29 Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Potato Knishes

Potato knishes are a classic comfort food dish that originated in Eastern Europe and are now enjoyed around the world. 

Potato knishes are a delicious, savory treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal. But what should you serve with potato knishes? Let’s explore some of the best options! 

In short – What to serve with potato knishes

Salads, Soups, Breads, Roasted Vegetables, Sauerkraut, Mushroom, Spinach, Fried Shallots, Cranberry Compote, Applesauce, Dilled Yogurt Sauce, Horseradish Cream Sauce, Pickles,

What type of food is a potato knish, and What does knish taste like?

A potato knish is a traditional Jewish dish consisting of a mashed potato filling baked in dough. It has a thick, crunchy crust and a slightly grainy texture from the potatoes. 

The flavor of the knish varies depending on the ingredients used, but it typically has a savory taste with hints of onion, garlic, or dill. Knishes can be served as snacks, appetizers, or even entrees. 

They are also popular accompaniments to soups and salads. Potato knishes are usually served warm and sometimes topped with melted butter or sour cream. 

Additionally, they can be filled with different vegetables, such as mushrooms and spinach, for added variety. Potato knishes are an enjoyable comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of year.

In addition to their delicious flavor, potato knishes offer a number of health benefits. They are lower in fat and calories and are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C. 

30 Amazing Sides to serve with Potato Knishes

1. Salads 

Potato knishes go incredibly well with salads. The combination of fresh greens and crunchy potatoes is an unbeatable one, and you can tailor your salad to your liking—for instance, if you’re looking for something light, opt for a simple green salad or try a heartier option like Caesar or Greek Salad.

Greek Salad
Greek Salad

A tossed salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables of your choice is also a great way to add some crunch to your meal.

Whichever type you choose, salads provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures when paired with potato knishes. 

Know More: What Serve with Funeral Potatoes

2. Soups 

Soups are an excellent pairing for potato knishes because they provide an additional layer of flavor and texture to the meal. Hearty vegetable soups such as minestrone or lentil soup pair particularly well with potato knishes. 

lentil soup
Lentil soup

You can also opt for lighter options, such as chilled cucumber soup or gazpacho. Soups are comfortable to make in large batches so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for later! 

3. Bread 

Potato knishes go perfectly with crusty bread such as focaccia or French baguettes. If you want something a bit heartier, try serving your knishes on top of slices of sourdough or rye bread instead. 

focaccia
Focaccia

Alternatively, you can try making homemade rolls or naan bread that will add even more flavor to the meal! For those looking for gluten-free options, cornbread pairs wonderfully with potato knishes too! 

4. Roasted Vegetables 

Another great side dish for potato knishes is roasted vegetables. 

Roasted Vegetable
Roasted Vegetables

Roasting brings out the innate sweetness in vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes while adding another layer of flavor to already-savory ingredients such as onions and garlic. Roasted garlic brings out subtle sweetness while also providing depth when added to vegan knish recipes.

If you’re looking for something extra special, try roasting root vegetables like beets, parsnips, and turnips; they will give your meal an extra punch of flavor! 

Know More: What to Serve with Cheesy Potatoes

5. Sauerkraut 

Sauerkraut is the perfect accompaniment to any potato knish dish. This tart German cabbage delicacy pairs wonderfully with the salty flavor of the knish itself and adds texture to the meal.

Sauerkraut 
Sauerkraut 

The sharp and tangy flavors of sauerkraut provide a nice contrast to the richness of the potatoes in the knish. It’s also incredibly easy to make—just combine shredded cabbage with salt and let it sit overnight, so the flavors mingle before serving it alongside your potato knishes. 

This can be served either warm or cold and provides a unique flavor that really helps bring out the best of this dish.

6. Mushroom

Mushrooms go excellent with potato knish dishes.

Sautéed mushrooms bring umami and earthiness to any vegan knish recipe making it ideal for those looking for a more complex flavor profile than what is normally associated with this dish.

Mushroom gravy is another delicious option to eat with potato knish. With a savory and slightly earthy flavor, it pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of the knish.

Know More: What to serve with stuffed mushrooms

7. Spinach 

Spinach is excellent to serve with potato knish. It adds freshness, texture and some earthiness. 

