Potato and Cheese Pierogi

What Are Pierogi

Pierogi are like a polish ravioli made with sour cream-based dough and classically stuffed with a cheesy potato mixture. They are also similar to Russian vareniki.

The sour cream-based dough is easy to work with, as making, it rolling it out and filling the dumplings is a simple though time-consuming task. Pierogi are classically filed with potato and/or cheese, sauerkraut, cabbage, mushrooms or ground meat. Potato Ruskie which originate in the Kresy region (borderlands) of Poland are the most popular variety made with mashed potatoes and farmers cheese (which I swap for Cheddar).

Fun fact: the plural of pierogi is still pierogi not pierogis.

Key Ingredients in Pierogi

• Potato –  In this recipe I use Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes. They’re large, starchy, oblong potatoes known for being the ideal baking potato. When boiled and mashed they become soft and light.
• Cheddar –  Always use sharp Cheddar when cooking. If you use mild or medium Cheddar the flavor will cook out and the recipe will be lacking in that cheesy flavor. There is no difference in flavor between white and yellow Cheddar cheeses. The yellow variety included annatto to create the yellow color. 
• Onion – I use yellow onion in this recipe for its mellow flavor when cooked. These onions with a brownish yellow papery skin are a great all-purpose cooking onion.

How to Make Potato and Cheese Pierogi

For the dough:

1. Mix the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the flour and salt, making a well in the middle. Add the egg and mix on low speed until just combined. Add the sour cream and butter and mix until fully incorporated, about 3 minutes.
2. Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured workspace and knead until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. Chill the dough. Wrap the pierogi dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

For the filling:

1. Boil the potatoes. In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring water to a rolling boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes completely.
2. Mash the potatoes. First, add the potatoes to the bowl of a standing mixer or a large bowl if using a handheld mixer. Next, add the cream and cheese, mixing on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the chives and season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.

To assemble and serve:

1. Roll out the dough. On a clean lightly floured work surface roll the dough out 1/8-inch thick. Use a 3½ -inch circular cookie cutter to cut the dough.
2. Fill the pierogi. Working one at a time, fill each circle with about 1 tablespoon of the filling. Fold the edges around the filling in a half-moon and pinch with your fingers to seal shut. Use a fork to help seal them and create decorative edges.
3. Continue making the pierogi. Set aside on a lightly floured baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Boil the pierogi. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the pierogi about 10 at a time to the boiling water so the pot is not overcrowded. Cook until the pierogi float to the top, about 1 to 2 minutes and use a slotted spoon to remove to a plate. Continue with the remaining pierogi.
5. Sauté onions. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the oil and heat through. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside in a bowl.
6. Crisp the pierogi in a pan. Return the pan to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of the butter and allow to melt. Working in batches as to not overcrowd the pan add pierogi and pan-fry until crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove and repeat with the remaining butter and pierogi.
7. Serve. Arrange pierogi on a platter topped with onions and chives with sour cream on the side for dipping.

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe

Additions and substitutions

• Get creative with other fillings. Try adding mushrooms to the mashed potato filling or minced, cooked meat to the pierogi recipe for a twist.
• The pierogi can be served boiled or go one step further as I have here and crisp them in a pan. I like the added texture of pan-frying them.

How to Freeze Pierogi

I like to make a double batch and freeze them they can easily be boiled and fried them as needed. Simply arrange the filled pierogi on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and add to the freezer for at least 1 hour. Transfer the frozen pierogi to a large resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this potato and cheese pierogi recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:

• Beef, Onion and Potato Empanadas
• Beef Stroganoff
• Whipped Cheddar Potatoes
• Creamy Cucumber Salad