Alice Lis' Pierogies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Eastern European

Alice Lis' Pierogies are hearty, homemade dumplings filled with a savory mix of potatoes, cottage cheese, and onions. Crispy fried or served with sour cream, these pierogies are perfect for comfort food lovers and make a delightful appetizer or main course for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 6 medium potatoes
  • dry cottage cheese

Instructions

  1. Mix together flour, eggs, milk, salt, and melted butter to form a dough.
  2. Roll the dough like pie crust and cut with a 2-inch cookie cutter.
  3. Cook and mash the potatoes.
  4. Fry chopped onions in butter until golden and drain them.
  5. Combine mashed potatoes with fried onions and dry cottage cheese to make the filling.
  6. Place a spoonful of filling on half of each dough circle, fold over, and pinch the sides together with a fork to seal.
  7. Drop the pierogies into boiling water a few at a time.
  8. Cook until they rise to the surface, about 3 minutes.
  9. Remove from water and serve with sour cream or fry if desired.
  10. If freezing, do not cook before freezing; cook from frozen when ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the dry cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese. Make sure the dough is not too sticky; if it is, add a bit more flour until you achieve the right consistency. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes before rolling out to make it easier to work with.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pierogies topped with a dollop of sour cream or sautéed onions for added flavor. They pair wonderfully with a side of Creamy Cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad. They can also be enjoyed as a snack with Taffy Dip on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pierogies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, boil them for a couple of minutes or sauté in a bit of butter until heated through. If you opt to freeze them, place uncooked pierogies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Alice Lis' Pierogies contains roughly 2155 calories, with 15g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

2155 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.6g 29% DV
Total Fat 180.8g 100% DV
Carbs 118.1g 43% DV
Fiber 7.7g 27% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 732mg 32% DV
Potassium 2318.2mg 49% DV
Cholesterol 532.1mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 32.3mg 36% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 149.9mg 12% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pierogi dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out and cutting into circles for filling.

What's the best way to cook frozen pierogies?

When cooking frozen pierogies, do not thaw them. Drop them directly into boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface. This ensures they cook evenly and maintain their texture.

Can I use different fillings for pierogies?

Absolutely! Pierogies are versatile, and you can fill them with various ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sweet fillings like fruit preserves. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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