Anita's Comforting Polish Pierogies
These delightful Polish pierogies, sent to me by my friend Anita from Canada, are the ultimate comfort food perfect for chilly winter days. Filled with creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, each bite is heavenly. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it allows for flexibility as well: make it vegan-friendly by using plant-based margarine, soy cheese, and substituting turkey bacon with soy bacon. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen for later, these pierogies will bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Make sure to read the entire recipe before starting, as some steps can be prepared ahead of time for a smoother cooking experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
4 cups (none)
butter (or vegan margarine)
1 teaspoon (softened)
warm water
1.5 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or soy/almond cheese for vegan)
to taste (none)
Yukon Gold potatoes
5 large (boiled and mashed)
onion
1 (diced)
turkey bacon (or soy bacon for vegan)
8 pieces (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the dough. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, and salt. Pulse to mix well. Gradually pour in the warm water through the feeder spout while the machine is running until the mixture forms a ball of dough. Allow the dough to sit for about 30 minutes to relax, making it easier to work with later.
2
Next, prepare the filling. Boil the potatoes until tender, drain, and then mash them in a bowl. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined. Allow the filling to cool slightly to make handling easier.
3
Once the dough has rested, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out thinly with a rolling pin. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass dipped in flour to cut out circles from the dough.
4
Place a small spoonful of the potato and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill them. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges tightly, ensuring no filling leaks out during cooking.
5
Arrange the filled pierogies on a floured surface, making sure they don’t touch to prevent sticking.
6
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in 6-10 pierogies at a time and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface—this indicates they're done. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pierogies to a plate.
7
While the pierogies are boiling, prepare the topping. In a skillet, fry diced onions and turkey bacon (or desired substitute) until crispy. This step can be done ahead of time for convenience.
8
To assemble, melt some butter in a 9x13 inch oven-safe dish and layer the cooked pierogies. Top with the fried onions and turkey bacon for added flavor. Once layered, you can bake it briefly or serve it immediately. Enjoy your homemade pierogies with a side of sour cream or applesauce, if desired!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Anita's Comforting Polish Pierogies?
They are traditional Polish dumplings filled with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, often served with onions and bacon.
Who shared this recipe?
This recipe was shared by a friend named Anita from Canada.
What are the main ingredients for the pierogi dough?
The dough consists of 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of butter (or vegan margarine), 1.5 cups of warm water, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of potatoes are recommended for the filling?
The recipe calls for 5 large Yukon Gold potatoes, which are boiled and mashed.
How do you prepare the pierogi filling?
Boil the potatoes until tender, mash them, and then stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is melted and fully combined.
How long should the dough rest before rolling it out?
The dough should sit for about 30 minutes to relax, which makes it easier to work with.
What is the easiest way to mix the dough?
You can use a food processor to combine the flour, butter, and salt, then gradually add warm water while the machine is running.
How do you cut the dough into circles?
After rolling the dough thinly on a floured surface, use a round cookie cutter or a glass dipped in flour to cut out circles.
How much filling should go into each pierogi?
Place a small spoonful of the potato and cheese filling in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill them.
What shape are pierogies typically folded into?
The dough circles are folded over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
How do you prevent pierogies from sticking before they are cooked?
Arrange the filled pierogies on a floured surface so they do not touch each other.
How long do you boil the pierogies?
Cook them in a large pot of boiling water for 5 to 8 minutes.
How do you know when the pierogies are finished cooking?
The pierogies are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water.
What toppings are suggested for these pierogies?
The recipe suggests a topping of fried diced onions and crispy turkey bacon.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based margarine, soy or almond cheese, and soy bacon substitutes.
What is the best way to remove cooked pierogies from the water?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked pierogies from the pot to a plate.
Can the toppings be prepared in advance?
Yes, frying the onions and turkey bacon can be done ahead of time for convenience.
How do you assemble the final dish?
Layer the cooked pierogies in a 9x13 inch oven-safe dish with melted butter and top with the fried onions and bacon.
Can pierogies be frozen?
Yes, these pierogies can be frozen for later use.
What should you serve with pierogies?
They are often enjoyed with a side of sour cream or applesauce.
Is it necessary to bake the pierogies after boiling?
You can either bake the layered dish briefly or serve it immediately after assembly.
How do you ensure the filling doesn't leak out?
Seal the edges of the dough circles tightly after folding them over the filling.
What kind of cheese is best for the filling?
The recipe recommends sharp cheddar cheese or a soy/almond cheese alternative.
How much turkey bacon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 8 pieces of turkey bacon, cut into small pieces.
Why is warm water used in the dough?
Warm water helps the flour hydrate and allows the dough to form into a ball more easily in the food processor.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as the ultimate comfort food for chilly winter days.
What size dish is used for layering?
A 9x13 inch oven-safe dish is recommended.
How many onions are needed for the topping?
One diced onion is fried for the topping.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is combining flour, butter, and salt in a food processor.
Are these pierogies family-friendly?
Yes, they are tagged as family-friendly and suitable for all ages.