There’s a certain joy that comes from the kitchen on a cozy weekend afternoon, especially when it’s filled with the irresistible aroma of pierogi sizzling in butter. I discovered this delightful Polish dish one chilly evening while searching for comfort food that could bring me back to my roots. These Pierogi Ruskie, stuffed to perfection with creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, have quickly become a staple in my home.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender dumpling, followed by a flavorful butter onion sauce that dances on your palate—it’s pure bliss! Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to impress or someone seeking a delicious homemade meal, this recipe offers the perfect blend of ease and tradition. Plus, they’re versatile enough to fill with various ingredients, turning your kitchen into a creative haven. So grab your apron and let’s embark on this delicious culinary journey together!
Why Are Pierogi So Irresistible?
Comforting Warmth: Picture a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly made pierogi—there’s nothing quite like it!
Flavor Explosion: The creamy filling of potatoes and cheddar paired with a rich onion butter sauce is sure to delight.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves dumplings, making this dish ideal for gatherings and family meals.
Versatile Creations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings to cater to your taste and creativity.
Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze for quick dinners on busy nights, ensuring comfort food is always within reach.
Pierogi Ingredients
• Gather everything you need for these delicious pierogi!
For the Dough
- Flour – Use plain/all-purpose flour to provide the perfect structure for your dumplings.
- Salt – Enhances flavors in both the dough and filling; kosher salt works best.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; make sure it’s unsalted to control the flavor.
- Water – Use warm water to help dissolve the butter easily and hydrate the dough.
- Egg – Binds the dough beautifully; opt for large eggs weighing around 55-60g.
For the Filling
- Potatoes – Yukon Gold or other mashing potatoes will create a fluffy filling.
- Cheddar Cheese – This delightful cheese adds flavor and creaminess; avoid mozzarella as a substitute.
For the Sauce
- Onion – Finely diced for even sautéing in the butter sauce.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds depth to the sauce; perfect for tossing your cooked pierogi.
- Black Pepper – A dash adds a gentle spice, enhancing the filling’s flavor.
Make these pierogi for a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy!
How to Make Pierogi Ruskie
-
Prepare Filling: Boil the potatoes until soft, about 15-20 minutes, then mash them in a large bowl. Mix in melted butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Allow filling to cool for at least 1.5 hours.
-
Make Dough: Melt the unsalted butter in warm water, then mix with flour and the egg in a separate bowl. Combine until a shaggy dough forms, and then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
-
Shape Pierogi: Roll out the rested dough to a thickness of about 3mm. Use a round cutter to cut out circles. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold and seal edges, ensuring no filling escapes.
-
Cook Pierogi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pierogi in batches, cooking for about 5 minutes or until they float to the surface. They are done when tender and delicate.
-
Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, sauté diced onions in unsalted butter over medium heat until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Toss the cooked pierogi in the onion butter sauce just before serving to infuse them with flavor.
Optional: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pierogi Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to put your own spin on these beloved Polish dumplings; the options are endless!
- Vegetarian: Substitute the butter sauce with olive oil and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious veggie twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in diced smoked sausage or bacon into the filling or butter sauce for a delightful, savory kick.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños to the potato filling for a spicy version that will ignite your taste buds.
- Cheesy Variants: Experiment with different cheeses such as feta for a tangy hit or gouda for a rich smoky flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or dill into the filling for an aromatic boost that brightens every bite.
- Sweet Version: Try a sweet filling by using mashed fruits like strawberries or cherries, served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for dessert delight.
- Sauce Swap: Instead of butter onion sauce, serve pierogi with a creamy sour cream and dill sauce for a refreshing alternative.
Let your creativity flow while making these pierogi; each variation can take you on a different culinary journey!
What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Pierogi Ruskie?
Enhance your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the comforting flavors of these Polish dumplings.
-
Sour Cream: A creamy dollop of sour cream adds tang and balances the richness of the pierogi, enhancing every bite.
-
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic offers a fresh and vibrant contrast, brightening up your plate with color and healthfulness.
