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    Home » Europe » What To Eat with Pierogi

    What To Eat with Pierogi

    Published on Sep 18, 2023 Modified: Sep 25, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Pierogi are often enjoyed all on their own or, occasionally, with a side of sour cream. But these sweet or savory dumplings are versatile and are made even more so with the addition of some delicious dipping sauce. Try out a few new ideas tonight!

    Plate of Pierogi's with a spoon resting next to it.
    Homemade Polish Potato Pierogies with Onion and Chives

    Pierogi are classic comfort food. Polish dumplings filled with savory or sweet fillings are served warm and are delicious! 

    You may see this dish spelled many different ways including pierogies, pierogies, perogies, pierogi, or perogy. Pierogi is actually plural, and it’s a generic term for filled dumplings. 

    Just like the spelling, the pierogi filling varies greatly. Perhaps the most traditional and authentic filling for pierogi is a simple cheese and potato mixture. Potato perogies pair perfectly with sour cream and onions that are often served alongside it. 

    While sour cream is perfect for cheese and potatoes, it is not a perfect condiment for all the different fillings you may find inside different variations of pierogi. Sweet pierogies, filled with fruit and other sweet filling, are better with cream or honey.

    Pierogi are the perfect dish for bringing the family together. Like most dumplings, putting them together takes some patience and care, but it is well worth it for the burst of flavor inside each pocket of dough. 

    If you are making a feast of these delicious Polish dumplings, you can add even more variety with the sides and toppings you add to the meal. Here are my recommendations for what to eat with pierogi instead of sour cream.

    Jump to:
    • Pierogi Origins
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Eat With Pierogi
    • Recipes to Serve with Pierogies 
    • Pistachio Pesto
    • Easy Pesto Recipe
    • How To Make Jam
    • Tarator: Cold Cucumber Yogurt Soup from Bulgaria
    • Easy Tzatziki Sauce
    • Green Goddess Salad Recipe
    • Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Salad
    • Air Fryer Carrots
    • House Salad
    • Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad
    • Chicken Cabbage Rolls
    • Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing
    • Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts
    • 20-Minute Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
    • Vinegret Salad
    • Vinegar Based Coleslaw (No Mayo)
    • Burrata Salad with Roasted Tomatoes
    • Easy Microgreen Salad with Fresh Ginger Dressing

    Pierogi Origins

    Plate of pierogi's with sour cream served in the middle.

    Pierogi have been enjoyed by people all over Central and Eastern Europe for centuries, and to be honest, their history is difficult to track. 

    What we do know is that pierogi have been an important part of Polish cuisine since the 1700s. They are a staple at every holiday celebration–often filled with a unique filling just for that day.

    Pierogi takes time and effort to make from scratch, but it is this process that brings families together to prepare large batches for special occasions. 

    Pierogi has become so popular over the years that they have spread as Polish immigrants have spread to Canada and the US. The most common flavors to find are potato, cheese, and sauerkraut but when made from scratch there is no limit to what can go inside.

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    FAQs

    What do Polish people serve with pierogi?

    Some Polish families may serve melted butter or sour cream with their pierogi, but in most cases, pierogi are enjoyed all on their own as the main dish, an appetizer, or a snack, depending on what is inside. Most savory perogies include ground meat, potatoes, or cabbage.

    While toppings, sauces, and sides with pierogi are not traditional, it is still delicious. The different fillings inside pierogi make it possible to pair it with just about anything you can imagine.

    Some popular choices include bacon, green onions, sauteed onions, chives, sauerkraut, or mushroom sauce.

    What do Polish people serve with pierogi?

    Some Polish families may serve melted butter or sour cream with their pierogi, but in most cases, pierogi are enjoyed all on their own as the main dish, an appetizer, or a snack, depending on what is inside. Most savory perogies include ground meat, potatoes, or cabbage.

    While toppings, sauces, and sides with pierogi are not traditional, it is still delicious. The different fillings inside pierogi make it possible to pair it with just about anything you can imagine.

    Some popular choices include bacon, green onions, sauteed onions, chives, sauerkraut, or mushroom sauce.

    How Many Pierogi is a Serving?

    Planning how many pierogi people may eat can be tricky and it depends on how they are served. As a main dish, you may eat five or six as a serving. As an appetizer two or three may be enough. For dessert, people usually eat just two as a serving.

    Do You Have to Boil Pierogi Before Frying Them?

