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 263 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

%

Cholesterol

36

mg

12

%

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

Do you have to boil pierogies before frying them? ›

If you have the time, boil the frozen pierogies first, to get the pasta perfect for sautéing. 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.

How do you make pierogies taste better? ›

In a large NON-STICK fry pan, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add onion and drained pierogies and season to taste with salt and pepper or House Seasoning. Cook over high heat until the onion is soft and browned and pierogies are nicely browned. The pasta shell will get a little crunchy - it's delish!

Is it better to cook perogies in butter or oil? ›

How To Sauté / Pan-fry Pierogi: Lightly grease the frying pan with neutral oil or ideally – butter.

What kind of sauce is good on perogies? ›

Sweet Cottage Cheese and Fruit Sauce: This sauce pairs well with dessert pierogi, offering a touch of sweetness. Mushroom and Bacon Sauce: Ideal for meat-filled pierogi, this rich sauce enhances its savory flavor. Horseradish and Mustard Sauce: A classic Polish choice, it gives your pierogi a spicy twist.

Do you thaw frozen pierogies before cooking? ›

Frozen pierogies may be partially defrosted before heating. Boil: Place 1 dozen pierogies in a pot of rapidly boiling, salted water (6 quarts for refrigerated pierogies, 8 quarts for frozen pierogies). When they rise to the surface, flat side up, they are done. Drain and serve with sauteed onions or sour cream.

What spices to put on pierogies? ›

Sprinkles with salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Spoon the caramelized onions from the pan (along with any butter in in the pan) all over the pierogies. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping the pierogies once in between. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately with the chipotle sour cream.

Are perogies better baked or boiled? ›

Boiling pierogies gives them a soft and tender texture without adding any extra calories, as does heating pierogies in the microwave. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, then place about 12 pierogies in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Once they float, they're done.

How do you keep pierogi dough from shrinking? ›

Always let the dough relax for a while before rolling it out. It's the same with pasta dough. I make it in the morning or afternoon and then make pasta for dinner. Let it rest for at least a half hour - more time is better.

How do you know when perogies are done? ›

Place frozen CHEEMO Perogies into boiling water and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent perogies from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. Boil for 3-5 minutes until they float to the top and are well puffed. Drain in a colander and toss gently in melted butter or margarine.

What do you serve with perogies? ›

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

What makes pierogi so good? ›

The secret to delicious homemade pierogies, baked or fried, is in the dough. For the softest, lightest dough (whatever combination of flour, water, eggs, salt or butter the recipe calls for), remember to knead gently. Perogies that are 'over-handled' will tend to be heavy and chewy.

What is the difference between perogies and pierogies? ›

Looking back to the beginning, the word pierogi originated in Europe and it is the plural form of the word “pierog”. “Pierogi” is the more common spelling. But at Mrs. T's we spell it with a Y, as in Pierogy.

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.

How many perogies per person? ›

How many perogies is a serving? Perogies are rich, satisfying comfort food so you can plan on 2-3 per person when they're an appetizer or side dish. If they're the main course with other sides, figure 3-5 per person. Leftovers are great for breakfast the next day and will keep in the fridge up to a week.

How do you cook perogies without boiling them? ›

Cover bottom of frying pan with cooking oil, margarine or butter and heat to 190 °C (375 °F) or medium heat. Place frozen perogies into frying pan and fry for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Then, turn perogies over and brown on other side for 3-4 minutes.

Is it safe to deep fry frozen pierogies? ›

Deep-Fried

Heat cooking oil to 260°C (500°F), in an electric deep fryer. Place frozen perogies or pelmeni in a single layer and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove, place into a closed container and let them sit for 5 minutes. Serve with your choice of toppings.

How to cook pierogies in oil? ›

Sauté Preheat frying pan with butter or oil over medium heat. Cook frozen pierogies 7-9 minutes per side until they are Golden Brown.

How long do you boil pierogies in water? ›

Do you have savory pierogi (Potato & Cheese, Meat, etc.)? Add 1 teaspoon of salt to a pot of water and bring to a hard boil. Gently separate thawed (not frozen) pierogi and place one by one into water and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface. Be careful not over-cook or they will come apart.

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