Shlishkes, also known as Hungarian Potato Dumplings, are a traditional Central European comfort food made from tender mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. The dumplings are shaped into small pieces, boiled until tender, and traditionally tossed in buttery toasted breadcrumbs.

Simple, rustic, and incredibly comforting, Shlishkes are a wonderful example of Hungarian home cooking. They can be served as a sweet dish with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, or as a savory side dish alongside meat, mushroom sauce, or Hungarian stews.

What Are Shlishkes?

Shlishkes are small potato dumplings made from a soft potato-based dough.

The dough is similar to the dough used for other Hungarian potato dishes such as Szilvásgombóc, but instead of wrapping the dough around fruit, Shlishkes are cut into small dumplings and boiled directly.

After cooking, they are usually tossed with buttered breadcrumbs, which become golden, fragrant, and slightly crisp.

Depending on the family and region, Shlishkes may also be served with: