Magda's Cauldron

Hey there! I’m Magda, and I’m so excited to share my favorite Polish Easter recipes with you. I live in Poland now. I spent a few years in Ireland. This means my Easter table is a mix of traditional Polish flavors with a few modern twists. If you’re looking for delicious, tried-and-true Polish Easter dishes, you’re in the right place!

Traditional Polish Easter Savory Dishes

So let’s start with savory.

Żurek / Sour rye soup

Let’s start with absolute Easter must-have – Żurek. It’s a tangy, comforting soup made from fermented rye flour, with biala kielbasa (white sausage) and hard-boiled eggs. The best versions are thick and packed with flavor. I’m still on the hunt for my perfect recipe. In the meantime, this sour rye soup is a great one to try!

Pasztet / Pate

Pasztet is one of those things that tastes way better than it sounds. Traditionally, it’s a meat-based, but I have to say – I’m obsessed with vegan pasztet. I made it last year, and it turned out so good that even my meat-loving family approved!

Bigos

f you’ve got a big family or love leftovers, bigos is your Easter best friend. It’s a slow-cooked mix of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, meats, and mushrooms that gets better with every reheating. I always make a huge pot because it freezes beautifully, so I can enjoy it for weeks! Here’s my favorite bigos recipe.

Russian salad

I have to admit – I could live on Russian salad alone during Easter. It’s a creamy mix of boiled veggies, pickles, eggs, and mayo. Every Polish family has their own way of making it. My version is loaded with pickles (because I love that tangy kick). If you need a crowd-pleaser, this is it! Find my go-to recipe here.

Pisanki

Okay, this isn’t food, but decorating Easter eggs is one of my favorite traditions. The best ones I ever made were in primary school, using melted wax and dyes. This year, I’m giving it another go—wish me luck! If you want some inspiration, check out these beautiful pisanki.

Eggs

Eggs should probably be first on this list because, let’s be honest—we all make too many pisanki and then need to eat them! My usual go-to is simple: mayo, green onions, and a sprinkle of salt. But if you want something fancier, try egg salad, or an egg & tuna spread.

Polish Easter Desserts and Sweets

Cheesecakes

I’m obsessed with cheesecake, and Easter is the perfect excuse to make one. My all-time favorite is Viennese cheesecake, which is rich, creamy, and absolutely foolproof. If you need a dessert that impresses without too much effort, this is the one. Try more cheesecake recipes here.

Bundt cakes

I know, I know—we should be making yeast-based Easter babas like the traditional Italian Colomba. But honestly? I prefer Bundt cakes. They’re easier, come in more flavors, and always turn out great. If you’re unsure, go with lemon—it’s a classic! Here’s are my favorite Bundt cakes recipe.

Mazurek

Mazurek is basically a beautifully decorated tart, and you can get super creative with flavors. The classic choice is chocolate & prune. I say go wild with any sweet tart. Lemon, peanut butter, and caramel all work. Just call it mazurek and no one will argue! Find a simple mazurek recipes here.

Makowiec / Poppy seed cake

To be honest, I usually make makowiec for Christmas. I know a lot of people bake it for Easter too. If you love nutty, slightly sweet flavors, you’ll love this poppy seed roll. Plus, it looks stunning on the table! Try this makowiec recipe.

Polish Easter Traditions to Try

Easter basket

Create a cute woven basket with goodies like eggs, bread, and sausage. Line it with a white napkin and add some greenery. Traditionally, boxwood (bukszpan) is used, but any green leaves or flowers work. If you’re religious, take it to church on Holy Saturday for a blessing. If not, just use it as a pretty centerpiece on your table. They’re really adorable!

Easter egg battles

This was my favorite as a kid! Challenge your family to an egg-cracking contest during Easter. Each person takes a decorated egg (pisanka) and taps it against someone else’s. The last uncracked egg wins! It’s a fun way to add some competition to your Easter meal.

Wet Monday (Śmigus-Dyngus)

Okay, this one’s not my favorite 🙄 but it’s a classic! On Easter Monday, there’s a fun tradition of splashing water on friends and family. It can be a little spray from a plastic egg or a big splash from a water gun. Sometimes, strangers on the street might even dump a bucket of water on you! If you have a garden and it’s sunny, it can be a lot of fun. Just remember to keep a towel nearby, just in case!

Ready for a Polish Easter?

Are you ready to try these Polish Easter recipes and traditions? I’d love to see how your Easter feast turns out! If you try any of these recipes or traditions, tag me or drop a comment. And if you get splashed on Wet Monday—well, I hope you dry off quickly enough to take a picture! Wesołych Świąt! (Happy Easter!) 🐣🥚