If you’re craving comfort food that’s soft, flavorful, and bursting with homemade goodness — you have to try pierogi! These traditional Eastern European dumplings are little pockets of joy, filled with delicious ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or even sweet fruit. Whether boiled, pan-fried, or baked, this pierogi recipe will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart full. 💛
Let’s dive into how to make authentic, easy, and absolutely delicious pierogi — from scratch!
🥔 What Are Pierogi?
Pierogi (pronounced puh-ROH-gee) are traditional Polish dumplings made from soft dough wrapped around a variety of fillings — both savory and sweet. They’re similar to ravioli but heartier and usually served with butter, onions, or sour cream.
This dish is a family favorite across Poland, Ukraine, and beyond — and once you taste them, you’ll see why they’ve become a comfort food staple worldwide!
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this classic pierogi recipe (makes about 24 dumplings):
🥣 For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
🥔 For the Potato & Cheese Filling:
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese (or ricotta as a substitute)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Salt & black pepper, to taste
💡 Optional Fillings: Try sauerkraut, mushrooms, spinach & cheese, or even sweet versions with fruit and sugar!
🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Pierogi
🥖 Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
Add egg, sour cream, and softened butter.
Mix until the dough comes together — it should be soft but not sticky.
Knead for about 5 minutes, then wrap in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
💡 Hack Inside: Resting the dough makes it more elastic and easier to roll later!
🥔 Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them in a bowl.
In a pan, sauté chopped onion in butter until golden and fragrant.
Add onions and cheese to the mashed potatoes, then season with salt and pepper.
Mix well and let cool completely.
💡 Pro Tip: Chill the filling before shaping — it helps pierogi seal better and prevents leaks during cooking.
🍽️ Step 3: Roll Out & Fill the Dough
On a floured surface, roll dough to about ⅛ inch thick.
Use a round cutter or glass (about 3 inches wide) to cut circles.
Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
Pinch the edges tightly or crimp them with a fork to seal.
💡 Hack Inside: Lightly brush edges with water before sealing for a perfect hold.
💦 Step 4: Boil the Pierogi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pierogi in batches — don’t overcrowd!
Boil for 3–4 minutes, or until they float to the top.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
💡 Pro Tip: Boiled pierogi can be eaten right away — or pan-fried in butter for extra flavor!
🍳 Step 5: Optional – Pan-Fry to Perfection
Heat a little butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add boiled pierogi and cook until golden brown and crispy on each side.
Sprinkle with sautéed onions, bacon bits, or herbs for extra flair!
💡 Hack Inside: Want a restaurant-style pierogi? Mix a little onion butter with sour cream for dipping — pure heaven! 😋
🧈 Serving Ideas
Pierogi are incredibly versatile — here’s how to enjoy them:
🥔 Savory Style:
Serve with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or sour cream.
Pair with grilled sausage or sautéed cabbage for a Polish-inspired feast.
🍓 Sweet Style:
Fill with blueberries, cherries, or strawberries.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or yogurt.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
To store: Keep cooked pierogi in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Lay uncooked pierogi on a tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a bag — they’ll last up to 3 months.
To reheat: Boil straight from frozen or pan-fry for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
💡 Hack Inside: Always dust frozen pierogi lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pierogi Recipe
✔️ Comfort food perfection – warm, filling, and nostalgic.
✔️ Endless flavor options – mix and match your fillings!
✔️ Family-friendly – fun to make with kids or friends.
✔️ Freezer-friendly – perfect for quick weeknight meals.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Homemade pierogi are the definition of cozy comfort food — soft dough, creamy filling, and buttery flavor in every bite. Once you make them from scratch, you’ll never want the store-bought kind again!
Whether you stick to classic potato and cheese or get creative with your own fillings, this pierogi recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
So roll up your sleeves, dust your counter with flour, and try this pierogi recipe today! 🥟💛✨