Pierogi are a delicious and versatile dish, but sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to serve with them. Check out these easy and delicious ideas for the perfect accompaniments to your pierogi.
Pierogi are a traditional Eastern European dish made from soft dough and filled with a variety of ingredients. They are often boiled, pan-fried, or baked (they can even be made in an air fryer) and can be served savoury or sweet. Classic fillings include mashed potato and cheese, minced beef, sauerkraut, or mushrooms. Sweet versions may contain fruit, sweetened cheese, or jam.
Pierogi are usually served with toppings such as sour cream, melted butter, caramelised onions, or bacon bits. They are a popular comfort food, often enjoyed with sides like grilled sausage, roasted vegetables, or soup.
Pairing pierogi with the right sides, toppings, and sauces is key to creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Traditional toppings enhance the flavour, while sides such as roasted vegetables, grilled sausage, or warming soups help create a filling meal.
In this post, we’ll look at the best ways to serve pierogies, covering traditional toppings, vegetable sides, meat options, soups, and salads to help you create a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Basic Pierogi Recipe
Makes: About 24 pierogi
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 250g plain flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 medium egg
- 120ml warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the filling (classic potato and cheese):
- 250g mashed potatoes (made from about 2 medium potatoes)
- 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
To serve:
- Melted butter
- Sour cream
- Caramelised onions
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the egg, warm water, and vegetable oil, then knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover with a tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Mix the mashed potatoes with grated cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Let it cool slightly.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 3mm thick. Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut circles about 8cm in diameter.
- Place a teaspoon of filling in the centre of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly, sealing with a fork if needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the pierogi in batches and cook for about 3–4 minutes or until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Heat a little butter in a frying pan and fry the boiled pierogi for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy with sour cream, caramelised onions, and melted butter.
Traditional Toppings for Pierogi
I love getting creative and trying new things. I’m never scared to put different flavours and textures together. But the traditional options are classic. They’ve been popular for a long time, and there’s a reason for that. They work!
I often start with the classics and then adapt from there, and when I want some good old comfort food, nothing beats a traditional pairing that always works!
Sour Cream
A classic topping that adds a cool, tangy contrast to warm, buttery pierogi. I love dipping savoury dishes in sour cream.
Try swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option or add something like fresh chives, fresh dill or parsley for a bit more flavour.
Melted Butter
Drizzling butter over pierogi gives them a rich, comforting flavour.
Pair with fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra taste for your savory pierogi.
Caramelized Onions
Slow-cooked onions add sweetness and depth to the savoury pierogi. Use olive oil or butter to caramelise onions to perfection, and don’t rush! The best way to cook onions is slowly!
Bacon Bits
Crispy bacon bits provide a salty crunch, especially when paired with potato or cheese pierogies. Great with a side of cabbage rolls or mashed potatoes.
Simply chop and fry bacon rashers or use lardons to make life easier.
Vegetable Sides to Serve with Pierogi
Adding vegetables balances the richness of pierogi and brings freshness to your plate while also adding some colour and nutrition.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting carrots, bell peppers, or brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasoning makes for a tasty, healthy side.
For a sheet pan veg bake, toss your favourite veggies in olive oil and salt and pepper and roast until golden brown and soft.
Steamed Broccoli
A simple and nutritious choice that pairs well with cheese pierogies. Drizzle with lemon juice or melted butter for extra flavour.
I like my broccoli nice and crisp, but cook it for longer if you prefer yours soft.
Grilled Courgette
Light and slightly smoky, grilled courgette (zucchini) adds a fresh element to a pierogi meal.
Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic butter or sour cream.
Sauerkraut
A traditional Eastern European side dish that pairs well with both potato and meat-filled pierogies.
Sauerkraut adds a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness, and in my option, is a great side dish for pretty much anything!
Grilled Mushrooms
If you want to add an earthier flavour, mushrooms are fantastic! Grilled, fried or even air-fried, they’re a quick and easy side.
Creamed Spinach
If you want a veggie side that’s velvety, nutritious, and filling, creamed spinach is a tasty option, perfect for a main meal.
Green Beans
If you are looking for an Easy side dish that adds some crunch and colour but is also great for dipping, green beans are perfect!
Meat Options: What Meat Goes with Pierogi?
