
If you're looking to make a batch of pierogi, you'll need to choose a cheese to fill them with. The type of cheese you use will depend on the style of pierogi you want to make. Authentic Polish pierogi are typically made with twarog, or farmer's cheese, which is similar to quark cheese and can be found in most grocery stores. If you're making Ukrainian-style pierogi, you might opt for cheddar, which is commonly used by Ukrainian grandmothers in Western Canada. For a more Westernized approach, processed cheeses like Velveeta or American can be used. You can also use dry cottage cheese, which is available at Walmart in Canada, or paneer, strained ricotta, or regular cottage cheese. If you're looking to buy pre-made frozen pierogi, you can find them at Costco or from Mrs. C's.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese for authentic Polish pierogi | Twarog (farmer's cheese) |
| Cheese for Eastern European-style pierogi | Cheddar |
| Cheese for Westernized pierogi | Processed cheese like Velveeta or American |
| Where to buy Twarog cheese | Grocery stores (in the cheese department near the mozzarella) |
| Where to buy Cheddar cheese | Grocery stores |
| Where to buy Kasia's Potato Cheese Pierogi | Costco |
| Where to buy Mrs. C's pierogi | Frozen raw or baked in the oven |
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What You'll Learn
- Farmer's cheese, also known as twarog, is available at Polish shops and some grocery stores
- Dry cottage cheese is available at Walmart in Canada
- Cheddar cheese can be bought at most grocery stores
- Dry curd cottage cheese can be found at some large supermarkets in the US
- Processed cheese like Velveeta or American can be bought at most grocery stores

Farmer's cheese, also known as twarog, is available at Polish shops and some grocery stores
If you're looking to buy cheese for baking pierogi, you'll want to get your hands on some farmer's cheese, also known as twarog. This type of cheese is common in Eastern European cuisine and can be found at Polish shops and certain grocery stores.
In the United States, farmer's cheese is typically made by pressing cottage cheese, resulting in an unripened cheese with a semi-soft texture. It can be crafted from the milk of cows, sheep, or goats, and each variety has its own distinct flavour and texture. If you're in the US, you may be able to find farmer's cheese in the cheese section of your local grocery store, usually stocked near the mozzarella.
However, if you're unable to locate farmer's cheese at your regular grocery store, don't fret! You can always try visiting a Polish shop or deli, where you're more likely to find this specialty cheese. These shops often carry a range of Eastern European products, including pierogi ingredients.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to make your own farmer's cheese, it's a relatively simple process. All you need is milk, rennet, and a bacterial starter culture. By adding these ingredients together and following the proper steps, you can create your own fresh batch of farmer's cheese, perfect for baking into delicious pierogi.
Remember, when making pierogi, you can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or ricotta, to create unique flavour profiles. But if you're aiming for authenticity, farmer's cheese, or twarog, is the classic choice for this beloved Eastern European dish.
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Dry cottage cheese is available at Walmart in Canada
If you're looking to make pierogies with an authentic Polish flavour, you'll want to use twarog, otherwise known as farmer's cheese. This is similar to quark cheese, which you can find in many grocery stores. However, if you're in Canada, you might want to go for a more Westernised approach, in which case, a good sharp cheddar is a common choice.
For those in Canada, dry cottage cheese is available at Walmart. This is a great option for pierogi fillings, as it keeps the inside of the dumplings dryer and less likely to burst while cooking. Dry cottage cheese is usually found in the same-sized containers as regular cottage cheese.
Farmer's cheese is a white, semi-soft cheese, which you can find in the cheese department of your local grocery store, often near the mozzarella. It is made by pressing cottage cheese, which removes the moisture and creates a different texture and flavour. You can also use paneer, ricotta, or cottage cheese, as long as it is unsalted.
Pierogies are fun to make and even better to eat, so it's worth experimenting with different cheeses and fillings to find your favourite.
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Cheddar cheese can be bought at most grocery stores
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for making pierogi, especially if you're going for a Westernized approach. Cheddar is easily accessible as it can be bought at most grocery stores. If you're aiming for a more authentic Polish experience, you may want to opt for twarog (also known as farmer's cheese or quark cheese), which can be found in many grocery stores as well. However, if you're unable to find twarog cheese, cheddar is a suitable alternative.
When making pierogi with cheddar cheese, it's important to note that the taste will differ from the traditional Polish pierogi made with twarog cheese. Cheddar has a distinct flavor that will give your pierogi a unique twist. You can find cheddar cheese in various forms, such as blocks, slices, or shredded, at your local grocery store. Look for well-known brands or local varieties to suit your preference.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with other common pierogi fillings. For example, mashed potatoes and cheddar create a delectable combination. The salty tanginess of cheddar complements the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. You can also experiment with adding bacon, caramelized onions, or sour cream to enhance the flavor profile and create a heartier meal.
