Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Hungarian Cheese Dumplings (Túrós Csusza) — a classic Hungarian dish featuring tender homemade egg noodles or dumplings coated in creamy cottage cheese, topped with crispy smoked bacon, and finished with a generous dollop of velvety sour cream.
This simple yet deeply satisfying recipe is cherished for its hearty, savory taste and ease of preparation, making it a beloved staple for busy weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or as a hearty side at gatherings.
Whether you’re new to Hungarian cuisine or searching for an authentic taste of Central European comfort food, this timeless favorite brings the essence of traditional Hungarian cooking straight to your table.
⦁ 300 g (10½ oz) csusza noodles or wide egg noodles
⦁ 200 g (7 oz) cottage cheese
⦁ 150 g (5¼ oz) smoked bacon, diced
⦁ 200 ml (6¾ fl. oz) sour cream
⦁ 1 tbsp butter
⦁ ½ tsp salt
1. Cook noodles 95–100°C (203–212°F) in salted water until tender. Drain well.
2. Fry over medium heat (160–175°C / 320–350°F) diced bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels.
3. Melt butter in a pan. Add drained noodles and toss to coat.
4. Stir in cottage cheese and crispy bacon.
5. Top with sour cream before serving.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Noodles – Use csusza noodles for authentic texture; wide egg noodles or spaetzle work as substitutes
✔ Cottage Cheese – Traditional Hungarian túró (dry curd cottage cheese) is ideal; if unavailable, use well-drained cottage cheese
✔ Bacon – Choose high-quality smoked bacon or Hungarian szalonna for rich, smoky flavor
✔ Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream gives a luscious finish
👩🍳 Preparation Tips
✔ Cooking Noodles – Boil noodles in salted water at 95–100°C (203–212°F) until al dente; avoid overcooking to keep texture firm
✔ Drain Thoroughly – Let noodles drain well to prevent the dish from becoming watery
✔ Frying Bacon – Cook diced bacon over medium heat (160–175°C / 320–350°F) until crispy; drain on paper towels for crunch
✔ Butter Coating – Toss noodles in melted butter right after draining for extra flavor and to keep them from sticking
🔥 Cooking Techniques & Temperatures
✔ Final Heating – Once noodles, cottage cheese, and bacon are combined, heat briefly over low-medium heat (140–160°C / 285–320°F) to warm through without curdling the cheese
✔ Avoid Overheating – Don’t cook after adding sour cream; it should be added off-heat or at serving to maintain creaminess
🍽 Serving & Storage
✔ Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed hot for perfect texture and flavor
✔ Garnish Ideas – Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and brightness
✔ Make Ahead – Cook bacon and noodles in advance; assemble just before serving for the freshest taste
✔ Leftovers – Store in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen