Delicious Pairings To Serve With Cheesy Perogies

Pierogies are delicious dumplings that can be served in a variety of ways. They are traditionally Polish and date back to the 13th century in central and Eastern Europe. They are usually filled with potatoes and cheese but can also be filled with sauerkraut, mushroom, meat, salmon, and more.

Pierogies are typically boiled and then pan-fried in butter. They can be served with a variety of toppings and sauces, including sour cream, butter, caramelized onions, bacon, sausage, and herbs such as dill or chives.

Some popular sauce options include mushroom sauce, cheese sauce, ranch sauce, and tomato sauce. Pierogies can also be served as a side dish with other Eastern European foods such as kielbasa and sauerkraut.

There are also sweet variations of pierogies that can be served with sweetened cream, fruit sauces, or chocolate sauce.

So, whether you prefer your pierogies savoury or sweet, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious flavour combinations!

Sour cream, dill, and bacon

Cheese perogies are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. One way to serve them is with sour cream, dill, and bacon.

Sour cream is a popular topping for perogies, and it can be served as a dip or dollop on top. Dill is often added to the sour cream for extra flavor. Bacon is commonly cooked with the perogies in a pan, or served on the side. The combination of sour cream, dill, and bacon adds a creamy, tangy, and savory element to the dish.

To make this dish, start by boiling or pan-frying the perogies until they are golden brown and crispy. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Drain the excess grease, and set the bacon aside. In the same pan, cook some sliced or diced onions until they are soft and translucent. Add the cooked perogies and bacon back to the pan with the onions, and toss to combine. Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top.

This dish can be served as a hearty meal on its own or with a side of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cabbage. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. The sour cream adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, while the dill provides a fresh and herbal note. The bacon brings a savory and salty element to the dish, making it a delicious and indulgent treat.

Butter and onions

Pierogies are often served with butter and onions. This combination is a classic, and for good reason! The butter and onions add a rich, savoury flavour to the pierogies, enhancing the taste of the cheese and potato filling.

How to Prepare

First, boil the pierogies in salted water according to the package instructions. While the pierogies are boiling, melt some butter in a separate pan and add sliced onions. Sauté the onions in the butter over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant, and slightly browned.

Once the pierogies are done boiling, drain them and add them to the pan with the onions. Sauté the pierogies until they are browned. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Some people like to add fresh thyme or dill to the onions while they are cooking, for an extra flavour boost. You can also top the dish with a dollop of sour cream before serving, for a tangy, creamy addition.

A Hearty Meal

Enjoy your pierogies!

Cheese sauce

Cheese pierogies are a delicious treat, and there are many ways to prepare them. Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect cheese sauce to go with your pierogies:

Choosing the Right Cheese

Select a cheese that will melt well and has a strong flavour. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these cheeses are excellent options. You could also try a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavour profile.

Creating a Basic Cheese Sauce

Start by making a roux. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add an equal amount of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in your grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Adding Flavour Enhancers

For an extra kick of flavour, try adding some diced or minced garlic to the sauce while it's cooking. You could also experiment with different spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried mustard. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can also add a nice touch.

Preparing the Pierogies

There are a few ways to prepare the pierogies themselves. You can boil them, pan-fry them, or bake them. Boiling is the most common method, as it ensures the pierogies are cooked through. However, pan-frying or baking can add a nice crispy texture. If you choose to fry or bake, consider brushing the pierogies with butter or oil to help them brown.

Serving the Dish

When serving, place the pierogies on a plate and top them with your cheese sauce. You can also add some chopped green onions or chives for garnish and extra flavour. Serve the dish while it's still hot, and enjoy!

Ranch sauce

While pierogies are traditionally served on their own, ranch sauce can be a great addition. It is an American invention that is not very well-known in Poland, but it is similar to the classic pierogi topping of sour cream. Ranch sauce is tangy and herby and goes well with classic potato and cheese pierogies.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2-3/4 teaspoon lemon juice, or to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

• Add all the ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until combined.
• Season to taste with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Tzatziki sauce

Ingredients:

• 3/4 English cucumber, partially peeled and grated
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled and grated or minced (use fewer cloves if you prefer a milder taste)
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• Handful of chopped fresh dill or mint (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper

Method:

• Toss the grated cucumbers with 1/2 tsp of salt.
• Squeeze the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth or napkin to remove excess liquid.
• In a bowl, mix the garlic with the remaining salt, white vinegar, and olive oil.
• Add the cucumber, yogurt, pepper, and herbs (if using) to the bowl and stir to combine.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving.

So, the next time you're looking for a sauce to go with your cheese perogies, why not give tzatziki sauce a try? It might just become your new favorite!

Frequently asked questions