Delicious Step-by-Step Recipe with 3 Twists…
This baked pierogi recipe is another one inspired by my ex-mother-in-law who’s family was from Poland. A delicious treat that can be served as a main dish, side dish, or even a dessert.
Pierogies are essentially a dough filled with savory, or sweet fillings – such as mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, meat or vegetables, or even spicy!
Today, we’re making 3 Variations of Baked Perogi
Have you ever tried to bake pierogies? If you haven’t, then you are in for a real treat because baked pierogies are healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Often considered comfort food, this dish became popular in Polish and Ukrainian communities all around the world.
Baked pierogi is the ultimate comfort food that warms your belly and your soul.
Baked Pierogi Ingredient List:
- Pierogi dough (see below)
- 2 cups of filling (see variations)
- Olive Oil
- Water
- 1 egg
- Salt
Baked Pierogi Instructions:
Before we go straight into how to make pierogi filling, it is important to note that the dough matters.
Basic Perogi Dough:
When it comes to making pierogi dough, the key is in the careful balance of ingredients. A perfectly crafted pierogi dough should be firm, smooth, soft and pliable, YET sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty fillings tucked inside.
So, how do you master this delicate dance of flour, water, eggs, and salt? Well, it all starts with the right ratios.
Typically, for every two cups of flour, you’ll want to use one egg, 1/2 to 3/4 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.
Of course, exact measurements may vary based on your personal preferences or the recipe you’re using, but with a little experimentation and a lot of love, you’ll soon find the perfect pierogi dough for your taste buds to savor.
Perogi Dough Recipe:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 to 3/4 cups water
- 1 egg
- pinch of salt
Combine ingredients well, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Place the dough in the fridge for at least an hour before rolling it out.
Now let’s dive into the different fillings.
1. Savory Baked Pierogi Recipes:
Sauerkraut Filling:
The combination of the sauerkraut’s zingy flavor and the pierogi’s soft dough is a match made in heaven!
To make the perfect sauerkraut filling, start by thinly slicing a whole cabbage, which will give you around 6 cups of fresh kraut.
Next, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of salt over the cabbage and massage it until it starts to soften and release its liquid.
Now, add a mixture of chopped onion, garlic, and caraway seeds and continue massaging until the kraut is nice and soft.
Cheese Pierogi Filling:
Cheese is a popular filling for pierogi, and you can use a variety of cheeses like cheddar, farmers’ cheese, or feta cheese.
Mix two cups of cheese with sautéed onions, salt, and pepper. You can also add cream cheese or sour cream to enhance its flavor and smoothness.
Mushroom Pierogi Filling:
For mushroom filling, sauté chopped mushrooms in butter until brown. Add in diced onions and garlic and cook for a minute before adding salt and pepper. Again, we want two cups of filling.
You can also use a mix of different mushroom varieties. Chop them finely and mix in with the onions.
Pork Pierogi Filling:
Ground pork is a common pierogi filling.
In a skillet, cook your ground pork and onions until brown. (2 cups cooked)
Add garlic, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Don’t forget to let it cool down before filling.
Potato Pierogi Filling:
Potato filling is another classic pierogi option that is easy to make.
Boil and mash potatoes for two cups of filling.
Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also mix in some sautéed onions.
Once done, let it cool down before filling.
2. Sweet Baked Pierogi Recipe:
If you have a sweet tooth, try sweet pierogi fillings.
Some popular options include blueberries, strawberries, plums, or cherries. Mix your chosen fruit with sugar, a pinch of salt, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Once you have two cups mixed, add in some lemon juice, and your filling is ready.
3. Spicy Baked Pierogi Recipe:
You will want the resulting filling to be two cups…
- A delicious option is to combine spicy chorizo sausage with creamy and tangy ricotta cheese.
- Another is to sauté diced jalapeños and onions with ground beef before mixing in some shredded cheddar cheese.
- For an extra kick, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Feeling adventurous? Try blending roasted poblano peppers with sour cream and cotija cheese for a tasty twist on a classic Mexican flavor.
Whatever your preference, these bold and flavorful options are sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your pierogi game.
Tasty Any Way You Make Them!
Pierogi is a tasty meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. With so many filling options to choose from, you can have fun experimenting with different recipes and creating your unique pierogi dish.
So, put on your apron, get creative with your ingredients, and enjoy this cooking experience. Remember, the key to a great pierogi dish is a delicious and well-prepared filling.
Baked Perogi Recipe – Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
- Add the pierogies to the boiling water and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Drain the pierogies and toss in olive oil to prevent sticking.
Stuff the rolled out perogi with your choice of filling and fold or roll as you prefer. I make mine like turnovers (see picture).
Next…
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and arrange one layer of pierogies on the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy and golden!
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optional:
- Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to melt.
- Mix together sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the layer of any kind of cheese.
A bit of History
Pierogies originated in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily in Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia.
They were traditionally made by women during the winter months when the fields were covered in snow, and they had to make do with the ingredients they had on hand.
Pierogies were easy to prepare and could be filled with almost anything.
The Perfect Baked Pierogi to Your Taste!
This dish is perfect for people who love to experiment with new recipes and flavors. By following this baked pierogi recipe, you’ll be able to prepare a mouth-watering casserole in no time.
Learn more about Pierogi in Wikipedia here.