Spinach
Spinach

When added as a garnish overtop, freshly made vegan knishes make it ideal for those looking for something extra special. With so many options available, you have the opportunity to create delicious variations of vegan potato knish every time!

8. Fried Shallots

Fried shallots provide both crunchy texture and slightly sweet notes when sprinkled over the top freshly made vegan knish, making them an ideal addition if you’re looking for something extra special.

9. Beet Salad

Beet salad is often eaten with potato knishes as part of a traditional Eastern European-style meal, adding some crunchy texture as well as a sweetness that helps contrast some of the more savory components of this dish, such as mushrooms or onions that are frequently added to it

10. Cranberry Compote

Cranberry compote adds sweetness, tartness, and texture when spooned over top potato knishes, making it a great option for those who want something extra special to serve up their meal. 

Cranberry Compote
Cranberry Compote

This can be made minutes before serving in order to ensure its freshness. With so many options available, you have the opportunity to create delicious variations of vegan potato knish every time!

11. Caramelized Onions

The sweet and savory flavor of caramelized onions pairs well with the earthy notes of a potato knish. Try topping your knish with some caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.

12. Applesauce

Applesauce is a classic side dish for many types of Eastern European dishes, including potato knish, providing sweetness and a tart note that complements the heavier potatoes in the dish.

13. Dilled Yogurt Sauce

A dilled yogurt sauce provides a fresh and creamy component to any potato knish meal, allowing you to cut through any heaviness from the potatoes or oil used in cooking them up.

14. Horseradish Cream Sauce

For those who like an extra kick to their food, horseradish cream sauce is an excellent way to add some heat to your potato knishes without overpowering them with too much spice or chili pepper heat.

15. Pickles

Pickles come in many different varieties and can be served after potato knishes for added crunch and acidity that can help cut through.

Pickled vegetables also provide tangy and tart notes that help contrast the heartier flavors in vegan knish, making it an excellent addition if you want to create something more unique.

You can use garlic or onion powder used for the season it. 

16. Grated Cheese

Grated cheese such as parmesan or cheddar adds both saltiness and creaminess when served overtop warm potato knishes making it a great accompaniment.

17. Fresh Herbs

Fresh spices such as parsley, basil or oregano add brightness and freshness when spooned over top hot starchy goodness that is usually found inside most vegan versions of a potato knish.

18. Spicy Mustard

Spicy mustard provides pungency that stimulates taste buds like no other condiment, making it ideal for spicing vegan knish either by adding it directly during preparation or including it on the table so guests may indulge on their own terms.

19. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika pairs well with potato knish. Smoked paprika packs quite an intense smoky flavor reminiscent of barbecuing turning simple vegan knish into something extraordinary by enhancing its already unique flavor profile even further.

20. Capers

Capers add a salty and tangy flavor while also providing a crunchy texture to vegan knish, making it an excellent addition if you want to achieve a greater depth of flavor with your dish.

21. Chopped Olives

Chopped olives provide an extra layer of saltiness combined with some hearty texture when added to vegan knish recipes, making them ideal for those looking for something different.

22. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit such as raisins, apricots or dates can be added as garnish overtop vegan potato knishes adding a sweet element that helps contrast the heartier flavors present in this dish.

23. Salsa

Salsa adds a kick of heat combined with bright, acidic flavors that contrasts nicely against the starchy goodness found inside vegan knish recipes.

24. Coconut Bacon Bits

Coconut bacon bits (recipe) add smoky and salty notes while also giving some crunchy texture when sprinkled over top vegan potato knishes, making it an interesting addition for those looking to explore different flavors.

25. Crunchy Nuts

Crunchy nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pecans bring nutty aromas, texture and flavor when added to vegan knish recipes, making them an ideal garnish for those who are looking for something extra special.

26. Kimchi

Kimchi brings fermented, spicy and pungent notes to vegan potato knishes that really help elevate the flavor of this dish by providing a unique contrast in both aroma and taste.

27. Hummus

Hummus adds creaminess combined with zesty flavors when spooned over the top of freshly made vegan knishes, making it an ideal addition.

28. Harissa

Harissa adds both heat and depth of flavor to vegan potato knishes, making them a great topping.

39. Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and tanginess to potato knish, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

What are the most acceptable flavors to go with potato knishes?

