Potato Cheddar Pierogi: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion

Soft, pillowy dumplings filled with creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese—there’s nothing more comforting than a plate of homemade pierogi. These classic Eastern European dumplings are surprisingly simple to make and can be served boiled or pan-fried for a crispy golden finish. Perfect for a cozy meal, these pierogi pair beautifully with caramelized onions, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Favorite: A satisfying, cheesy, and hearty dish.
Made from Scratch: Fresh dough and filling make all the difference.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch and store for quick, easy meals.
Versatile: Serve with different toppings or even switch up the filling.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp light butter
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

For Cooking & Serving:

• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for pan-frying, optional)
• ½ cup caramelized onions (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
• Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, sour cream, and melted butter.
3. Gradually add wet ingredients to the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 10 minutes).
2. Drain and mash with cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let cool.

Assemble the Pierogi

1. Roll out dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness.
2. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches wide) to cut circles.
3. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold in half and press the edges together, sealing with a fork or by pinching.

Cook the Pierogi

1. Boil: Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Cook pierogi in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until they float.
2. Pan-Fry (Optional): Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook boiled pierogi for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Serve & Enjoy

• Top with caramelized onions, sour cream, and fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Pierogi, Approximate)

Calories: 80 | Protein: 3g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 3g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the pierogi hard to seal.
• Rest the Dough: Letting it sit makes it easier to roll out.
• Freeze for Later: Place uncooked pierogi on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect Dough Texture: Soft but holds its shape when cooked.
• Creamy, Cheesy Filling: The right balance of richness and flavor.
• Easy to Customize: Add caramelized onions, bacon, or different cheeses.

These potato cheddar pierogi are a true comfort food staple, offering a satisfying balance of creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and tender dough. Whether you enjoy them boiled or crispy from the pan, they’re a delicious addition to any meal. Make a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy every bite!