When shopping for cheddar cheese at your local grocery store, consider the different varieties available. Cheddar cheese comes in various levels of sharpness, ranging from mild to sharp or extra sharp. Each variety offers a unique flavor profile, with sharper cheddars providing a more intense and complex taste. Choose the sharpness that aligns with your preference or the specific recipe you're following.
Additionally, pay attention to the color of the cheddar cheese. While the traditional orange cheddar is widely available, you can also find white cheddar, which has a slightly milder flavor. Both types of cheddar will melt and blend well with your pierogi filling, so the choice comes down to your personal preference and the aesthetic you desire for your dish.
In conclusion, when preparing pierogi with cheddar cheese, you can conveniently purchase this ingredient at most grocery stores. Cheddar cheese offers a familiar and approachable flavor that will appeal to a wide range of palates. While it may not be the most authentic cheese for traditional Polish pierogi, it is a delicious and widely accessible option that can be enhanced with various fillings and toppings.
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Dry curd cottage cheese can be found at some large supermarkets in the US
When making pierogis, the type of cheese you use can vary depending on the style of pierogi you're aiming for. Authentic Polish pierogis use twarog, also known as farmer's cheese, which is similar to quark cheese and can be found in many grocery stores. If you're going for a more Westernized approach, processed cheese like Velveeta or American can be used. In Eastern Europe, it is common to use cheddar, especially in Ukraine.
Dry curd cottage cheese, also known as farmer's cheese, is a popular choice for pierogi filling. It can be found at some large supermarkets in the US, usually in the cheese section near the mozzarella. If you are unable to find dry curd cottage cheese, you can use regular cottage cheese as a substitute, but be sure to buy the unsalted variety. You can also try substituting paneer or thoroughly strained ricotta cheese, as they have similar textures and flavours.
If you are looking for a more authentic Polish flavour, you may want to seek out twarog cheese, which is a popular Polish curd cheese. It can be difficult to find outside of Poland, but some specialty stores may carry it. Twarog cheese has a unique flavour that is slightly sour, and it is worth seeking out if you want to make traditional pierogis.
When choosing cheese for your pierogis, it is important to consider the moisture content and firmness. Cheeses with higher moisture content may make the pierogis soggy, while firmer cheeses can add a nice texture contrast. Experimenting with different cheeses and fillings can be a fun way to find your favourite combination.
In addition to cheese, pierogis are often filled with potatoes, caramelized onions, and various seasonings. The dough is typically made with flour, eggs, sour cream, milk, and butter, although some recipes omit the eggs. The filled pierogis are then boiled and pan-fried to create a crispy, golden crust.
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Processed cheese like Velveeta or American can be bought at most grocery stores
If you're making pierogies and looking for cheese to fill them with, you have a variety of options depending on the type of pierogi you want to make. For authentic Polish pierogies, you can use twarog, or farmer's cheese, which is similar to quark cheese and can be found in many grocery stores. If you're going for a more Westernized approach, processed cheese like Velveeta or American cheese can be bought at most grocery stores and is a popular choice.
Farmer's cheese, also known as farmer cheese or farmers' cheese, is a pressed cottage cheese made by adding rennet and bacterial starter to coagulate and acidify milk. It can be made from the milk of cows, sheep, or goats, and is a common ingredient in pierogi. You can find it in the cheese department of your grocery store, usually near the mozzarella.
If you're looking for a more tangy flavor, chedder cheese is also a popular option for pierogi. It can be mixed with mashed potatoes for a simple and delectable filling. However, some consider cheddar to be a non-traditional substitute for twarog cheese, as it has a very different taste.
Other types of cheese that can be used in pierogi fillings include ricotta, dry cottage cheese, and cream cheese. Ultimately, the type of cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference and the specific flavor profile you're aiming for.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese to use will depend on the type of pierogi you are making. For authentic Polish pierogi, farmer's cheese is a popular choice. If you are making Ukrainian-style pierogi, cheddar cheese is a common option. Other types of cheese that can be used include dry cottage cheese, paneer, strained ricotta, and American cheese.
Farmer's cheese can be found at some large supermarkets or grocery stores, typically in the cheese department near the mozzarella.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as dry cottage cheese, paneer, strained ricotta, or even cheddar cheese. However, using different cheeses may alter the traditional taste and texture of your pierogi.
For sweet pierogi, you can use a combination of farmer's cheese, sugar, and egg mixture. The farmer's cheese provides a slight tanginess, while the sugar adds sweetness to the filling.
Yes, you can find pre-made potato and cheese pierogi at various stores, including Costco, where they sell Kasia's Potato Cheese Pierogi, and local pierogi specialty stores.

























