Pierogi

If you are looking for an easy Pierogi Recipe, this is the one to make. It is a comforting dish that is made with simple ingredients and easy steps. The made from scratch dough is filled with a creamy potato filling and then cooked to perfection.

This simple side dish recipe is delicious served for many occasions with each bite bringing a taste of tradition and warmth. If you love this recipe, you may try Chicken and Dumplings.

What is Pierogi?

Pierogi is a a simple dough recipe that is filled traditionally in Poland with potato, cheese, and onions. You may also find that they are made with other extra vegetables such as sauerkraut and fresh herbs.

Meat can even be added for a hearty side that provides flavor and comfort for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients

• All Purpose Flour – For the best dumplings, we recommend using all purpose flour. It is strong enough to hold the dumplings together during the cooking process.
• Egg – We like using room temperature eggs to help bind the dumplings together.
• Butter – We used melted unsalted butter 
• Russet Potatoes – I find that Russet or Baking potatoes work the best for the filling in this recipe.
• White Onion – Slice the onion with an vegetable chopper
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – You can also substitute with softened cream cheese

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Cheese – Feel free to use shredded cheese that you prefer. Make sure to shred the cheese by hand for the best flavor and texture.
• Add Herbs – Feel free to add fresh herbs to the potato mixture for even more flavor. Add ¼ teaspoon dill, chives and thyme to add to the pierogi filling.
• Make it Sweet – You can add fruit to the pierogi filling and top with Whipped Cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

How to Make Homemade Pierogi

Step 1 – In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, eggs, oil, salt and water until a dough is formed.

Step 2 – Knead the dough on a flat working surface for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and easy to work with. 

Step 3 – Place the dough in a bowl, cover it and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. 

Step 4 – Peel the potatoes and dice them into small pieces (1-2 inches).  Place the potatoes in a saucepan and cover it with water.  Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. 

Step 5 – While the potatoes are cooked, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in the sliced onions and cook until the onions are tender but not browned.

Step 6 – Place the drain potatoes in a mixing bowl. Mash them with a hand held mixer in a large bowl. Stir in the onions, cheese and remaining butter. Mash until the potatoes are combined and smooth. 

Step 7 – Roll the dough out until it’s approximately ⅛ inch thick.

Step 8 – Cut the dough into 3 inch circles with a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter. 

Step 9 – Scoop approximately 1 Tablespoons of the potato filling and roll the mixture into a ball.  Place each of the ball fillings onto each of the dough rounds.  Fold the dough over to form a half circle and pinch the edges together to seal them close. 

Step 10 – Bring a large pot of water to a low boil.  Carefully add in the pierogies and cook until they float (approximately 2-4 minutes). Make sure to not crowd the pan. You will likely need to cook in batches. 

• Step 11 – Once boiled, add the pierogies to the skillet with a slotted spoon with the melted butter. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes per side until lightly browned. 
• Step 12 – Remove from the skillet, warm warm with the onions and sour cream (if using). Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Closing Pierogies – When making the pierogies, make sure to securely pinch the seams together. Make sure that this seam is not too thick and that it’s thin like the remaining dough.  
• Shredding Cheese – Shred your own cheese for the best consistency of the potato filling in these homemade Perogies. 
• Cooking Pierogi – Before pan-frying the Pierogi Dough over medium heat, it needs to be boiled in boiling water. This ensures that they are fully cooked with a golden brown texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Polish dish is traditionally served with Sauté Onions and topped with sour cream. We also like to add a side of Steamed Asparagus Recipe or a side salad.

You may even like to serve with Quick and Easy Soup Recipes or Cabbage Rolls for a complete meal idea.

Frequently Asked Questions