Slovak Bryndzové Halušky with Crispy Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Slovak potato dumplings tossed with tangy sheep cheese and topped with crunchy browned bacon bits. This slovak-inspired dumplings ready in about 35 minutes pairs potatoes, grated, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Slovak cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 cups of grated potatoes in a bowl and add 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix into a sticky dough.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Using a halušky maker or the back of a spoon, press small dumplings into boiling water.
  3. Step 3: Cook dumplings for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a skillet, cook 6 ounces diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add cooked dumplings and sauté for 3 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup bryndza cheese until creamy and coating the dumplings.
  7. Step 7: Plate halušky, sprinkle with crispy bacon and 2 tablespoons chopped chives. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slovak Bryndzové Halušky with Crispy Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Slovak Bryndzové Halušky with Crispy Bacon?

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 potatoes, grated from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slovak Bryndzové Halušky with Crispy Bacon?

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 Slovak Bryndzové Halušky with Crispy Bacon 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 Slovak Bryndzové Halušky with Crispy Bacon?

Slovak dumplings 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.