Authentic Russian Syrniki Recipe You’ll Love

Are you looking for a delicious breakfast that’s both comforting and unique? Today, I’m sharing my favorite authentic Russian syrniki recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to Eastern Europe! These delightful cheese pancakes have been a staple in Russian homes for generations, and after trying them once, you’ll understand why they remain so beloved.

What Are Russian Syrniki?

First of all, let’s talk about what Russian syrniki actually are. Essentially, these are small, thick pancakes made primarily from farmer’s cheese or quark. Furthermore, they feature a slightly sweet flavor profile with a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, creamy center.

Russians traditionally enjoy these cheese pancakes for breakfast, though they’re delicious any time of day. Additionally, syrniki get their name from the Russian word “syr,” which means cheese – highlighting their primary ingredient.

Why You’ll Love This Russian Syrniki Recipe

There are several reasons why this Russian syrniki recipe deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation:

1. They’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients
2. The combination of crispy exterior and soft interior creates an amazing texture contrast
3. They’re versatile – you can top them with sweet or savory accompaniments
4. These pancakes are more protein-packed than regular flour pancakes
5. They make an impressive yet simple breakfast for guests

Moreover, once you master the basic Russian syrniki recipe, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins and toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make authentic Russian syrniki, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) farmer’s cheese or quark (cottage cheese can work in a pinch)
• 2 large eggs
• 3-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Begin by placing the farmer’s cheese in a large bowl. If you’re using cottage cheese instead, you’ll need to drain it very well first. Subsequently, mash the cheese with a fork until it becomes relatively smooth with small curds remaining.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Next, add the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. After that, gradually add the flour and fold it gently into the mixture. As a result, you’ll get a thick, slightly sticky dough.

If you’d like to add raisins or dried cranberries, fold them in at this point. Then, let the mixture rest for about 10-15 minutes – this helps the flour absorb moisture and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 3: Shape the Syrniki

Sprinkle a clean work surface with flour. Subsequently, take about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and form it into a ball with floured hands. Then, gently flatten it into a thick patty about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.

Continue this process until all the mixture has been shaped. In addition, dust each Russian syrniki with a little flour on both sides to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Syrniki

Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the syrniki in the pan, leaving enough space between them. Consequently, they’ll have room to expand slightly and be easy to flip.

Cook the Russian syrniki for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Therefore, be patient and resist the urge to flip them too early – this ensures they develop that characteristic crispy exterior.

Traditional Toppings for Russian Syrniki

While these cheese pancakes are delicious on their own, Russians typically serve their syrniki with various toppings. Here are some authentic options to try:

• Sour cream or smetana
• Honey or maple syrup
• Jam or preserves (especially sour cherry or raspberry)
• Fresh berries
• Condensed milk
• Apple sauce

Furthermore, you can get creative with your own favorite toppings. The mild cheese flavor pairs well with almost anything!

Tips for Perfect Russian Syrniki

To achieve the best results with your Russian syrniki recipe, keep these tips in mind:

1. The cheese should be dry and not too wet. If necessary, drain it through cheesecloth for a few hours.
2. Don’t skip the resting time – it helps the flour absorb moisture and makes the dough easier to work with.
3. Keep your hands floured while shaping the syrniki to prevent sticking.
4. Cook over medium heat rather than high heat. As a result, the insides will cook through without burning the exterior.
5. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more flour. However, be careful not to add too much, or your syrniki will become dense.

Nutritional Benefits of Russian Syrniki

These traditional cheese pancakes aren’t just delicious – they also offer nutritional benefits! The farmer’s cheese provides protein and calcium, making Russian syrniki more satisfying than regular pancakes.

Moreover, they’re relatively low in carbohydrates compared to typical breakfast options. Therefore, with some fresh fruit on top, you’ll have a well-balanced morning meal.

Variations to Try

Once you master this basic Russian syrniki recipe, you might want to experiment with these variations:

1. Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
2. Incorporate cinnamon or cardamom for warm, aromatic notes.
3. Mix in finely diced apple for added texture and natural sweetness.
4. Try a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding chopped herbs.

If you enjoy these Russian pancakes, you might also want to try our Finnish Pannukakku recipe – another delightful European breakfast treat that offers a different but equally delicious experience!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While Russian syrniki taste best fresh, you can certainly prepare them ahead of time:

1. The batter can be made and refrigerated overnight. In fact, this often improves the flavor and texture.
2. Cooked syrniki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in a pan or microwave.
3. You can also freeze cooked syrniki. First, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. After that, transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Cultural Significance of Russian Syrniki

Syrniki have a special place in Russian culture and cuisine. Historically, they were a practical way to use up farmer’s cheese before it spoiled. Additionally, they’ve been enjoyed for generations as a hearty breakfast that sustains people through cold winter mornings.

In modern Russia, you’ll find syrniki on breakfast menus in homes and restaurants alike. Furthermore, many families have their own special version passed down through generations.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Russian syrniki recipe offers a delightful departure from ordinary pancakes. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and versatile nature, these cheese pancakes deserve a spot in your breakfast rotation.

Whether you top them with something sweet or savory, these Russian cheese pancakes provide a comforting start to any day. Therefore, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover a new breakfast favorite!

When you make these Russian syrniki, take a moment to appreciate how something so simple can be so delicious. After all, sometimes the most basic recipes become our most treasured comfort foods.

Authentic Russian Syrniki Recipe You’ll Love

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Author: thelunaskitchen Recipe Keys: Nut Free Quick Meals

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Calories: 195 Kcal Best Season: Winter, Spring

Description

Indulge in a breakfast that’s both comforting and wonderfully unique with these authentic Russian syrniki. A cherished staple across Eastern Europe, these golden, cheese-filled pancakes boast a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy center that melts beautifully with every bite. Made with traditional farmer’s cheese or quark, syrniki offer a subtly sweet flavor that feels nostalgic and inviting. Enjoyed for generations in Russian homes, these tender little pancakes make the perfect morning treat—though they’re just as irresistible any time of day. One taste, and you’ll understand why they’ve remained a beloved classic for centuries.

Ingredients:

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 
  1 pound (450g) farmer's cheese or quark
• 
  2 large eggs
• 
  3-4 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 
  2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 
  ¹⁄₂ tsp vanilla extract
• 
  ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• 
  2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
• 
  • Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Place farmer's cheese in a large bowl and mash with a fork until relatively smooth.

1. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

1. Gradually add the flour and fold it gently into the mixture until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough.

1. If using raisins or dried cranberries, fold them in. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes.

1. Sprinkle a work surface with flour. With floured hands, form about 2 tablespoons of mixture into a ball, then flatten into a thick patty about 3 inches in diameter.

1. Dust each syrnik with flour on both sides.

1. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

1. Cook syrniki for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

1. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 195kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 9g14%

Cholesterol 95mg32%

Total Carbohydrate 16g6%

Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%

Sugars 6g

Protein 12g24%

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Calcium 120 mg

Iron 0.8 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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