Authentic Homemade Polish Pierogis

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Beat the egg, sour cream, and softened butter together in a separate bowl. Gradually add the egg mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
  2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth. Cover it and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
  3. While the dough is resting, in a saucepan, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until they are tender and drain well.
  4. Melt half a cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion in butter until lightly browned. Add the cooked onion and shredded cheese to the drained potatoes. Mash until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Divide the dough into halves. Roll out one piece until it's 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut the rolled dough into circles.
  6. Spoon a portion of the potato and cheese mixture onto one half of each circle of dough. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
  7. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the pierogis in the boiling water until they float to the surface, about 4-5 minutes.
  8. Remove the pierogis with a slotted spoon and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - For mixing the dough and ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Cookie cutter - For cutting the dough into circles.
  • Saucepan - To boil the potatoes.
  • Skillet - For cooking and browning the onions.
  • Slotted spoon - To remove the pierogis from the boiling water.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a different crust.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as sauerkraut, mushrooms, spinach, or ricotta cheese.
  • Add cooked bacon or sausage to the potato and cheese filling for a meat variation.
  • Try pan-frying the pierogis in butter until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve the pierogis with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, applesauce, or spicy mustard.
  • Make sweet pierogis by filling them with fruits like blueberries, cherries, or apples, and dusting them with powdered sugar.
  • Add herbs and spices to the dough or filling, such as dill, chives, garlic powder, or paprika, for extra flavor.
  • Create a vegan version by substituting plant-based ingredients for the egg, sour cream, butter, and cheese.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our homemade Pierogi recipe! This classic Eastern European dish is a favorite comfort food for many, and our step-by-step guide will make it easy for you to recreate this delicious meal at home. In this recipe, we will prepare traditional cheese and potato filled pierogis. We'll walk you through the process of making the dough from scratch, preparing the cheese and potato filling, shaping and cooking your pierogis. Expect to enjoy a satisfying meal of tender dumplings filled with a creamy, cheesy potato filling. This straightforward recipe does require a bit of time and patience, but the end results are worth it. So, let's get started on these delicious homemade pierogis!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I replace sour cream with Greek yogurt? Yes, you can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even a blend of different cheeses.
  4. Can I make the pierogis ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pierogis ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
  5. Can I freeze the pierogis? Yes, you can freeze the pierogis for longer storage. After boiling them, let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  6. How do I reheat frozen pierogis? To reheat frozen pierogis, you can either boil them for a few minutes until they float to the surface or sauté them in a pan with a little butter until they are heated through and lightly browned.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pierogis, universally beloved dough pockets filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, hail from Central and Eastern Europe. Their place of origin is contested between Poland and Ukraine, and they hold a special place in the culinary traditions of both countries, as well as Russia, Slovakia, and others. Pierogis were initially a festive dish, prepared for special occasions like weddings and holidays. However, due to their deliciousness and versatility, they quickly became a staple of everyday cuisine. The word 'pierogi' even has a sly nod to its festive roots, as it comes from an old Slavic word 'pir', which means 'feast'. So every time you enjoy a plate of pierogis, it's like partaking in a centuries-old feast that has been shared across generations and borders.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.