What To Serve With Perogies

What to Serve with Perogies: 25 Tasty Side Dish Ideas

Perogies, those delightful Eastern European dumplings, are a versatile and comforting dish that can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal. Whether you prefer savory fillings like potato and cheese or sweet fillings like fruit, finding the perfect accompaniments to round out your perogy feast can be a delicious challenge.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 25 tasty side dish ideas that pair beautifully with perogies, from hearty meats to fresh salads and everything in between. Get ready to take your perogy game to the next level!

What are Perogies?

Perogies, also known as pierogi, are half-moon shaped dumplings that originated in Eastern Europe. They are typically made from unleavened dough that is stuffed with a variety of fillings, boiled, and then often pan-fried or baked.Common savory fillings include:

• Mashed potatoes and cheese
• Sauerkraut
• Mushrooms
• Meat (such as pork or beef)
• Spinach

Sweet fillings like fruit (such as blueberries, cherries, or apples) and sweet cheese are also popular.Perogies are often served with toppings like sour cream, fried onions, bacon bits, and melted butter. They can be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or side.

How to Cook Perogies

There are a few different methods for cooking perogies:

1. Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add perogies and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top. Drain and serve with desired toppings.
2. Pan-frying: Melt butter or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cooked perogies and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
3. Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange perogies in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter or oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
4. Air frying: Place perogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy.

What to Serve with Perogies

Meaty Mains

1. Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage: Polish sausage is a natural pairing with perogies. Grill, bake, or pan-fry slices and serve alongside.
2. Meatballs: Tender, saucy meatballs make a hearty accompaniment. Serve with perogies and a vegetable side.
3. Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone short ribs are a decadent match for perogies. Serve with the braising liquid spooned over the top.
4. Roast Chicken or Turkey: Roast a whole bird or use up leftovers. Shredded meat is delicious with perogies.
5. Pork Chops or Tenderloin: Baked, grilled, or pan-fried pork chops or a juicy tenderloin pair nicely with perogies.

Savory Sides

1. Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms: Sauté sliced onions and mushrooms in butter until caramelized. Serve over perogies.
2. Bacon and Caramelized Onions: Cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon bits and sauté sliced onions in the bacon fat until golden. Serve over perogies.
3. Sautéed Cabbage and Kielbasa: Sauté shredded cabbage and sliced kielbasa in butter until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Toss cubed butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until tender and caramelized. Serve over perogies.
5. Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Make a simple sauce by sautéing sliced mushrooms in butter, then stirring in heavy cream, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Serve over perogies.

Fresh Salads

1. Cucumber Salad: Toss sliced cucumbers, red onion, dill, and a simple vinaigrette. Serve chilled.
2. Tomato Salad: Dice ripe tomatoes and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Coleslaw: Shred green and red cabbage and carrots. Toss with a creamy or vinegar-based dressing.
4. Beet Salad: Roast beets, then toss with arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
5. Fruit Salad: Dice apples, pears, grapes, and berries. Toss with a splash of orange juice.

Soups and Stews

1. Borscht: This traditional Ukrainian beet soup is a classic accompaniment to perogies.
2. Mushroom Soup: Creamy mushroom soup is a comforting pairing.
3. Chicken Noodle Soup: Shredded chicken and egg noodles make a satisfying soup.
4. Beef Stew: Tender beef and vegetables in a rich gravy is a hearty match.
5. Potato Soup: Creamy potato soup is a natural pairing with potato-filled perogies.

Sauces and Toppings

1. Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream is a classic perogy topping.
2. Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions add crunch and flavor.
3. Bacon Bits: Crumbled bacon bits are a savory addition.
4. Melted Butter: Drizzle with melted butter for richness.
5. Chives or Green Onions: Chopped chives or green onions add freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common perogy fillings?

The most popular savory fillings are mashed potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and meat (such as pork or beef). Sweet fillings like fruit and sweet cheese are also common.

How do you cook perogies?

Perogies can be boiled, pan-fried, baked, or air fried. Boiling is the traditional method, while pan-frying or baking gives them a crispy exterior.

What is the difference between perogies and dumplings?

While both are dough-based foods filled with various ingredients, perogies are specifically from Eastern Europe and are typically half-moon shaped. Dumplings is a broader term that encompasses many different types of filled dough from various cuisines.

Can perogies be frozen?

Yes, perogies freeze very well. To freeze, place uncooked perogies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be boiled straight from frozen.

What is the best way to reheat leftover perogies?

The best way to reheat perogies is to pan-fry them. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil. Add the perogies and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Perogies are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. With a wide variety of fillings and countless tasty side dish options, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a satisfying perogy feast.Whether you opt for hearty meats, fresh salads, comforting soups, or a combination of sides, the key is to choose accompaniments that complement the flavors of the perogies themselves. With a little creativity and these 25 tasty ideas, you’ll have a meal fit for a pierogi party!

Table: Types of Perogies

For more information on perogies and other Eastern European cuisine, check out the Wikipedia page on Polish cuisine.