Homemade Pierogies Recipe
Introduction
Homemade pierogies are a comforting classic filled with creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. These tender dumplings are boiled and then sautéed in butter with onions for a rich and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (¼ stick)
- 1½ pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (⅜ stick)
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and melted unsalted butter.
- Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix with a spatula until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball and set aside.
- Step 4: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until fork tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 5: Add the shredded cheddar, 2½ teaspoons kosher salt, onion powder, and black pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and well combined.
- Step 6: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Step 7: Use a 3-inch round cutter or glass to cut out circles. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut out more circles until all dough is used.
- Step 8: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
- Step 9: Dip your finger in water and run it around half the edge of the circle. Fold dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch edges firmly to seal.
- Step 10: Melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly browned, then remove from heat.
- Step 11: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop 10 pierogies into the water. When they float to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the skillet with butter and onions.
- Step 12: Turn heat to low and gently toss pierogies in the butter until fully coated and warmed through.
- Step 13: Serve hot with sour cream or plain yogurt on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer dough, substitute half the sour cream with Greek yogurt or add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Freeze uncooked pierogies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for easy cooking later.
- Use a fork to crimp edges for a decorative seal and to prevent filling from leaking.
Storage
Store cooked pierogies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or in the microwave. Uncooked pierogies freeze well for up to 2 months; cook directly from frozen without thawing by boiling a few extra minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for the filling?
Yes, Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes can be used, but Russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy, smooth texture.
How do I prevent pierogies from sticking together when boiling?
Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding pierogies and avoid overcrowding the pot. Stir gently after adding them to keep them separate.
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Homemade Pierogies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 pierogies 1x
Description
This Homemade Pierogies recipe features tender dough filled with creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, perfectly boiled and then sautéed with buttery caramelized onions. A comforting Eastern European classic that’s ideal for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (¼ stick)
Filling
- 1½ pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (⅜ stick)
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced
- Sour cream or plain yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and melted unsalted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball and set aside.
- Make the Filling: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Add shredded cheddar cheese, 2½ teaspoons kosher salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Mash the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass approximately 3 inches wide to cut out circular pieces. Gather the scraps, roll out again and repeat until all dough is used.
- Fill and Seal Pierogies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the potato-cheese filling onto the center of each dough circle. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of half the circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges firmly to seal. Repeat for all pieces.
- Cook the Pierogies: Melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and golden brown, then remove from heat. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 10 pierogies at a time; once they float to the surface, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the skillet with butter and onions.
- Sauté Pierogies: Turn the skillet heat to low and gently toss the pierogies to coat them evenly in the buttery onions. Cook for a couple more minutes to develop a slight golden crust.
- Serve: Serve the pierogies warm topped with the buttery onions alongside sour cream or plain yogurt for dipping.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for a fluffy filling.
- Make sure to seal the pierogies well to avoid filling leakage.
- You can freeze uncooked pierogies separated by parchment paper for later use; boil them directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
- For a vegan version, substitute sour cream and butter with plant-based alternatives, and omit the cheese or replace with vegan cheese.
- Leftover pierogies can be pan-fried the next day for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Keywords: pierogies, homemade pierogies, potato pierogies, stuffed dumplings, Eastern European recipe

