Pierogi is the kind of food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. These Eastern European dumplings are beloved for their tender dough and flavorful fillings, whether savory or sweet. Whether you grew up eating them or are discovering them for the first time, the homemade pierogi recipe offers a delicious taste of tradition and comfort.
The dough is soft and pliable, made from basic ingredients like flour, eggs, and water. It’s rolled out and cut into circles before being filled with everything from mashed potatoes and cheese to sauerkraut, mushrooms, or ground meat. There are even sweet versions filled with fruits like cherries or blueberries. Whatever the filling, the key is balance, just enough to be satisfying, but not so much that the dumplings burst during cooking.
Once filled and sealed, pierogi are typically boiled until they float, then either served as-is or pan-fried in butter for a golden, crispy finish. That final step adds a little texture and flavor, especially when paired with caramelized onions, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Making pierogi is a bit of a process, but it’s also a labor of love. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for weekends or family cooking sessions. Many people make large batches and freeze them, so there’s always a quick meal or snack ready to go.
Pierogi are versatile, comforting, and endlessly customizable. You can make them entirely vegetarian, load them up with savory meats, or keep it sweet for dessert. They’re great for holiday tables, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Every bite delivers the kind of homemade goodness that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg large, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup water lukewarm
- 1/2 cup potato filling prepared
- 1/2 cup cheese filling prepared
- 2 tbsp butter for serving
- 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- Add the beaten egg and mix well.
- Gradually add the lukewarm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into two parts. Roll out one part to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough.
- Place a small spoonful of filling (either potato or cheese) in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the pierogi, a few at a time, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.
- Remove the pierogi with a slotted spoon and drain well.
- Serve the pierogi hot, topped with melted butter and a side of sour cream.
Can I use any kind of filling? I want to put chicken inside. Will it work? Asking for a friend.
Chicken? Isn’t that a bit strange for pierogi? I thought they were always potato and cheese. 🤔
Yes, you can use chicken! Just make sure to cook it before adding to the pierogi. I think it’ll taste great!
Not sure if these are legit. My grandma’s recipe is way different. She doesn’t use butter for serving!
I tried making this and it was a flop! The dough was too sticky and wouldn’t come together. Not sure what went wrong…
This seems too complicated. Can’t I just buy frozen ones? 🤔
I don’t think this is how real pierogi are made. You missed important steps for crispiness.
I added some garlic to the butter, sooo good! Anyone else tried that?
hmm think i made them wrong. they came out too thick. also, wat if I have no sour cream?
Thick pierogi? Sounds like more filling to me! 😁 But seriously, try some mayo or just eat them plain if you don’t have sour cream.
Don’t worry too much about the thickness! If they come out thick, maybe try rolling the dough thinner next time. And if you don’t have sour cream, you can use yogurt or even cream cheese as a dip. It’ll still taste good!
These pierogis are fantastic! I never knew they were this easy to make. My family loved them!
This is a lot of work for dumplings. I’ll just buy them frozen next time. 👎
I messed up the dough and it was too sticky. Anyone got tips for that?
Easy peasy and fun! I love pierogi!
Totally agree! Pierogi are the best! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Eh, not my favorite dish. I prefer Italian pasta over whatever this is.
This is a cool recipe, but I don’t know about using sour cream. I think butter alone is enough. Still pretty good tho.
Amazing recipe! My kids help out, and we have so much fun making these together. ❤️
Sounds like a blast! Pierogi party with the kids is a great idea! 🎉
I tried making these but the dough was too sticky. What did I do wrong?
This took forever!! Cooking them individually was such a hassle. 🙄
Very easy recipe, I was able to whip this up in no time. My kids love helping with rolling the dough!
These were good but kinda bland for my taste. I added garlic and it improved a lot!
These pierogi taste just like my grandma used to make! I can’t believe how easy they are to make. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
I made these last night and they turned out terrible. Maybe I did something wrong, but they just didn’t taste right. 2 stars.
Wow, this sounds super easy! I’m gonna try making these for my family this weekend. Thanks for sharing! 5 stars from me!
Followed the recipe step by step. Results were perfect! Will make again!
YUM! So good. I used cheddar instead of regular cheese filling, and it was way better. 😋
Mmm, I used beef filling instead because I don’t like potato or cheese. They turned out pretty good! 4 stars.
Eh, didn’t turn out as expected. They looked sad. 😐 1 star.
So delicious! I used mashed sweet potatoes instead and it was a hit.
Sweet potatoes? That’s a cool twist! I’m gonna try that next time!
These were amazing! Best pierogi I’ve ever had! My grandma would be proud. 😋
Are these like ravioli? I’m confused.
Too bland for my taste. Added some spices next time! 🥴
I think they could use a little garlic too! I usually add that to mine. 🌟
I don’t get why pierogi is so special, they just look like dumplings to me.
I dunno, but I think maybe they are not just dumplings if they got that creamy mashed potato or cheese inside, right? I guess it’s all in how you make ’em? 🤷♂️
Pierogi are way more than just dumplings! It’s all about the fillings and the love that goes into making them. They remind me of my grandma’s cooking. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll see! 😋
Not bad, but they could use a little more flavor. Maybe add some herbs to the filling?
I totally agree! A little oregano or thyme could really kick it up a notch. Trying it next time!
Quick question, can I use water instead of milk in the filling? Just curious!
Pierogi be good, I like them a lot. Make more of them next time.
I totally agree! Pierogi are the best comfort food. I can’t resist them, especially with cheese filling!
Yum! Cheese filling is the best! I added some bacon bits in there and they turned out amazing! So good with sour cream!
Bacon bits?! That’s genius! I’m definitely trying that next time. Thanks for the tip!
I don’t know about bacon in pierogi. Is that even traditional? Seems off to me.
Honestly, I struggled with the dough. It kept sticking! Not sure if I did it right.
I had the same issue! Maybe try adding a bit more flour on your surface next time? It helps with stickiness.
Too much butter, not healthy! Might skip that part next time.
Quick question! How do you know when they’re done cooking? Floating is too vague!
Made these for the family reunion, they disappeared fast! 5 stars all the way!
Absolutely love these! They remind me of my grandma’s cooking. 5 stars!
I totally agree! There’s nothing like homemade pierogi. My grandma used to make them every Sunday!
I think there’s too much flour in this recipe. My dough was tough like a rock. I won’t be trying this again.
Not enough steps for me. I need a video, please!
Ugh, who needs videos? Just read the recipe! It’s simple. 😂
I totally agree! A video would really help. It’s hard to follow just with text sometimes.