Are you struggling to find the ideal combination to go with your pierogi? This traditional Ukrainian dish thrives when paired with both savory and sweet companions. Whether you're wondering what to eat with perogies, what goes with perogies, or what to serve with perogies, this guide offers flavorful inspiration.
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with pierogi:
- Smoked sausages
- Crispy bacon crumbles
- Sautéed onions and mushrooms
- Crunchy vegetable salads
- Sour cream
- Mustard and horseradish blend
- Fruit compote
- Cinnamon sprinkles
- Fruity drizzles
- Apple puree
- Ice cream or whipped cream toppings
- Luscious syrups
- Chocolate drizzle
Let's explore what makes each dish special!
Savory Sides for Pierogi
When indulging in pierogi, consider enhancing the experience with these tasty delights:
- Smoked Sausages
- Crispy Bacon Crumbles
- Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms
- Crunchy Vegetable Salads
- Sour Cream
- Mustard and Horseradish Blend
Let us delve deeper into these combinations!
Sausages are a classic option when deciding what to eat with perogies: Imagine the scent of smoked sausages blending with the creamy taste of what to serve with potato pierogi. The rich, meaty essence of links offers an exciting counterbalance that will win over any palate.
Combination of crispy bacon: Bacon bits, with their salty and smoky flavor, are a must-have for those who love a crunchy texture. They perfectly complement the soft pierogi, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Sautéed onions and mushrooms: The aromatic duo of sautéed onions and mushrooms seamlessly complements pierogi. The caramelized onions' subtle sweetness, paired with the hearty mushroom taste, creates a harmonious blend.
Fresh vegetable salads: Fresh vegetable salads offer a crisp, refreshing juxtaposition. A tangy vinaigrette further accentuates this pairing.
Sour cream’s tangy touch: Enjoying pierogi with a spoonful of sour cream is traditional. Its creamy consistency and tangy undertone enrich the pierogi experience.
Caramelized onions: The sweetness of caramelized onions perfectly complements savory pierogi. Pair with tangy sour cream or smoky sausages for a palate-pleasing answer to the question: what to serve with kielbasa and pierogi?
Mustard and horseradish: Potato pierogi are taken to the next level with a zesty mustard and horseradish sauce, creating a tantalizing experience with every bite.
Eating is not just about quelling hunger; it’s an experience. Savor each bite with these pierogi pairings!
Sweet Accomplices for Pierogi
Craving dessert-style dumplings? Here’s what to eat with perogies when serving them sweet:
- Fruit Compote
- Cinnamon Sprinkles
- Fruity Drizzles
- Apple Puree
- Ice Cream or Whipped Cream Toppings
- Luscious Syrups
- Chocolate Drizzle
Indulge in these sweet treats:
Fruit compote for the taste buds
Pairing pierogi with a vibrant fruit compote, such as apple, cherry, or blueberry, creates a delightful contrast of flavors. This fusion transforms your traditional pierogi into a refreshingly tangy dessert.
Excellent taste with apple sauce
Bring a refreshing twist to your warm pierogi with a dollop of cool apple sauce. The sweet, slightly tart, and smooth sauce is like a breath of fresh air for your taste buds. It's a deliciously different way to enjoy your dumplings, and it's sure to keep you coming back for more!
The gentle sweetness of cinnamon sugar
Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on fruit-filled pierogi is a comforting treat—perfect for anyone wondering what goes with perogies to make them extra cozy and sweet.
The beautiful color of the fruit sauce
Drizzling a homemade fruit sauce over your pierogi adds a vibrant, fresh layer. The tangy and sweet sauce takes the overall dessert experience and balances out the sourness if you add a fruit topping.
Greasy whipped cream and ice cream
For a more indulgent dessert, serve your pierogi with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy and cool contrast to the warm pierogi creates a deliciously balanced dessert.
Dense sweetness with sweet syrups
Whether you prefer the rich flavor of maple, the sweet comfort of honey, or the decadent delight of caramel, a syrup drizzle can take your dessert pierogi to a new level of sweetness.
