Breakfast foods make me happy inside. Eggs, sausage, buttered bread, bacon… I will take one of each.
But have you had those amazing dishes they have at Russian tables, like the ones with the sweetened cheese? And then you think it is going to be too much sugar for the morning, but they are actually, like, kinda good, and you end up coming back every weekend for the rest of time?
These recipes aren’t that much of a stretch. It is a sweet, doughy, texturally fluffy breakfast that is definitely a good idea.
1. Plushki
These Plushki are traditional Russian pastries that remind me of cream cheese danishes covered with a sugary glaze.
It is almost like a cinnamon roll topping. They are insanely good and hard to describe, but the flavor is undeniably amazing.
Imagine something super soft with a buttery and sugary taste that just melts on your tongue. Pair these with coffee or hot chocolate and you are winning.
2. Syrniki (Russian Cheese Pancakes)
Syrnikis are similar to fluffy pancakes in consistency, but you make them using farmer’s cheese rather than a mix.
That means they are fat and soft with a taste that is interesting because it is sweet but also mildly cheesy.
People usually eat them with jam or syrup despite the cheesiness. Sticking to the basics like good old maple syrup is my advice if you are unsure about toppings.
3. Russian Tea
Tea in Russia is a big deal and definitely not a pour-it-from-a-jug situation.
You need about 3 hours to make authentic Russian tea. You also need cloves, cinnamon sticks, and juice from lemons, oranges, and pineapples.
This is a sweet and aromatic delight that will have you hooked once you try it. I might actually become a morning person if I knew I was waking up to this.
4. Semolina Porridge
You might know Semolina porridge as cream of wheat or farina. It is a quick and healthy option that gets on the table in 10 minutes or less.
Serve it plain or with butter and syrup for a hot and tasty meal.
5. Russian Pancakes
Think of Russian pancakes as the perfect middle ground between crispy French crepes and fluffy pancakes.
They are light and fluffy but have that wonderful crispiness on the edges that makes them even better. Plus they are very easy to make with essential ingredients.
You should make the sour cream and raspberry jam topping if you have the time. It is surprisingly tasty and is how people usually serve them in Russia.
6. Vareniki with Cherries
These might look like Chinese dumplings but that is far from what they are. I am not going to lie to you because these take a little bit of effort and time.
But they make the perfect addition to a special breakfast or brunch occasion. Every bite is packed with sugar and cherry flavors.
They are that good and you will feel like you are headed to heaven. I want to eat a dozen of them right now just talking about it.
7. Russian Black Bread
Rye is one of the most popular breads in Russia and this black bread is dark and rich.
This loaf contains tons of flavorful ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, fennel seeds, coffee, and cocoa powder. It has more flavor than most breads you eat which should come as no surprise.
This is a thick and hearty bread that tastes amazing with honey butter.
8. Fried Eggs
Fried eggs are such a staple of Russian breakfast that I could not leave them off the list.
I am sure you have made hundreds of them in your life.
9. Donut Holes (Ponchiki)
These donut holes are soft and sweet and dusted with powdered sugar. They are also cheesy thanks to the farmer’s cheese.
They do not taste like the donut holes you are used to but they are no less delicious.
These taste just as incredible when they are cold as they do when they are hot. That makes them the perfect make-ahead breakfast items.
10. Coffee
Making coffee the Russian way is not nearly as intricate a process as making tea. You basically make it the way you always make it.
The only difference is that you add a dash of brown sugar for extra flavor.
11. Russian Cream Cheese Vatrushka Buns
You will not want to stop at just one of these vatrushka buns. This recipe uses farmer’s cheese and cream cheese with golden raisins and sugar for the filling.
This gives it a smooth and creamy taste that is mildly sweet. You can use whatever filling you like though.
The soft sweetness complements the chewy and tender golden-brown bread perfectly.
12. Draniki
These thin potato pancakes are crispy and more savory than sweet. They contain garlic and onions so I prefer to leave them savory.
I often eat them plain but I usually go for an herby feta dip if I want a sauce. You could confuse them with a breakfast pastry if you serve them with applesauce or jam.
13. Sharlotka (Apple Cake)
This apple cake has five ingredients and features a moist center with a slightly crunchy top. It is dusted in powdered sugar and tastes like biting into a fresh apple only sweeter and better.
It is shockingly low-fat but a bit high in carbs.
The only problem you will have is deciding whether to serve it for dessert or breakfast.
14. Buckwheat Porridge
Buckwheat is a famous ingredient in Russia and it is good for you. It helps lower bad cholesterol and is high in protein.
We might even enjoy eating more buckwheat with this tasty porridge recipe.
All you need is milk, butter, honey, salt, and water. You can have it prepped in 5 minutes and ready to eat in another 15.
Top it with fresh fruit for a yummy way to start the day.
15. Grenki
You can make grenki if you can make French toast. It is merely French toast made using a baguette instead of toast.
The cooking process and ingredients are the same. Serve them with maple syrup or fresh fruit or anything else you enjoy.
16. Raspberry Jam
Raspberry jam is a popular spread often used as a topping on pancakes and bread. Luckily it is easy to make on your stove in about half an hour.
All you will need are four cups of sugar and four cups of raspberries.
17. Farmers Cheese Cake Recipe (Zapekanka)
Zapekanka is a breakfast cake made with farmer’s cheese.
It is hearty enough for breakfast thanks to the cream of wheat and eggs. But it is also sweet enough to serve for dessert. It is moist and soft with a unique flavor you will love.
18. Sweet Piroshky
Piroshky is probably one of the most well-known treats in Russian fare.
There are savory and sweet piroshkis but this recipe is for the sweet ones. They are delightful balls of fried dough surrounding a filling.
You make the filling from poppyseeds and sugar for this recipe but you can use jams or chocolate too.
19. Sandwiches
Grab some cold-cut deli meat and Havarti cheese if you are looking for the perfect Russian breakfast sandwich. Do not forget the rye bread!
Toast the bread slices and cover each in mayo. Layer the other ingredients on top for a fresh breakfast.
20. Millet Porridge
The great thing about millet porridge is that you can make it the night before. It tastes just as good when you quickly warm it up the following day.
Then all you have to do is take 5 minutes to add the honey glaze to the plums. Pour them on top and enjoy.
