Haluski
A comforting, budget-friendly dish featuring sautéed cabbage, sweet onions, and tender egg noodles, all tossed with crispy bacon and rich butter. This classic from Eastern Europe, popular in the American Midwest, is a simple, hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Noodles
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes.
- d.Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Render the Bacon
- b.While the noodles are cooking, place the chopped bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet. Discard any excess.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the Vegetables
- b.Add the butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and allow it to melt over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- d.Add the chopped cabbage, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage has wilted and is tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. The cabbage will reduce in volume significantly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the cooked egg noodles and the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the cabbage mixture.
- c.Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- d.If the dish seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to create a light, glossy sauce that coats the noodles.
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a slight bite, not be mushy.
- 2Reserving the pasta water is key. Its starchiness helps the 'sauce' of butter and bacon fat cling to the noodles.
- 3For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of caraway seeds or a couple of minced garlic cloves along with the onions.
- 4To save time, you can use a 16 oz bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping a whole head of cabbage.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Kielbasa
For a more traditional Polish version, add 1/2 pound of sliced, browned kielbasa sausage along with the bacon.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onions and cabbage in 6 tablespoons of butter. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Creamy HaluskiCreamy Haluski
Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the very end for a richer, creamier finish.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the cabbage for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Source
The egg noodles provide a significant source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel for energy.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and skin health.
Supports Bone Health
Cabbage also contains Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and plays a vital role in maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Haluski is a rustic dish with Eastern European roots (Polish, Slovak, Ukrainian) made from noodles and cabbage. The American version, popular in the Midwest and Rust Belt, typically includes fried cabbage, onions, egg noodles, butter, and often bacon or kielbasa.