Pierogi

If you’ve ever tasted the delightful Polish dumplings known as Pierogi, you know they’re a true comfort food. These little pockets of joy are filled with a variety of delicious fillings, from creamy mashed potatoes and cheese to savory meats, vegetables, or even fruit for dessert! Whether you’ve enjoyed them at a family gathering or are just discovering them, Pierogi will quickly become your go-to dish for any occasion. They’re satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Pierogi

Here’s why Pierogi are a must-try recipe, and trust me—you’re going to love them:

• Comfort in Every Bite: These dumplings are the definition of comfort food. Soft, pillowy dough on the outside, filled with your favorite ingredients on the inside. The ultimate cozy dish!
• Versatile Fillings: From classic mashed potatoes and cheese to a more adventurous sauerkraut or meat filling, the options are endless. Feel free to get creative and experiment with what you love.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Pierogi can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them perfect for meal prep. Simply boil them when you’re ready to eat, and you have a warm, homemade meal in minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to be a hit at any family gathering, party, or dinner. It’s fun to make, fun to eat, and even more fun when you share them with others.
• Authentic & Homemade: Making Pierogi at home is a great way to connect with tradition and bring a taste of Poland to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Making Pierogi is simple, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a hearty, delicious dish that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and a nice texture.
• Egg: This will help bind the dough together and give it a rich, smooth texture.
• Warm Water: To bring everything together and form a soft dough.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavor of the dough.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the dough tender and smooth.

For the Classic Potato and Cheese Filling

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base for the filling. Make sure they’re well-seasoned for the best flavor.
• Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: A soft cheese that adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
• Onion: For a little sautéed flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the filling.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, because every great filling needs the perfect seasoning.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into making these delicious Pierogi? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, then crack the egg into the well. Add the warm water and vegetable oil. Mix everything together until it forms a dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

While the dough is resting, sauté the onion in butter until golden and soft. Add the sautéed onion to the mashed potatoes, then stir in the ricotta or cottage cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll each one out into a thin circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to gently stretch the dough.

Fill the Pierogi

Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them! Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, making sure there are no gaps.

Cook the Pierogi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pierogi into the boiling water in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Once they float to the surface, let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water.

Optional: Fry the Pierogi

For extra crispy Pierogi, heat a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the boiled pierogi and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Pierogi hot, with a dollop of sour cream, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs for garnish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Pierogi

Pierogi are amazing on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream is the perfect accompaniment to Pierogi, balancing out the richness of the filling.
• Caramelized Onions: Top your Pierogi with sautéed onions for added flavor.
• Sauteed Spinach or Kale: A quick sautéed green makes a nice, light pairing with these hearty dumplings.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty kick that complements the creamy filling.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Pierogi ever:

• Freezing Pierogi: After forming and sealing your pierogi, you can freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them from frozen by boiling them directly or frying them.
• Experiment with Fillings: While the potato and cheese filling is a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other fillings. Sauerkraut, mushrooms, ground meat, or sweet fillings like blueberries and sugar are great alternatives.
• Make a Double Batch: Pierogi are perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Make extra and freeze them for a future meal!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the dough in advance?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q2: Can I use a different filling?
A2: Absolutely! Pierogi can be filled with so many delicious things, including meat, mushrooms, spinach, or even fruit for a sweet treat.

Q3: How do I freeze Pierogi?
A3: To freeze, arrange the pierogi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, simply boil them from frozen.

Q4: Can I bake Pierogi instead of boiling them?
A4: While Pierogi are traditionally boiled, you can also bake them for a slightly different texture. Brush them with butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover Pierogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q6: Can I make Pierogi without cheese?
A6: Yes! You can make savory Pierogi with just potatoes or other fillings like meat, sauerkraut, or mushrooms.

Q7: How do I fry Pierogi?
A7: After boiling the Pierogi, heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the Pierogi for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden and crispy.

Q8: Can I make Pierogi vegetarian?
A8: Absolutely! Pierogi can easily be made vegetarian by using fillings like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or spinach.

Q9: Can I use store-bought dough for Pierogi?
A9: While homemade dough is traditional, you can use store-bought dumpling wrappers as a shortcut if you’re in a pinch.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat Pierogi?
A10: To reheat, you can boil them again for a few minutes, or for a crispy version, pan-fry them in butter until golden and heated through.

Conclusion

Pierogi are one of those dishes that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. With their soft dough, delicious filling, and endless possibilities for customization, they’re the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or enjoying them as a treat with friends, Pierogi are sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!

Print