Local Bakeries Are Frying Up This Polish Favorite on Fat Tuesday
A stack of different flavored paczkis on a wooden tray

Local Bakeries Are Frying Up This Polish Favorite on Fat Tuesday

Pączki Day is here, and Milwaukee’s bakeries are ready to satisfy your sweet tooth before Lent begins.

Pączki – the Polish word for package – is a special parcel indeed. On March 4, the last day to be a gorging hedonist before 40 abstemious days of Lent, denizens will make a mad dash for these filled doughnuts (pronounced “punch-kee”). Bakeries from National Bakery to Grebe’s to Cranky Al’s will offer their versions of the deep-fried treat.

If you’re really looking to scratch that itch with a feast of flavors, Wioletta’s Polish Market will offer 16 varieties including Nutella, Oreo cookie, tiramisu and strawberries with cream. They’ll also, of course, have the traditional plum/prune. Expect pączki pandemonium, so come early or pre-order up to 30 days in advance. 


This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s February issue.

Find it on newsstands or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop beginning Feb. 1.

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Ann Christenson has covered dining for Milwaukee Magazine since 1997. She was raised on a diet of casseroles that started with a pound of ground beef and a can of Campbell's soup. Feel free to share any casserole recipes with her.