Name: Moravian zelňáky on a baking sheet: an ancient cabbage recipe, better than potato pancakes
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 kg finely grated cabbage (white or sauerkraut, to taste); 200 g plain flour; 2 eggs; 100 ml milk; 50 g butter (for the sheet); 150 g grated cheese (Edam, Gouda, etc.); salt, freshly ground pepper

Moravian zelňáky on a baking sheet: an ancient cabbage recipe, better than potato pancakes

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Moravian zelňáky on a baking sheet: an ancient cabbage recipe, better than potato pancakes recept

Easy to prepare
4 serving
55 minutes

Jan, 17. 12. 2025

Crispy edges, fragrant cabbage and melted cheese – Moravian zelňáky are an unpretentious classic that easily rivals potato pancakes in taste. They are baked on a sheet, so they’re not as greasy, preparation is quick and the ingredients are inexpensive. Great as dinner, a light lunch or a warm snack for the whole family.

For 4 serving

Ingredients

1 kg finely grated cabbage (white or sauerkraut, to taste)
200 g plain flour
2 eggs
100 ml milk
50 g butter (for the sheet)
150 g grated cheese (Edam, Gouda, etc.)
salt, freshly ground pepper

Preparation procedure

Draining the cabbage: Salt the grated cabbage, mix and let it release its juice for 10 minutes. Then squeeze it thoroughly so the batter isn't thin.
Batter: In a large bowl, mix the flour, eggs and milk into a smooth batter. Salt and pepper to taste.
Combining with the cabbage: Incorporate the squeezed cabbage into the batter and mix carefully so the ingredients combine evenly.
Baking sheet and fat: Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 180 °C with a piece of butter on it so it melts. Once the butter is liquid, pull the sheet out and spread the cabbage batter on it into an even layer.
Baking: Bake 30–40 minutes until golden. During baking you can stir or turn the mixture once or twice with a wide spatula so it bakes evenly.
Cheese and finishing: Sprinkle grated cheese over the hot zelňáky, leave briefly in the switched-off oven so the cheese melts, and serve.

Number of servings: 4–6

Total preparation time: 55–65 minutes (preparation 15–25 minutes + baking 30–40 minutes)

Serving tips

They are excellent simply with sour cream or a garlic dip.
If you use sauerkraut, rinse it lightly before mixing and squeeze it well so it isn’t too sour.
For „more Moravian“ flavor, add a pinch of crushed caraway or marjoram to the batter.

Conclusion

Moravian zelňáky on a baking sheet are simple, hearty and yet „lighter“ than fried potato pancakes. Thanks to baking on a sheet you save time at the stove and get a nicely baked, crispy treat from basic ingredients. Cook them once and you’ll quickly understand why this old recipe still holds a place on Moravian tables today.

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