Delicious Homemade Pierogi Recipe: A Savory Family Classic

Crafting a mouthwatering homemade pierogi brings pure comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Polish dumplings pack incredible flavor in every delicate pocket.

Soft dough wraps around savory fillings that dance with traditional goodness.

Generations of cooks have perfected these delightful parcels, passing down secrets from grandmother to daughter.

Skilled hands knead, stuff, and seal each pierogi with love and precision.

Crispy edges and tender centers make these dumplings an irresistible treat.

Jump into this classic recipe and create something special that connects you to hearty eastern European culinary traditions.

Homemade Pierogi Variations To Consider

• Gluten-Free Pierogi: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and potato starch, ensuring a similar texture while making the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Potato Pierogi: Substitute egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water, use plant-based cheese alternative, and coconut oil instead of butter for cooking.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pierogi: Replace traditional dough with riced cauliflower and almond flour mixture, maintaining the dumpling shape while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Pierogi: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the potato filling, creating a zesty flavor profile that adds extra kick to the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions For Homemade Pierogi

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Polish Potato Pierogi Pairings
• Enhance Beverage Selection: Crisp Pilsner Beer perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy pierogi, balancing the hearty potato and cheese filling with its refreshing hop character.
• Elevate Accompaniment Choice: Tangy Sauerkraut provides a zesty, acidic contrast that brightens the dense, buttery pierogi, adding a traditional Eastern European flavor profile.
• Boost Side Dish Option: Caramelized Onions deliver a sweet, deeply savory complement that echoes the onion within the filling, creating layers of depth and complexity on the plate.
• Create Condiment Combination: Herbed Sour Cream introduces a cool, fresh element that softens the pierogi's richness while adding a delicate herbal note to each bite.

How To Store Homemade Pierogi

• Transfer cooled pierogi to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing sticking.
• Place uncooked or cooked pierogi on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Drop frozen pierogi directly into boiling water, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they float. Drain excess water and serve immediately with desired toppings.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add pierogi, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and heated through.

Questions About Homemade Pierogi

• Can I make pierogi dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 1 day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

• Is it possible to freeze uncooked pierogi?

Absolutely. Place uncooked pierogi on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months and can be boiled directly from frozen.

• What if my pierogi edges don't seal properly?

Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly. Ensure no filling touches the edges when sealing, and keep the dough edges dry to help them stick together.

What Makes Homemade Pierogi So Comforting

• Savor Simple Homemade Delight: These pierogi offer a delightful culinary experience that brings comfort and warmth to your meal, perfect for satisfying hunger with minimal kitchen skills.
• Master Versatile Cooking Technique: Learn an easy method of creating traditional Eastern European dumplings that can be customized with various fillings, making it an adaptable recipe for different taste preferences.
• Create Family Bonding Moment: Preparing pierogi becomes an interactive cooking activity where family members can join together, roll dough, stuff filling, and create memorable connections while cooking.
• Enjoy Budget-Friendly Meal: Using basic ingredients like potatoes, flour, and cheese, this recipe provides an economical dish that delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients To Make Homemade Pierogi

• Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture for the pierogi.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough ingredients and adds richness.
• Water: Brings the dough ingredients together and helps create a smooth consistency.

• Potatoes: The main component that creates a creamy, hearty base for the pierogi.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the filling.
• Onions: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the potato mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasons the filling to enhance its overall taste profile.

• Butter: Used for pan-frying to create a golden, crispy exterior.
• Sour Cream: A classic topping that adds a cool, tangy complement to the pierogi.
• Chives: Provides a fresh, mild onion-like garnish for added flavor and color.

Cooking Instructions For Homemade Pierogi

Step 1: Create Silky Smooth Pierogi Dough

Gather flour, salt, egg, and water in a mixing bowl. Knead the ingredients together with your hands, working the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. The kneading process should take about 5-7 minutes, developing a beautiful texture that will make your pierogi extraordinary.

Step 2: Relax the Dough

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for half an hour. This crucial resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough more pliable and easier to work with.

Step 3: Whip Up a Creamy Potato Filling

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Finely diced onions

Season with salt and pepper to create a mouthwatering mixture that will make your pierogi irresistible.

Step 4: Roll Out the Perfect Dough

Sprinkle a light dusting of flour on your work surface. Roll out the rested dough until it’s thin and even, about 1/8-inch thick. The goal is a delicate, uniform sheet that will cradle your flavorful filling.

Step 5: Shape Your Pierogi Pockets

Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut perfect circular dough pieces. Aim for circles about 3 inches in diameter – the ideal size for a delightful pierogi.

Step 6: Stuff and Seal with Love

Place a small spoonful of potato-cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill – you want just enough to create a burst of flavor. Fold the dough over, creating a beautiful half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.

Step 7: Boil to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the pierogi into the water in small batches. Watch for them to float to the surface – this means they’re fully cooked, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Crisp Up the Finish

Remove the pierogi with a slotted spoon and let excess water drain. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Gently pan-fry the boiled pierogi until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

Plate your pierogi hot and fresh. Top with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped chives. Enjoy this classic comfort food that brings a taste of tradition to your table.

Helpful Hints For Homemade Pierogi Prep

• Perfect Dough Texture: Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, ensuring gluten development for tender pierogi.
• Prevent Pierogi Leaks: Seal edges firmly by pressing and crimping with a fork to keep delicious filling securely inside during cooking.
• Precise Filling Technique: Use a small spoon to portion filling, avoiding overstuffing which can cause pierogi to burst when boiling.
• Crispy Golden Finish: Pan-fry boiled pierogi in butter for a delightful golden-brown exterior that adds extra flavor and texture.
• Flavor Enhancement Hack: Add minced garlic or herbs to potato-cheese filling for a more complex and personalized taste profile.

Delicious Homemade Pierogi Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40-42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Polish pierogi shine as comfort cuisine packed with potato, cheese, and sauerkraut goodness. Crispy pan-fried edges and rich filling promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor bite after delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced onions

Cooking/Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the dough by combining flour, salt, egg, and water in a mixing bowl, kneading until a smooth, elastic texture develops, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, enabling the gluten to relax.
3. While the dough rests, prepare the filling by blending mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
4. Roll out the rested dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness, creating a thin, even sheet.
5. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut uniform circular dough pieces, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
6. Place a small spoonful of potato-cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and firmly press the edges together to seal, preventing filling from leaking during cooking.
8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil, then carefully drop the pierogi into the water in batches.
9. Cook the pierogi for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked.
10. Remove the pierogi with a slotted spoon and drain excess water.
11. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and lightly pan-fry the boiled pierogi until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
12. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of chopped chives for a classic, comforting presentation.

Notes

• Kneading the dough thoroughly ensures a smooth, elastic texture that prevents tearing when shaping pierogi.
• Resting the dough allows gluten to relax, making the dough more pliable and easier to roll out without springing back.
• Use a fork to crimp edges tightly, creating a decorative seal that prevents filling from leaking during cooking.
• Consider alternative fillings like sauerkraut, mushrooms, or sweet fruit variations to explore different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg