pierogi recipe

Pierogi Recipe – Traditional Polish Dumplings with Potato & Cheese

Learn how to make authentic Polish Pierogi from scratch! These homemade dumplings are filled with creamy potato and cheese, then boiled and pan-fried for a crispy, golden finish.

🥟 What Are Pierogi?

Pierogi (also spelled perogies) are traditional Polish dumplings that are beloved across Eastern Europe. They are made from soft dough filled with a variety of fillings like potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or even fruit. Boiled and then often pan-fried in butter, pierogi are the ultimate comfort food.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

For the Classic Potato and Cheese Filling:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or farmer’s cheese for authenticity)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped and sautéed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying and Serving:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, sliced (for caramelized topping)
• Sour cream and chives (for garnish)

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🍽️ How to Make Pierogi – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add egg, sour cream, and melted butter. Mix and knead into a smooth dough (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Boil potatoes until soft. Drain and mash.
2. Mix in shredded cheese, sautéed onions, salt, and pepper. Let cool.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Pierogi

1. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut circles using a glass or cookie cutter (3 inches wide).
3. Place 1 tsp filling in the center of each round. Fold in half and pinch edges to seal.

Step 4: Cook the Pierogi

1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Drop pierogi in small batches.
2. Boil until they float (about 3–4 minutes). Drain.

Step 5: Pan-Fry and Serve

1. Heat butter in a skillet. Fry pierogi until golden on each side.
2. Top with caramelized onions, sour cream, and chopped chives.

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✅ Why You’ll Love This Pierogi Recipe

• 🥟 Authentic Polish taste
• 🧀 Creamy, cheesy potato filling
• 🌱 Vegetarian-friendly
• 🧈 Crispy and golden when pan-fried
• 🕒 Perfect for freezing and meal prep

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sour cream, caramelized onions, or bacon bits
• Pair with a light cucumber salad or beet soup (borscht)
• Great as a main dish, appetizer, or holiday side

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📝 Tips for Perfect Pierogi

• Don’t overfill the dough—it will be harder to seal.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges for a traditional look.
• Make extra and freeze them on a tray—boil directly from frozen when ready.
• Try sweet versions with cherry or blueberry filling and dusted with powdered sugar.

🇵🇱 More Comforting Eastern European Recipes

• Borscht – Traditional Beetroot Soup
• Hungarian Goulash – Paprika Beef Stew
• Cabbage Rolls – Stuffed Eastern European Style