Ingredients
Potato Cheese Filling
- 2 lbs russet potatoes (5 medium), peeled
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Dough
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 3 Tbsp extra light olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- 4 oz beef, chopped
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Bacon (quantity not specified, estimate 4 strips), for sautéing
- Additional sour cream, optional to serve
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Cheese Filling: Place peeled potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for approximately 25 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool for 5 minutes. Mash potatoes until smooth.
- Mix in Flavorings: Mash the salt, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella into the potatoes until well combined. Partially cover and set aside.
- Make Pierogi Dough: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, whisk together warm water, whole milk, sour cream, egg, oil, and sea salt until blended.
- Add Flour and Knead: Using a dough hook or wooden spoon, add 2 cups of flour and mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough no longer sticks to the bowl or hands. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough in half. Cover one half while rolling the other out on a floured surface to just under 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut Dough Circles: Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough, keeping pieces close. Collect scraps, cover, and save for re-rolling.
- Fill and Seal Pierogi: Place 1/2 tablespoon of the potato cheese filling on each dough circle. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Crimp edges again with a pinch and twist motion to ensure a secure seal.
- Prepare Bacon Topping: In a medium skillet, sauté bacon until crisp. Add butter and let it melt in. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Pierogi: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add pierogi in batches, fresh or frozen. Boil for about 2 minutes or until the pierogi float to the surface and water returns to a boil.
- Serve: Drain pierogi and drizzle with the bacon butter topping. Serve hot with optional sour cream on the side.
Notes
- The dough should be slightly elastic but not sticky to touch; add flour gradually to avoid dryness.
- To freeze pierogi, arrange uncooked, sealed dumplings on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a container.
- Sauté bacon in advance to have the topping ready as soon as pierogi are cooked.
- Use a mini scoop for consistent filling portions.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Eastern European