The most popular flavors for potato knishes are onion, garlic, and spinach. Some people also enjoy mashed potato with various vegetables or cheese added for extra flavor. 

You can also find recipes that add sour cream or applesauce to the filling to give it an interesting twist. 

However, if you want an authentic taste, then stick with the traditional onion and garlic knishes. If you want something more unique, try creating your own fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese.

Finally, don’t forget about the toppings! 

Potato knishes can be enjoyed plain or with sour cream, applesauce, ketchup and even hot sauce. You can also add a variety of herbs to the topping for an extra pop of flavor. 

Some popular ones are oregano, thyme, basil, parsley and dill. Enjoy your potato knishes with whichever combination you prefer!

How do you jazz up potato knishes?

One great way to jazz up potato knishes is to add cheese. Grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are all excellent choices that will give the knishes a delicious cheesy flavor. 

If you prefer a more traditional flavor, try adding some grated onion and garlic powder for a savory twist. 

Another option is to top your knishes with sour cream and chives for an extra creamy finish. 

For extra flair, consider adding crumbled bacon or cooked sausage pieces as well.

For the ultimate potato knish experience, try baking your knishes in a preheated oven. This will give them a crispier texture and allow the flavors to really shine through. 

If you’d like something even simpler, consider popping your knishes into the microwave for a few minutes. This will heat them up quickly while still keeping their unique flavor intact. 

How should potato knishes be served?

Potato knishes can be served hot or cold depending on individual preference. They are traditionally served as an appetizer, side dishes, or snacks. For a lighter meal, they can be enjoyed with a simple salad and some bread. 

For a heartier option, they can also be topped with sour cream and served alongside roasted vegetables such as carrots or peppers. Potato knishes also make for delicious sandwiches when stuffed into pita pockets along with lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings of choice. 

Wrap Up

Potato knishes are delicious comfort food dishes that can be served as part of any meal. They are traditionally served with mustard, but plenty of other sides also pair excellently with this savory treat–such as salads, roasted vegetables and sauerkraut. 

So don’t limit yourself when it comes to planning what goes on your plate along with those delicious potato knishes – get creative and enjoy all the different flavors these dishes offer! 

FAQs

How do you heat up a potato knish?

To heat up a potato knish, you can either microwave it for about 1-2 minutes or bake it in the cookstove at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. 

To get the best results, wrap the knish in foil before heating so that it stays moist and flavorful. Make sure to check on it periodically while heating to ensure that it doesn’t overcook or burn.

Are knishes served hot or cold?

Knishes can be served both hot and cold. When served hot, knishes may be fried or baked with a crispy crust on the outside and a savory filling inside. 

When served cold, knishes are typically boiled and filled with a combination of condiments such as sour cream and applesauce. 

What is the difference between a pierogi and a knish?

The primary difference between a pierogi and a knish is in their preparation and ingredients.

A pierogi is a dumpling-like dish that is typically filled with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese, or other savory fillings. The dough used to make the pierogi can be either boiled or fried. Pierogis are generally served boiled with melted butter and onions on top.

On the other hand, a knish is a pastry that typically contains mashed potatoes mixed with finely ground meat (often beef or lamb), mushrooms, onions, or kasha (a type of buckwheat). The filling is wrapped into a thin layer of dough before being baked in the oven until golden brown. Knishes are usually served plain with a creamy side like sour cream or applesauce.

The key difference between the two is their filling: pierogis tend to be filled with savory ingredients such as potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese or other fillings, while knishes are typically made with ground meat, mushrooms, onions and kasha.

Another key difference is in the way each dish is prepared: pierogis are boiled or fried, whereas knishes are baked in an oven until golden brown.

Should you refrigerate potato knish?

The solution to this question depends on the type of knish you have. If you have a potato knish that is completely cooked and ready to eat, then it does not need to be refrigerated. 

However, if you have an uncooked or partially-cooked knish, then it should be stored in the refrigerator until ready for consumption. Depending on the environment where you live, raw potato knishes can spoil quickly if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. 

Therefore, it is best to store them in your refrigerator until they are ready to be eaten, so they stay fresh longer.

Additionally, cooked knishes may stay fresher when stored in the fridge as well.

Leave a Comment