Lithuanian Cheese Cepelinai with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Lithuanian potato dumplings filled with creamy farmer's cheese, served with sweet caramelized onions for a comforting meal that celebrates Eastern European heritage. This lithuanian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 80 minutes pairs (about 900g) peeled and cubed potatoes, (225g) crumbled farmer's cheese, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (15 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Lithuanian cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly and return to the pot to dry over low heat for 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Mash the hot potatoes with 1 tsp salt until smooth and lump-free, then fold in 1 cup crumbled farmer's cheese until fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 12 equal balls, then flatten each into a 1-inch-thick disk. Place a tablespoon of cheese mixture in the center of each disk, then fold edges to enclose and seal tightly.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted, add 2 medium thinly sliced onions, and cook for 15-18 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Place the sealed cepelinai in a large pot of simmering salted water, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until they float to the surface and feel tender when poked with a fork.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lithuanian Cheese Cepelinai with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (45 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lithuanian Cheese Cepelinai with Caramelized Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lithuanian Cheese Cepelinai with Caramelized Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lithuanian Cheese Cepelinai with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lithuanian Cheese Cepelinai with Caramelized Onions?

Lithuanian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes