Patrick Oconnell
Pierogi is a traditional Ukrainian dish that can be served in many ways and is incredibly versatile. Cheese pierogi can be served as a main dish, an hors d'oeuvre, or even as a substitute for potatoes. They can be boiled, steamed, baked, grilled, or fried. Some common toppings include sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, and melted butter. They can also be served with a classic stew or borscht. For a sweet version, pierogi can be topped with granulated sugar, powdered sugar, syrup, or even ice cream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fillings | Cheese, potatoes, spinach, mushrooms, meat, bacon, berries, apples, prunes, sauerkraut, sweet and sour cabbage |
| Dough | Flour, salt, egg, egg yolk, oil, water |
| Toppings | Sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, melted butter, granulated sugar, gravy, mustard, horseradish, salsa, fruit compote, chocolate, caramel sauce, tomato sauce |
| Sides | Stew, Borscht, chicken salad, kielbasa sandwich, slow cooker gammon, pea and asparagus orzo, cavolo nero with lemon and garlic, ratatouille, cheesy 'nduja slider, fried greens, vegetable soup, beetroot pasta, vegetable salad |
| Cooking methods | Boiling, pan-frying, baking, grilling, deep-frying |
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What You'll Learn
Toppings: sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, and butter
When it comes to serving cheese pierogi, there are a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. Here are some ideas focusing on the toppings sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, and butter:
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a classic topping for pierogi, providing a rich contrast to the savoury fillings. It pairs particularly well with potato and cheese pierogi. For an enhanced flavour, you can add fresh herbs like chives or a dash of pepper. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, combine sour cream with fried onions or bacon bits. You can also use sour cream as a base for a sauce, such as the mushroom sauce mentioned below.
Chives
Chives add a fresh flavour to pierogi and can be used as a topping or combined with sour cream for a delicious dip. To make a chive sauce, simply add two tablespoons of finely chopped chives to a cup of sour cream, along with a pinch of salt, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
Dill
Dill is another herb that complements pierogi well. It can be used as a topping or incorporated into sauces like dill pesto or dill cream sauce. To make a dill pesto, blend walnuts, garlic, dill, lemon zest, salt, and oil in a food processor. For a dill cream sauce, start with a base of sour cream or Greek yoghurt and add chopped dill.
Fried Onions
Fried onions are a traditional topping for pierogi, offering a sweet and savoury contrast to the dish. To prepare, simply dice onions and fry them in butter or oil until they are caramelized. You can also combine fried onions with sour cream or bacon for a decadent treat.
Bacon
Bacon provides a crunchy texture and salty flavour to pierogi toppings. It can be combined with fried onions, sour cream, or both for a flavourful experience. For an authentic Polish touch, use smoked thick-sliced or cubed bacon.
Butter
Butter is a versatile topping that complements every pierogi filling. It can be served on its own, melted on top of hot pierogi, or combined with other toppings. For a simple yet delicious option, try topping your pierogi with butter and a dollop of sour cream.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique combinations!
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Pair with a classic stew or borscht
Pierogi, the delicious dumplings of Polish and Central and Eastern European cuisine, can be served as a side dish or a main course. They are a versatile dish that can be boiled, fried, or baked, and they pair well with a variety of foods. One classic pairing is to serve pierogi with a stew or borscht, a sour beetroot soup made with meat stock and vegetables.
Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup that is known for its bright and complex flavour profile, which is both sweet and sour. The sweetness comes from beets and carrots, balanced by a splash of red wine vinegar. It can also be made with beef, potatoes, and tomato paste, adding depth and thickness to the broth. This hearty and filling soup is a perfect match for pierogi, as the acidity of the borscht cuts through the richness of the dumplings, enhancing the flavour of each bite.
There are also variations of borscht, such as the Polish barszcz, which is a lighter version of the traditional borscht. It is often served with pierogi, especially on Christmas Eve. Another variation is the Vegetarian Borscht, a hearty, nutritious, and delicious option packed with vegetables.
When serving pierogi with borscht, it is common to top the dish with a dollop of sour cream, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish. Additionally, you can add toppings such as bacon, dill, fried onions, or melted butter to your pierogi to create a delicious contrast of flavours and textures.
