Traditional Homemade Pierogi Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Beat the egg, then add to the flour mixture. Add the sour cream and softened butter. Work the mixture until it forms a dough, then cover and rest for 20 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, cooking until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
In another bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cooked onions, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a cookie cutter.
Place a small spoonful of the potato mixture into the center of each round. Fold over and press the edges together to seal, forming a half moon shape.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop pierogi into boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pierogi float to the top.
Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough and other ingredients.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie Cutter - To cut out even rounds of dough for the pierogi.
Pan - A pan to cook the onions for the filling.
Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the cooked pierogi from boiling water.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the potato filling for a savory variation.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, mozzarella, or gouda.
Include finely chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to add freshness to the filling.
Try a gluten-free version using a gluten-free flour blend.
Make a sweet variation by filling the pierogi with fruits like blueberries or apples, mixed with sugar and cinnamon.
Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the potato filling for added flavor.
For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg, and replace the cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Experiment with different shapes such as square or triangular pierogi.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious homemade Pierogi. Pierogi are traditional Polish dumplings filled with a variety of fillings. In this recipe, we will be preparing them with a classic filling of mashed potatoes, onions, and cheddar cheese. The process of making Pierogi is simple and rewarding. You'll create a supple dough, prepare a savory filling, and assemble and cook your dumplings to perfection. Expect to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner or a festive occasion. Anyone who appreciates hearty, home-cooked food will fall in love with these dumplings. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? It is recommended to use all-purpose flour for this recipe, as it provides the best texture and consistency for the pierogi dough.
Can I use a different type of cheese? While cheddar cheese is traditionally used for pierogi, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss, or feta, depending on your personal preference.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and assembling the pierogi.
Can I freeze the pierogi? Yes, pierogi can be frozen after they are assembled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for long-term storage.
Can I boil pierogi in advance and then reheat them? Yes, you can boil the pierogi, allow them to cool, and then refrigerate or freeze them. When ready to serve, you can reheat them by sautéing in a pan with a little bit of butter or oil until heated through.
Can I add different fillings to the pierogi? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a classic potato and cheese filling, you can get creative and use fillings such as sauerkraut and mushroom, spinach and feta, or even sweet fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie Cutter - Used to cut out rounds of dough for the pierogi.
Large Pot - Used to boil the pierogi.
Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the cooked pierogi from the boiling water.

Origin stories

Pierogi are a staple in Eastern European cuisine, particularly in Poland, where they've been savored for centuries. The origin of these delightful dumplings is somewhat disputed as many cultures have their own version of the dish. The Polish word “pierogi” is plural, originating from an old Slavic word "pir", which means "feast". This term perfectly encapsulates the joy and satisfaction these filled pastries bring to any table. They were initially considered peasant food, but eventually gained popularity among all social classes, even nobles. Pierogi are so beloved in Poland that they even have a holiday dedicated to them, celebrated on October 8th. This date is officially recognized as National Pierogi Day, a testament to their cultural significance and enduring popularity.

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.