Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

Pierogi filled with cheesy potatoes, tossed with crisp bacon and melted butter and served with sour cream is the ultimate comfort food.

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

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Growing up, this potato pierogi recipe or “Vareniki” was my favorite. My Mother rolled huge batches of pierogi dough, stuffing, and expertly molding them. Each buttery batch disappeared so fast!

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

What is a Pierogi?

Pierogi are dumplings with a tender dough and savory or sweet fillings, similar to ravioli. They are boiled in water and tossed in butter to serve. Pierogi are a staple in Eastern European countries and are well-loved throughout the world.

Most Americans know them as polish pierogi or “Mrs. T Pierogies” (a sad store-bought substitute), but we know them as Ukrainian Vareniki.

Potatoes are just one of many fillings – in the summer months, Mom would make the juiciest blueberry pierogi.

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (3)

More Pierogi Filling Ideas:

  • Potatoes and Cheese served with bacon (recipe below)
  • Savory Meat filled dumplings (a.k.a. “pelmeni“)
  • Sweet Blueberry Pierogi served with a sprinkling of sugar
  • Cherry Pierogi – a summertime favorite
  • Sweet Plum Pierogi(or use your favorite stone fruit)

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (4)

Ingredients for Homemade Pierogi:

  • We used russet potatoes to make the filling but you can use leftover potatoes (see notes below)
  • Bacon is a real treat with a generous amount of butter. You can use butter only if you prefer.
  • Our go to cheeses are cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, but you can sub mozzarella with your favorite cheese.

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (5)

Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

  • You can use refrigerated leftover mashed potatoes for pierogi.
  • Mashed potatoes should not be overly creamy or soft which can cause the pierogi to fall apart while cooking.
  • Do not use instant potatoes or flaked potatoes.
  • If using leftover mashed potatoes, omit the butter from the pierogi filling and mash cream cheese and mozzarella into cold mashed potatoes.

How To Freeze Pierogi:

Generously dust a baking sheet with flour and arrange pierogi so they are not touching then cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a large zip-loc bag. Pre-freezing in a single layer keeps them from sticking together in the freezer.

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (6)

Watch How to Make Pierogi:

Please note, we updated the recipe in 2022, adding oil to the dough to make it softer and more tender. This mini-scoop from OXO(Amazon affiliate link) made it really easy to add the potato filling.

I hope you love these and don’t forget to recruit others to help you make them! My kids love playing with pierogi dough more than play-doh!

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (7)

Pierogi Recipe

4.96 from 262 votes

Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (9)

Pierogi filled with cheesy potatoes, tossed with crisp bacon and melted butter and served with sour cream is the ultimate comfort food.

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Prep Time: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 2 hours hrs

Ingredients

Servings: 12 servings (5 pierogi per serving)

Ingredients for Potato Filing:

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, (5 medium), peeled
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Pierogi Dough:

For the Toppings (For 1/3 batch):

  • 4 oz bacon, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • Sour Cream, to serve

Instructions

How to Make Potato Cheese Filling:

  • Place potatoes in a pot, add enough water to cover potatoes then bring to a boil over medium/high and continue cooking 25 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain and cool 5 minutes then mash potatoes.

  • Mash in 1/2 tsp salt, 2 Tbsp melted butter and 2 oz cream cheese. Mash in 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Partially cover and set aside while rolling out the dough.

To Make Pierogi Dough:

How to Mold Pierogi:

  • Divide dough into 2 pieces. Cover the second piece and thinly roll the first piece out onto a floured surface to just under 1/8” thickness.

  • Use a 3” diameter round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough, keeping them as close as possible (collect scraps and place under the bowl to re-use). Add 1/2 Tbsp of potatoes over each round.

  • To form pierogi, pull the 2 edges together and pinch tightly to seal. To ensure a tight seal, crimp the edges a second time with a pinch and twist motion. Cook or freeze pierogi for a future dinner (see freezing instructions in post).

How to Make Bacon Topping:

  • Make the topping before boiling pierogi so it’s ready to drizzle over pierogi to prevent sticking. In a medium skillet, saute 4 oz chopped bacon. Once crisp, melt in 2 Tbsp butter and remove from heat.

How to Cook Pierogi:

  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Add fresh or frozen pierogi. Once they are floating and water is back to a boil and pierogi are floating, remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon drizzling buttery bacon between layers.

Notes

This recipe makes 55-60 pierogi, based on how thinly you roll.
Recipe updated 8/20/22 - we added oil to the dough to create a softer and more tender dough.
*See our post on How to Measure Ingredients

Nutrition Per Serving

246kcal Calories32g Carbs8g Protein8g Fat4g Saturated Fat36mg Cholesterol583mg Sodium68mg Potassium1g Fiber270IU Vitamin A56mg Calcium2.1mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Pierogi Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

246

% Daily Value*

Fat

8

g

12

%

Saturated Fat

4

g

25

%

Sodium

583

mg

25

%

Potassium

68

mg

2

%

Carbohydrates

32

g

11

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Protein

8

g

16

%

Vitamin A

270

IU

5

%

Calcium

56

mg

6

%

Iron

2.1

mg

12

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian

Keyword: Pierogi, Pierogi Recipe

Skill Level: Medium

Cost to Make: $

Calories: 246

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

This Potato and Cheese Vareniki Recipe was first posted 9 years ago. You might recognize this photo. We cut the recipe in half, making a much more reasonable portion and improved on the dough making it softer than ever!

