Potato Cheddar Pierogies
A classic recipe for delicious dumplings
The first time I ate pierogies was a memorable experience. I was among strangers and I hated them. But my mama was a good one and taught us how to eat a “no thank you portion,” with a smile. It took over a decade of persistent nagging from my husband to convince me to try making my own. In hindsight, I bet that introduction to one of the most popular cultural foods of the Eastern European heritage where I grew up on the Ohio/Pennsylvania border… came from a box.
That really tells you all you need to know, doesn’t it?
The pressure to fill my man’s belly reminded me that, as always, homemade is simply better.
This year, I stumbled across a cookbook, Pierogi Love, that expanded my horizons and made me realize just how versatile this little dumpling can be. It’s full of savory & sweet recipe ideas that not only sound delicious but can jumpstart your creativity to discover new ways to enjoy a pierogi. For example, the recipe for Beef Short Rib Pierogies made me realize what a great carrier this could be for extra roast beef that’s not quite enough to make a meal in itself. Smothering the dumplings in gravy took it to the next level! I have a small container of leftover chicken pot pie filling in the freezer… should it go in a pierogi?
We don’t often have leftovers but this may open a new world to an economical and delicious way to stretch them for my large family.
Among other recipes tempting me in the cookbook are:
Pepperoni Roll Pierogies
Buffalo Chicken Pierogies
Brussel Sprouts & Bacon Pierogies
Jalapeno Popper Pierogies
Philly Cheesesteak Pierogies
Cheesy Pretzel Pierogies (We tried these tonight & Bill LOVED them.)
BBQ Pulled Pork Pierogies
Pumpkin Pierogies with Bourbon Maple Butter
Pineapple Coconut Piergoties
Peach Crumble Pierogies
Smores Pierogies
The process for making pierogies is fairly simple but the only complaint I have with the book is that each recipe is only for the filling. You have to jump back to the dough section for its recipe & then forward for the process. It’s not much to complain about but for the first time making each recipe, I think it would be easiest to take notes before hitting the kitchen so you can follow them step-by-step without flipping around.
Potato Cheddar Pierogies are the quintessential filling for this dish and is comfort food at its finest! Below you’ll find that recipe that is going into my family cookbook! Be sure to save the image to your device & print it off so you can give these a try!
Potato Cheddar Pierogi Recipes