    Authentic pierogi are boiled first, then pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. If you are making them from scratch, boiling and then frying gives each dumpling the perfect texture–crispy on the outside but chewy and delicious on the inside.

    If you are preparing frozen pierogi, it’s a good idea to boil them first to ensure they are heated all the way through. Pre-cooked pierogi can be put right in the skillet to warm up.

    What Are Pierogi Good Dipped In?

    The best dipping sauce for pierogi depends on the filling inside. For savory pierogi, you could try them with tomato sauce, pesto sauce, alfredo sauce, mushroom sauce, sour cream, or chili sauce. Sweet pierogi could be dipped in chocolate sauce, honey, fruit sauce, or whipped cream.

    Can You Freeze Pierogi?

    Yes, you can freeze pierogi and you may be able to purchase frozen pierogi from your local grocery store. 

    If you are making homemade pierogi, assemble them as usual and place them on a parchment-covered baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the freezer for a half hour, then take them off the parchment paper and put the frozen pierogi in a ziplock bag to keep for several months in the freezer. 

    Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for Pierogi?

    Leftover mashed potatoes are great for pierogi filling, but you do want to make sure your potatoes aren’t too creamy as it may make it difficult to keep inside the dough. Add some cheese to the cold potatoes before stuffing into the dough.

    Leftover instant mashed potatoes will not work.

    Are Pierogi Polish or Ukrainian? 

    Pierogi are Polish. Ukrainians also have a similar dumpling dish but theirs is called Vareniki. 

    Is it Better to Fry or Boil Pierogies? 

    For the best texture for your pierogi, you should boil AND fry them. The boiling is what cooks the dough while the frying gives it a good crunch. This makes them chewy on the inside but crispy on the outside.

    Favorite Recipes

    1. Homemade pierogies from Spend With Pennies
    2. This Pierogi recipe with a bit of bacon from Natasha’s Kitchen
    3. For a great dessert pierogi try these from My Gourmet Connection

    Expert Tips

    • If you are filling your pierogi with potatoes and cheese, make sure your potatoes are smooth with no chunks. Russet potatoes work best for just the right earthy flavor and texture.
    • Shred your own cheese. Packaged shredded cheese usually has a coating to keep it from sticking together which prevents it from melting smoothly.
    • Don’t overwork your dough as it will make it more difficult to work with
    • In Poland, most pierogi are made with farmer’s cheese. Cottage cheese is a decent substitute.
    • You can cook pierogi in the air fryer. After boiling, spray your air fryer with a bit of oil and add the pierogi. Air fry for about two minutes.

    What to Eat With Pierogi

    • Vegetables: Fried cabbage, green beans, Brussels sprouts
    • Sauce: Butter, hot sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, marinara, ranch, cheese sauce (bechamel), mushroom sauce, butter sauce, dill sauce, garlic sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, fresh herbs
    • Savory Toppings: Caramelized onions, fried breadcrumbs, bacon, fresh rosemary, fresh parsley, dill, fresh thyme, shredded cheese, sauerkraut, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red onion, balsamic vinegar, fried onions
    • Sweet Toppings: chocolate sauce, vanilla custard, whipped cream, honey, fruit sauce, jam, yogurt, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream
    • Side dishes: Fresh salad, kielbasa sausage, pork chops, cucumber salad, cabbage rolls, Polish sausage, cobb salad

    Recipes to Serve with Pierogies 

    Pistachio Pesto

    A bowl of pistachio pesto with a spoon sticking out of it, surrounded by pistachios.
    This recipe replaces the traditional pine nuts in pesto with a unique flavor… pistachios! Make this recipe for a nuttier, slightly sweeter pesto recipe that pairs well with pasta, pizza, proteins, and more.
    Read More

    Easy Pesto Recipe

    Pistachio pesto coating gnocchi in a white bowl.
    You are going to love this fresh, simple, and flavorful 6 ingredient recipe! Serve it with pasta, chicken, or on pizza for a delicious dinner.
    Read More

    How To Make Jam

    A jar of papaya jam with a spoon sticking out of the top with appetizers in the background.
    This jam recipe features papayas, but you can also customize it with whatever fruit you'd prefer to make
    Read More

    Tarator: Cold Cucumber Yogurt Soup from Bulgaria

    Close up of Tarator topped with dill, walnuts, and a drizzle of olive oil.
    Tarator is a cold soup made with yogurt and cucumbers. This Bulgarian dish is perfect for a light meal in the heat of summertime and would be delicious with a slice of crusty bread!
    Read More

