Cabbage, Potato and Cheese Dumplings With Dill
Cabbage, Potato and Cheese Dumplings With Dill is a medium Chinese Fusion recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by NYT Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 1 hr 17 min
Cost: $10.40 total, $2.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and cut into ½‑inch cubes)
- 1 large Leek (white and light green parts only, finely diced)
- 2 cup Napa Cabbage (finely chopped, about ¼‑inch dice)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 tbsp for sauté, 2 tbsp for final toss)
- ½ cup Sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry)
- 1 tsp Caraway Seeds (toasted lightly)
- ½ cup Swiss Cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 Scallions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 30 Square Wonton Wrappers (frozen; thawed before use)
Instructions
Cube and Boil Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into ½‑inch cubes, place them in a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Dry Potatoes
Drain the potatoes, return them to the hot pot, and let sit for 5 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Mash Potatoes
Transfer the dried potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork until slightly chunky; season with salt.
Time: PT2M
Prep Leeks and Cabbage
Trim the leeks, rinse thoroughly, and finely dice. Stack cabbage leaves and finely chop to about a ¼‑inch dice.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Leeks
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a non‑stick skillet over medium heat, add leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Cabbage and Caramelize
Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, then the chopped cabbage. Increase heat to medium‑high, season, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage shrinks and the bottom caramelizes, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Cool Vegetable Mixture
Transfer the sautéed leeks and cabbage to a plate and let cool to room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Combine Filling
In the mixing bowl with mashed potatoes, fold in the cooled leeks‑cabbage mixture, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, grated Swiss cheese, Parmesan, scallions, and dill. Season with salt and pepper and gently combine.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Wrappers
Keep square wonton wrappers covered with a damp paper towel. Lightly moisten the edges of each wrapper with water before filling.
Time: PT2M
Fill and Shape Dumplings
Place 1 level tablespoon of filling in the center of a wrapper. Bring the bottom edge up, press to seal, then fold the sides, and finally bring opposite corners together, sealing with a dab of water to form a rectangular‑then‑coin shape. Place each dumpling on parchment‑lined sheet.
Time: PT15M
Boil Dumplings
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a dozen dumplings at a time; when they rise to the surface (4‑5 minutes) and the wrappers turn translucent, let them cook an additional 1‑2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 212°F
Butter‑Finish
Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked dumplings back to the skillet, add a pat of butter, and toss gently until the butter coats each dumpling.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Plate the butter‑tossed dumplings hot. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 38g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting butter and cheese
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yellow potatoes
- Instead of Leek: Sweet onion, shallot
- Instead of Napa Cabbage: Savoy cabbage, green cabbage
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: vegetable oil (for sauté), ghee (for final toss)
- Instead of Sauerkraut: pickled cabbage
- Instead of Caraway Seeds: fennel seeds
- Instead of Swiss Cheese: Gruyère, Emmental
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Scallions: chives
- Instead of Fresh Dill: tarragon, parsley
- Instead of Square Wonton Wrappers: Gyoza wrappers, store‑bought dumpling wrappers
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Non‑stick Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Slotted Spoon
- Small Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry the boiled potatoes thoroughly to avoid soggy filling
- Do not over‑cook leeks and cabbage; retain slight texture
- Cool the vegetable mixture before mixing with potatoes
- Seal dumpling edges tightly and remove air bubbles
- Do not let wrappers dry out before filling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Napa cabbage provides a milder taste that lets the cheese and sauerkraut shine.
- A splash of butter in the final pan‑toss creates a simple sauce that coats each dumpling.
- If you prefer a crispier finish, after butter‑tossing, pan‑fry the dumplings for 1‑2 minutes until golden.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too watery and makes the wrappers soggy.
Make sure potatoes are fully dried in the hot pot and that the sautéed vegetables are cooled to room temperature before mixing.
Dumplings fall apart during boiling.
Seal the edges firmly, remove all air pockets, and ensure the wrappers are not too dry or too wet.
Wrappers dry out before filling.
Keep the stack of wrappers covered with a damp paper towel and work quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, sealed dumplings on a parchment sheet, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze uncooked dumplings on a parchment sheet; transfer to a bag once solid.
- Boiled potatoes can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Sauerkraut can be rinsed and drained ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cabbage and potato dumplings in Lunar New Year celebrations?
While not a traditional Chinese dumpling, the cabbage‑and‑potato filling honors the classic pairing found in many Eastern European dishes and reflects the NYT Cooking chef’s family tradition of cabbage‑potato soup, making it a modern fusion tribute to the New Year’s theme of abundance and comfort.
What are the traditional regional variations of cabbage and potato dumplings in Chinese cuisine?
In Chinese cuisine, dumplings (jiaozi) are usually filled with pork or shrimp. However, northern regions have vegetable‑based fillings like napa cabbage with tofu. The cabbage‑potato combo is more common in Eastern European pierogi, so this recipe blends those traditions into a Chinese‑style wrapper.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve cabbage and potato dumplings in Chinese New Year meals?
Traditional Chinese dumplings are served hot, either boiled or pan‑fried, and often accompanied by a light soy‑vinegar dipping sauce. In this recipe the dumplings are boiled then tossed in butter, giving them a richer flavor that fits a celebratory feast.
What occasions or celebrations are cabbage and potato dumplings traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
Dumplings are a staple for the Lunar New Year because their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, symbolizing wealth. This cabbage‑potato version can be enjoyed at New Year gatherings, family reunions, or any festive occasion that calls for comforting handheld bites.
What makes cabbage and potato dumplings special or unique in Chinese‑fusion cuisine?
The dish combines the creamy, dense texture of mashed potatoes with the tang of sauerkraut and the subtle sweetness of leeks, all wrapped in a delicate Chinese wonton skin. The butter‑toss finish adds a luxurious mouthfeel not typical of classic Chinese dumplings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cabbage and potato dumplings?
Common errors include over‑watering the potatoes, over‑cooking the leeks and cabbage so they become mushy, and not sealing the wrapper tightly, which leads to leaks during boiling. Follow the drying and cooling steps carefully to prevent a soggy filling.
Why does this cabbage and potato dumpling recipe use butter for sautéing instead of oil?
Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the potatoes and cheese, and it helps caramelize the cabbage for deeper taste. Oil would not provide the same buttery richness that defines the final dish.
Can I make cabbage and potato dumplings ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Shape the uncooked dumplings, place them on a parchment‑lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. They can be boiled straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cabbage and potato dumplings are done?
The wrappers should turn translucent and the dumplings will float to the surface. The filling should be hot and the interior creamy, with visible flecks of cheese and sauerkraut. The butter‑tossed exterior will have a glossy sheen.
What does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking specialize in?
NYT Cooking is the New York Times’ culinary platform that offers a wide range of recipes, cooking techniques, and food journalism, focusing on seasonal, well‑tested dishes from both classic and contemporary cuisines.
How does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking's approach to Chinese‑fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
NYT Cooking emphasizes rigorous testing, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and cultural context. For Chinese‑fusion dishes like these dumplings, the channel blends traditional techniques with modern ingredients, providing both authenticity and accessibility, unlike many channels that focus solely on either traditional or novelty recipes.
Last updated: August 25, 2026