-
Crusty Bread: Serve with thick slices of warm crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the butter onion sauce, making the meal truly comforting.
-
Pickled Vegetables: Crunchy pickles or pickled cabbage provide a zesty, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness, adding complexity and excitement to your meal.
-
Beet Salad: A fresh beet salad with feta and walnuts delivers earthy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color, perfectly balancing the flavors of the pierogi.
-
Light Beer: Enjoy with a crisp, light beer that refreshes the palate and complements the hearty flavors without overshadowing them.
-
Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp offers a sweet, comforting finish, with the cinnamon and buttery crumble harmonizing with the hearty pierogi.
Pairing these delicious sides with your Pierogi Ruskie ensures a well-rounded meal that is sure to delight family and friends!
Make Ahead Options
These Pierogi Ruskie are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can assemble and freeze the pierogi up to 24 hours in advance without losing any quality. Simply prepare the filling, cool it, and then fill and seal the dumplings. Arrange the uncooked pierogi in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing them (this prevents sticking) and transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, boil the frozen pierogi directly in salted water for about 6-7 minutes instead of 5. Toss them in the butter onion sauce right after cooking for a comforting meal that’s just as delicious as freshly made!
Storage Tips for Pierogi
Fridge: Store cooked pierogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet with a little butter until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked pierogi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be boiled from frozen; just add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Make-Ahead: Fill and freeze your pierogi a day before you plan to cook them, allowing for a convenient meal option when time is limited.
Reheating: For best results, sauté boiled pierogi in butter until crispy and golden for a delightful texture.
Expert Tips for Making Pierogi
-
Dough Consistency: Aim for a smooth dough without over-kneading it; a tough dough will produce chewy pierogi instead of tender ones.
-
Filling Temperature: Always cool your filling before using. This avoids a soggy dough and ensures the dumplings seal properly.
-
Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the pot when boiling pierogi. Cooking in small batches (10-12) helps prevent sticking and allows for even cooking.
-
Sealing Edges: Seal your dumplings well to prevent any filling from escaping during boiling, ensuring you enjoy every delightful bite of your pierogi.
-
Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or fillings; it adds a personal touch to your pierogi, making every batch unique!
Pierogi Ruskie Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for the filling?
For the best results, I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes or other starchy varieties. These types become fluffy and smooth when mashed, creating a delightful filling that complements the cheddar cheese beautifully.
How long can I store cooked pierogi in the fridge?
Cooked pierogi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of butter in a skillet and warm them gently until heated through, which brings back that fresh flavor!
Can I freeze uncooked pierogi, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Lay the uncooked pierogi in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once they are solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be boiled from frozen; just remember to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly cooked dumplings!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, that’s a common scenario! Lightly flour your work surface and knead in small amounts of extra flour as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can toughen the dough; you want it smooth but still soft.
Can I use other types of cheese besides cheddar?
Certainly! While cheddar provides a rich flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses like Gouda or farmer’s cheese for a different taste. Just steer clear of mozzarella, as it tends to become too stretchy and doesn’t give you that creamy filling texture we love in pierogi.
Are pierogi safe for pets?
While some ingredients in pierogi may be safe for pets, such as potatoes (plain and cooked) and certain cheeses, it’s best to avoid feeding them directly. Onions are toxic to dogs, so always keep your pierogi out of reach from your furry friends!
Pierogi – Polish Dumplings with Flavorful Cheddar Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the potatoes until soft, about 15-20 minutes, then mash them in a large bowl. Mix in melted butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Allow filling to cool for at least 1.5 hours.
- Melt the unsalted butter in warm water, then mix with flour and the egg in a separate bowl. Combine until a shaggy dough forms, and then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Roll out the rested dough to a thickness of about 3mm. Use a round cutter to cut out circles. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold and seal edges, ensuring no filling escapes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pierogi in batches, cooking for about 5 minutes or until they float to the surface. They are done when tender and delicate.
- In a skillet, sauté diced onions in unsalted butter over medium heat until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Toss the cooked pierogi in the onion butter sauce just before serving to infuse them with flavor.