    Easy Tzatziki Sauce

    Tzatziki sauce in a small bowl, surrounded by pita bread and topped with olive oil and dill.
    Whether you’re serving it on gyros, eating it with pita, or enjoying it with veggies, you’ll love this Greek dip! Made with greek yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic, Greek Tzatziki Sauce is light, fresh, and versatile.
    Read More

    Green Goddess Salad Recipe

    Bowl of freshly prepared green goddess salad.
    This Green Goddess Salad Recipe is light and fresh and chock full of healthy produce. The fresh olive oil and vinegar drizzled over the top forms a healthy dressing that goes so well with the crunchy pistachios.
    Read More

    Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Salad

    Bowl of brown butter Brussels sprouts salad.

    This brown butter Brussels sprouts salad is made with Brussels sprouts, bacon, and arugula and drizzled with the most delicious balsamic brown butter you’ve ever had! It’s an easy lunch, dinner, or side dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

    Read More

    Air Fryer Carrots

    Air Fryer carrots garnished with parsley and cheese over the top.

    Delicious Air Fryer Carrots are the perfect side to any meal! You only need 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to make these deliciously tender carrots.

    Read More

    House Salad

    Top view of a house salad, ready to serve with a fork resting on the bowl.

    This simple House Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette comes together with a few basic ingredients for a light side dish you can throw together in just 10 minutes that is neutral enough to pair with any meal.

    Read More

    Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad

    Creamy cucumber and onion salad in a glass bowl.

    This Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. All you need is 3 ingredients plus pantry staples and 5 minutes and you can enjoy this crisp and refreshing salad.

    Read More

    Chicken Cabbage Rolls

    Chicken cabbage rolls cut in half and showing the inside.

    Not being able to eat beef or pork shouldn’t take cabbage rolls off the table! These chicken cabbage rolls taste just like traditional rolls!

    Read More

    Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing

    Bowl of kale salad.

    Easy Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing is ready to eat in under 5 minutes.  This kale salad is simple, yet full of flavor from the freshly grated Parmesan, lemon, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.  Serve this easy salad recipe as a side to your favorite meal, or enjoy it as is for a healthy lunch. 

    Read More

    Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts

    Lemon arugula salad with pine nuts in a serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon in it.

    Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts is a quick and easy salad that is peppery, sweet, and satisfying. Arugula is tossed with cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan cheese and finished off with a lemony, olive oil dressing. 

    Read More

    20-Minute Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

    Roasted broccoli and carrots served in a round bowl with small bowls with salt and pepper.

    This recipe for simple Roasted Broccoli and Carrots is the easiest way to bring out their natural flavors and get the perfect texture.

    Read More

    Vinegret Salad

    Top view of a vinegret salad in a bowl.

    Vinegret also known as Russian Vinaigrette Salad is made with beets, potatoes, and pickles and dressed with olive oil. It is a healthy salad served during celebrations in many Slavic countries.

    Read More

    Vinegar Based Coleslaw (No Mayo)

    Vinegar based coleslaw in a glass bowl.

    Vinegar-based Coleslaw is made with just 4 ingredients and without mayo. Combining freshness with texture in every bite, this healthy vinegar coleslaw will be a hit at your next cookout!

    Read More

    Burrata Salad with Roasted Tomatoes

    Burrata salad with roasted tomatoes in a baking dish with a pepper shaker laying next to it on its side.

    Roasted Tomato Salad with Burrata: a hearty, yet light summer salad with jammy tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a sweet and tangy vinaigrette

    Read More

    Easy Microgreen Salad with Fresh Ginger Dressing

    Microgreen salad in a bowl with ginger bulb next to the bowl.

    This Quick Microgreen Salad is an easy way to use microgreens from the market or your own home garden. In five minutes it transforms them into a delicious side or main dish that even the kids will ask for seconds of!

    Read More

    More European Recipes

    • A bowl of crispy Ribel topped with granulated sugar and fruit jam, ready to be served.
      Ribel (Toasted Cornmeal Breakfast from Liechtenstein)
    • A bowl of creamy parmesan risotto with parsley on top and wine behind.
      Parmesan Risotto (Quick & Easy!)
    • A bowl of creamy Lohikeitto.
      Lohikeitto Recipe (Finnish Salmon Soup)
    • 4 poached apples with whipped cream and a cherry on top served on a plate.
      Tufahije (Walnut-Stuffed Apples) from Bosnia and Herzegovina 

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