🥧 Pirog Recipe (Traditional Russian Pie)
Learn how to make a traditional Russian Pirog — a soft, buttery pie filled with fruit, meat, or cabbage. Includes serving ideas, storage tips, FAQs, and similar recipes for perfect homemade results.
📝 About the Recipe
Pirog is a classic Russian pie made with a soft yeast-based or shortcrust dough and a wide range of fillings — from savory meats to sweet fruits. It’s a comfort food often served during family gatherings and holidays, known for its golden crust and hearty flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for sweet version, optional)
For the Filling (Choose One Type):
Sweet Options:
- 2 cups sliced apples or cherries
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon or lemon zest
Savory Options:
- 1½ cups cooked ground beef or shredded chicken
- 1 small onion (finely chopped and sautéed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
For Brushing:
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, and salt.
- Add activated yeast mixture, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- For sweet Pirog, toss fruit with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
- For savory Pirog, sauté onion and cooked meat, season well, and let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pirog
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two parts — one slightly larger than the other.
- Roll out the larger portion to fit your baking pan (about 9x13 inches).
- Spread your chosen filling evenly over the base.
- Roll out the smaller portion for the top crust and place it over the filling.
- Pinch the edges to seal and brush with beaten egg.
- (Optional) Cut small slits in the top for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and firm.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve Warm or at Room Temperature:
Enjoy freshly baked Pirog slightly warm for the best texture and flavor. - Dust with Powdered Sugar (for Sweet Versions):
If you made a fruit-filled Pirog, add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. - Add a Scoop of Ice Cream:
Sweet Pirog pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. - Serve Savory Pirog with Soup or Salad:
Pair meat- or cabbage-filled versions with borscht or a fresh beet salad for a full meal. - Perfect for Tea Time:
Slice it and serve with hot tea or coffee as a cozy afternoon treat.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 10–12 minutes until soft and fragrant again.
❓ FAQs
Q1. What types of filling can I use for Pirog?
You can use sweet fillings like apple, cherry, or cottage cheese, or savory ones such as ground beef, cabbage, or fish.
Q2. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of egg white or breadcrumbs before adding the filling to create a moisture barrier.
Q3. Can I make Pirog ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day before, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Q4. What’s the difference between Pirog and Pirozhki?
Pirog is a large pie baked in a pan, while Pirozhki are small hand-held stuffed buns made from similar dough.
Q5. Is Pirog eaten hot or cold?
Both! Savory versions are best warm, while sweet ones are delicious even at room temperature.
🍰 Similar Recipes You May Like:
- Pirozhki Recipe – Mini stuffed buns with savory or sweet fillings.
- Blini Recipe – Thin Russian pancakes perfect with jam or sour cream.
- Syrniki Recipe – Sweet cottage cheese fritters loved for breakfast.
- Kulebyaka Recipe – A rich, layered fish pie wrapped in golden dough.
- Olivier Salad Recipe – A creamy, traditional Russian potato salad.


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