The nutty taste of chocolate sauce makes the dish unique
Experience pure indulgence with these irresistible chocolate pierogi pairings that promise a one-of-a-kind dessert experience.
Beverages to Pair with Pierogi
Wondering what goes with perogies beyond food? Don’t forget the Ukrainian drinks!
Alcoholic options:
- Beer: Pilsners or Lagers are the ideal light beers to pair with pierogi while porters, being darker, can add a touch of richness to the dish.
- Wine: Light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or reds like Pinot Noir, suit pierogi without overshadowing them.
- Vodka: Savoring a chilled vodka brings a genuine Eastern European flavor that refreshes the taste buds with every sip.
Non-alcoholic options:
Fruit Smoothies: These offer a burst of flavor, with options ranging from berry to banana. Sparkling Water: Its crispness cleanses the palate between pierogi bites.
- Herbal tea: Choose soothing flavors like chamomile or mint for a gentle pierogi pairing.
- Kombucha: This tangy drink, rich in probiotics, complements the pierogi meal.
- Soft drinks and iced tea: These classics provide a sweet counterbalance to savory pierogi.
Selecting the ideal beverage can turn your pierogi meal into an unforgettable feast. Here's to a splendid pierogi celebration!
Ingredients
For the Pierogi Dough
- 1 egg yolk (large)
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
For The Topping and Filling
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 5 cups of finely diced onions
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes (leftover mash works great)
- 4 ounces of farmer’s cheese
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
For Assembly
- 2 egg whites (large)
- All-purpose flour, as needed
- Sour cream, to serve
Instruction
- Prepare your favorite pierogi recipe, either from Veselka cookbook or by following our detailed how to make pierogi guide.
- Select the perfect side dish from the options listed above, depending on whether your pierogi are filled with meat or vegetables. Great pairings include smoked sausage, crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions and mushrooms, fresh veggie salads, tangy sour cream, mustard-horseradish sauce, sweet fruit compote, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Plate everything together and enjoy your pierogi feast with a variety of flavorful sides!
How To Store Pierogi In the Right Way?
- Storage Tips: Keep pierogi fresh by refrigerating them for up to 5 days, or extend their shelf life by freezing for up to 3 months.
- Boiling Method: Before cooking, allow frozen pierogi to thaw completely. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they rise to the top, then cook for an extra 90 seconds to ensure they’re fully done.
- Prefer a Crispy Finish? Add 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a skillet and heat over medium. Pan-fry the pierogi on both sides for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Using an Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325–375°F. Lightly coat the tray or basket with oil, then air-fry the pierogi for 6–10 minutes or until crisp and golden. Keep in mind that air fryer performance can vary, so adjustments may be necessary.
→ For more detailed instructions on storing pierogi, refer to our article How To Store Pierogi The Right Way?
FAQs
For further insights on pierogi, accompaniments, and what to serve with pierogi, we've got you covered!
Vegetarian or vegan pierogi alternatives?
Vegetarians can enjoy fillings like cheese, potatoes, or spinach. For vegans, choose egg-free dough and fillings like potatoes, onions, or mushrooms. Top it off with vegan sour cream or tangy tomato sauce for perfection.
Can pierogi be served as a dessert?
Absolutely! Opting for fillings like berries or apples and top with powdered sugar, syrup, or ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Best sauces for pierogi?
For savory pierogi, sour cream, gravy, mustard, and salsa are perfect. Syrups, fruit compotes, chocolate, and caramel sauces are ideal for sweet versions.
Time to Dine!
The beauty of what to serve with pierogi lies in its adaptability ! Pierogi are incredibly versatile, catering to various dietary needs, and can be enjoyed as both a main course and dessert with a wide array of fillings and sauces. From traditional to sweet and spicy options, pierogi can be paired with Veselka side dishes for a delightful and memorable dining experience. Bon appétit!
