Pierogi are a beloved staple of Eastern European cuisine — tender, flavorful dumplings stuffed with everything from potatoes and cheese to meat, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, learning to make pierogi at home is easier than you might think.
In this guide, you’ll discover a simple, delicious pierogi recipe you can make today, along with tips to perfect your dough, fillings, and cooking technique. Get ready for a comforting culinary adventure!
🌿 What Are Pierogi?
Pierogi (pronounced PEE-roh-gee) are traditional dumplings that originated in Poland and have spread across Eastern Europe. They can be:
Savory: Filled with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or meat.
Sweet: Stuffed with fruits like cherries, blueberries, or sweetened cheese.
Pierogi are versatile and satisfying, making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a comforting solo meal.
🥟 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to get started on this easy pierogi recipe:
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup butter, softened
For a Classic Potato & Cheese Filling:
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
1 cup shredded cheddar or farmer’s cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
💡 Tip: You can customize the filling with mushrooms, spinach, sauerkraut, or even sweet options like blueberries or ricotta with sugar.
🌱 Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
Add egg, sour cream, and butter.
Knead the mixture until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this makes rolling easier.
💡 Pro Tip: Letting the dough rest helps it become tender and less sticky.
🌸 Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Peel and boil potatoes until soft, then mash them until smooth.
Mix in cheese, butter, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
💡 Tip: For vegetarian options, try adding sautéed onions or garlic for extra flavor.
🥟 Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Use a round cutter or glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut circles.
Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
🌿 Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold each circle in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press edges firmly together with a fork or your fingers to seal.
Make sure there are no gaps — this prevents the filling from leaking during cooking.
💡 Pro Tip: Dust the finished pierogi with a little flour to prevent sticking.
🌸 Step 5: Cook the Pierogi
Boiling Method:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pierogi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd.
Boil until they float to the top, about 3–5 minutes.
Optional Pan-Frying:
Heat a little butter in a pan over medium heat.
Fry boiled pierogi until golden brown on both sides for extra crispiness.
💡 Tip: Pan-fried pierogi are extra indulgent and perfect for serving with onions or sour cream.
🌿 Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve pierogi hot with your favorite toppings:
Sour cream
Caramelized onions
Chives or green onions
Crispy bacon bits (optional)
Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
🌸 Variations to Try
Sauerkraut & Mushroom Pierogi: Classic Eastern European combination, tangy and earthy.
Sweet Cheese Pierogi: Creamy ricotta with sugar, perfect for dessert.
Spinach & Feta Pierogi: A lighter, Mediterranean twist.
Meat Pierogi: Ground beef or pork with sautéed onions for a hearty option.
💡 Tip: Freeze any uncooked pierogi on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Boil straight from frozen whenever you want a quick meal.
🌿 Practical Tips for Perfect Pierogi
Don’t overfill: Too much filling makes sealing difficult.
Keep dough covered: Prevents drying out while you work.
Boil gently: Rapid boiling can break delicate pierogi.
Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot for even cooking.
Experiment with toppings: Butter, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon take pierogi to the next level.
🥟 Conclusion
Making pierogi at home is both fun and rewarding. This pierogi recipe brings a taste of Eastern Europe straight to your kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen dumplings!
Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a family gathering, or a festive occasion, pierogi are versatile, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
So grab your ingredients, roll out the dough, and try this pierogi recipe today — your taste buds will thank you! 🥟✨