Whether served as a side dish or a main course, cheese pierogi paired with a classic stew or borscht is a delightful combination that brings together the rich flavours of Eastern European cuisine.
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Side dishes: chicken, salmon, kielbasa sandwich, gammon, or vegetable soup
Pierogi is a Polish staple, typically filled with potato, cheese, quark, sauerkraut, ground meat, or mushrooms. They are often topped with sour cream and fried onions. Here are some ideas for side dishes to serve with cheese pierogi:
Chicken
Chicken is a great meat side dish to serve with pierogi. You can bake chicken with cream of chicken or make a skillet supper with chicken, cheese, onion, and pierogi. Chicken salad is another option, especially if serving pierogi with sour cream and dill. Top the chicken salad with sour cream, tzatziki, or green herbs for a refreshing and tasty meal.
Salmon
Salmon is a delicious fish side dish to serve with pierogi. Try an air fryer stuffed salmon with ricotta, spinach, and harissa filling. You could also serve a simple salmon dish alongside pierogi with sour cream and dill.
Kielbasa Sandwich
Kielbasa is a smoked Polish sausage that pairs perfectly with pierogi. You can make a sheet pan meal with kielbasa, pierogi, and vegetables, or serve kielbasa in a soup with pierogi and vegetables. Alternatively, enjoy a kielbasa sandwich with homemade BBQ sauce as a side dish to pierogi.
Gammon
Slow cooker gammon is a tasty meat side dish to serve with pierogi. Try honey-roasted gammon with sauerkraut, mushroom, cheese, and potato pierogi.
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a nourishing and comforting side dish to serve with pierogi. You can make a simple soup with pierogi, vegetables, and smoky sausage, flavoured with Hungarian paprika and ground caraway seeds. Alternatively, serve pierogi on the side with a vegetable soup, such as a ratatouille bake or pea and asparagus orzo.
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Saute in butter and serve with caramelized onions
To serve cheese pierogi sautéed in butter with caramelized onions, start by preparing the caramelized onions. Caramelized onions are made by slowly cooking onions in olive oil or butter over low heat for around 45 minutes to an hour. This process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, resulting in a sweet and flavorful addition to your pierogi.
To begin, cut the ends off of two to three large onions and halve them. Then, cut them into thin slices, aiming for even slices so they cook at the same rate. Separate the onion layers and set them aside. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. You can also use a combination of both for a richer flavor. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften. Once softened, reduce the heat to medium-low or low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 30 minutes to an hour. The onions are done when they are a deep golden brown. If the onions start to burn or stick to the pan, add a splash of water or deglaze the pan with vinegar, wine, or balsamic vinegar. You can also sprinkle some salt and sugar over the onions to enhance the caramelization.
Now, prepare the pierogi. Cheese pierogi are typically made with a filling of mashed potatoes, cheese, salt, pepper, and onion salt. To make the dough, mix flour and salt with eggs, sour cream, and milk until a uniform texture is achieved. Roll out the dough and fill each pierogi with 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, then fold and seal the edges. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully drop the pierogi in, cooking them until they float to the top.
Once the pierogi are cooked, melt some butter in a pan and sauté them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Finally, serve the pierogi with the caramelized onions on top. You can also add some fresh dill or chives for garnish, and a dollop of sour cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious cheese pierogi with the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions!
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Bake, grill, or deep-fat fry
Pierogis can be baked, grilled, or deep-fat fried. Here is how you can do it:
Baking
To bake pierogies, first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the pierogies with a light coating of oil or butter and arrange them on a baking sheet. You can sprinkle some seasonings on top if you like. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Grilling
Grilling pierogies is a quick and easy option. Lightly oil the grill grates and preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the pierogies on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are lightly charred and crispy. You can also grill the pierogies in a grill pan on the stovetop if you don't have an outdoor grill.
Deep-Fat Frying
Deep-fat frying pierogies will give them a crispy texture and golden color. Heat a pot of oil to 375°F. Carefully drop the pierogies into the hot oil, working in batches so as not to crowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the pierogies from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and serve immediately.
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