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (10)

Also, if you have a unique filling that you make, please share in a comment below!

Natasha Kravchuk

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (11)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Pierogi Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Ukrainian and Polish perogies? ›

These stuffed dumplings are common throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Varenyky is the more commonly used term in Ukraine, often eaten with sweet fillings, while pierogi are the national dish of Poland.

Should you boil pierogies before frying them? ›

However, it's not a must—you can also cook frozen pierogies right in the skillet without boiling them—and they will turn out delicious. But, if you're a stickler for tradition, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, drop the pierogies in and wait for them to float. It takes around 3 minutes.

What is the difference between perogies and pierogies? ›

Also called perogi or perogy, Polish pierogi (pronounced pih-ROH-ghee) or homemade pierogies are small half-moon dumplings. They're also chock-full of fabulous fillings. Interestingly, the word pierogi is actually plural. But the singular form pieróg is hardly ever used.

How do Polish people eat pierogies? ›

They are then ready to serve; savory pierogi are often accompanied by fried onions and greaves, while sweet dumplings are topped with sour cream or sprinkled with sugar. Other ways of preparing pierogi include baking them in an oven, which browns the dough and makes it crunchy.

What do Russians call pierogies? ›

In Russian Mennonite cuisine the pierogi is more commonly called vereniki and almost always is stuffed with cottage cheese and served with a thick white cream gravy called schmaunt fat. Russian Mennonites will also stuff the vereniki with fruit such as Saskatoon berries or blueberries.

What is the English version of pierogi? ›

"pierogies", or "pierogis") comes from Polish pierogi. [pʲɛˈrɔgʲi], which is the plural form of pieróg [ˈpʲɛruk], a. generic term for filled dumplings.

How to tell if pierogi is bad? ›

Spoiled pierogi often have a sour smell, a change in texture, or visible mold. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard them.

What side dish goes with perogies? ›

Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with pierogi:
  • Smoked sausages.
  • Crispy bacon crumbles.
  • Sautéed onions and mushrooms.
  • Crunchy vegetable salads.
  • Sour cream.
  • Mustard and horseradish blend.
  • Fruit compote.
  • Cinnamon sprinkles.
Aug 16, 2023

Is it better to cook perogies frozen or thawed? ›

Using freshly frozen homemade pierogies is perfect too. Or you can even let frozen ones thaw just a little bit. You want to make sure they are fully tossed or brushed with olive oil, covered in some salt, pepper and garlic. Then top them with the onions and roast!

What is the most popular type of pierogi? ›

Pierogi ruskie, which are stuffed with a mixture of potatoes and quark cheese, are one of the most popular varieties of pierogi nowadays. The name, which is commonly translated as 'Russian dumplings', misleads foreigners and Poles alike.

Are potstickers and pierogies the same thing? ›

Pierogi: Pierogi dough is soft and slightly thick, designed to be hearty and to complement its rich fillings. Potsticker: Potsticker dough is more tender and thin, allowing for a delicate balance between the wrapper and its filling. Typically, they have a translucent appearance once cooked.

What are pierogies traditionally served with? ›

Pierogi are simply served with a traditional Polish topping of a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, melted butter, fried onions or pork rinds. You can change up the flavor profile with a sauce made with fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, parsley or chives and green onions.

Are perogies Ukrainian or Polish? ›

Pierogi are Polish. They can be filled with meat, potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese, sour cherries, etc. Pelmeni are Russian (specifically Siberian) and they are filled with meat. “Pyrohy” are the Western Ukrainian analogue to Polish pierogi; they are also known as varenyky.

What is the most popular Polish dish? ›

Pierogi. Pierogi are filled dumplings containing either meat, vegetables, cheese, fruit or chocolate. Pierogi is undoubtedly Poland's most famous and simple comfort food. But after tasting one of these delicious filled dumplings, you're likely to find yourself craving more.

What state eats the most pierogies? ›

One region eats more pierogis than the rest of the country

The "Pierogi Pocket" region encompasses five midwestern states: Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. A few cities — including Chicago and Detroit — are also included in this area, according to The Pierogi Experiment.

What are Ukrainian perogies called? ›

The word 'varenyky' comes from the Ukrainian word 'varyty´ or 'to boil' because this product is cooked in boiling water. This comfort food is spelled many different ways: pyrohy, pyrogy, pyrogie, pierogi, perogi and others. We've chosen the phonetic spelling of the Ukrainian pronunciation which is 'pyrohy'.

Is Polish and Ukrainian food similar? ›

While there are similarities, there are plenty of unique recipes also. Both cuisines influenced each other for centuries, but while Ukrainian cuisine was heavily influenced by Tatar, Russian or Turkish influences, in Poland German or Austria-Hungary influences are more visible.

Do they eat pierogies in Ukraine? ›

These humble delicacies may be called pyrohy or varenyky in Ukraine or pierogi in Poland. While the names may vary, these filled dough pockets, boiled and sometimes pan-fried, are largely identical and synonymous with the holiday season.

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