredged pancakes into the pan using a spatula. Do not crowd the pan. You may have to cook the pancakes in batches. Cook on medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until each side is golden brown. Place on paper towels to cool.
- Serve the pancakes the traditional way with sour cream and fruit preserves, or sprinkle them with powdered sugar topped with maple syrup, honey, or whipped cream.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