Pierogi can be served as a main dish with a protein-rich side or as a side with your meat for a satisfying dinner. This works whether your pierogies contain meat or not.
Grilled Sausage
Kielbasa or smoked sausage is a traditional Polish pairing with pierogi. Serve with mustard or a simple dipping sauce, and add some mashed potatoes for a bigger, more filling meal.
Baked Chicken
A lighter meat option that pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes or cabbage rolls, baked or grilled chicken is low in fat, high in protein, and great with a huge variety of sauces and marinades.
Pan-Seared Steak
Tender, juicy steak adds a hearty contrast to delicate pierogies. Serve it with a simple sauce like garlic butter, and let the meat be the hero.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A great option for a comforting meal. Serve with a side of Brussels sprouts or coleslaw.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are a delicious side dish that are easy and juicy. Add a honey and mustard sauce and some roasted veggies for a filling dinner.
Alternatively, slice some pork chops into strips and stir fry them with some crunchy vegetables and a chow mein sauce, serving with a side of tender pierogi.
Soups and Salads: Light and Refreshing Sides for Pierogi
Pairing pierogi with a soup or salad can add balance to the meal, creating a classic lunch option.
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a warm and rich soup that complements cheese or potato pierogies perfectly. For me, in winter, nothing beats tomato soup.
Cabbage Soup
A traditional Eastern European dish that pairs well with pierogi. I’m not a huge fan of cabbage soup, but you do you.
Borscht
I find borscht a little odd, but if you like it, it’s certainly great for eating with pierogi.
Garden Salad with Lemon Dressing
A fresh salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a light lemon juice dressing cuts through the richness of pierogi.
Beetroot Salad
A slightly sweet and tangy salad that works well with savoury pierogi meals.
The natural sweetness is great with savoury pierogi.
Cucumber Salad
The perfect side dish if you want something simple yet refreshing.
Dipping Sauces and Condiments
Enhance the flavour of pierogi with these tasty dipping options, perfect with a meal or as part of a tasty snack.
Garlic Butter Sauce
Perfect for drizzling over pierogies or dipping. Simple, yet delicious.
Ranch Dressing
A creamy dip that works surprisingly well with crispy or fried pierogi.
Honey Mustard Sauce
A tangy-sweet option that pairs well with meat-filled pierogi.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Adds a little heat to balance the richness of the dish.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberries offer a tangy yet sweet flavour that’s great with meaty pierogies.
Dessert Pierogi: Sweet Pairings
Try these toppings and sides if you’re serving fruit-filled or sweet cheese pierogies. If you haven’t tried sweet pierogi, it’s time to give it a go!
Cinnamon Sugar & Whipped Cream
A classic topping for dessert pierogies, perfect if they are filled with sweetened cream cheese or applesauce.
Fruit Compote
Blueberry, cherry, or apple compote pairs beautifully with sweet pierogi.
Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent treat that’s perfect with fruity pierogi.
Chocolate Drizzle
A simple melted chocolate drizzle is perfect for dessert, pierogies filled with sweet cheese or fruit.
FAQ Section
What goes with pierogi for dinner?
Pierogi can be served with meats like grilled sausage, baked chicken, or pan-seared steak. Vegetable sides such as roasted brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli also work well.
What meat goes with pierogi?
Traditional options include kielbasa, slow-cooked pork, or baked chicken.
What vegetables should I serve with pierogi?
Roasted carrots, grilled zucchini, sauerkraut, or steamed broccoli are great choices.
What sauce goes with pierogi?
Sour cream, garlic butter, ranch dressing, and spicy mayo are popular options.
How do I eat pierogi without sour cream?
Try Greek yogurt as a tangy alternative, or serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or melted butter.
What side dishes go with pierogi?
Salads, soups, grilled vegetables, and mashed potatoes are great sides.
Does sauerkraut go with pierogi?
Yes! It’s a traditional accompaniment that adds a tangy, slightly sour contrast to the rich pierogi.
Does ranch go with pierogies?
Yes, ranch dressing makes a great dipping sauce, especially for crispy or fried pierogies.
Final Thoughts
Pierogi are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways, from classic toppings like sour cream and bacon bits to heartier pairings like grilled sausage or tomato soup. Whether you’re looking for a traditional meal or a new twist, these ideas will help you create a delicious and satisfying plate.
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