Close-up of pierogies being cooked on a skillet.
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Pierogies are small pockets of dough filled vegetables, cheese or fruit. There are a number of healthy ways to cook pierogies -- it depends on the texture you prefer. Frozen pierogies do not need thawing prior to cooking. Sour cream is a popular topping for pierogies, but to keep this dish low in fat and calories, top them with non-fat cottage cheese, yogurt or applesauce.
Soft and Tender
Boiling pierogies gives them a soft and tender texture without adding any extra calories, as does heating pierogies in the microwave. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, then place about 12 pierogies in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Once they float, they're done. Cook pierogies in the microwave by covering them with water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a plastic cling wrap and microwave on high for about five minutes. Drain and serve immediately after either cooking method.
Brown and Crisp
Sautéing and grilling pierogies results in a crisp, browned outer shell. These cooking methods are also healthy as long as you use non-stick cooking spray instead of oil or butter. Sautee pierogies by first coating the pan with the cooking spray, and then heat the pan over a medium heat. Place the pierogies in the heated pan. Cook and turn until they brown on both sides; this usually takes about eight minutes. Cook pierogies on a countertop grill by lightly spraying both sides of the pierogies with non-stick spray then placing on the preheated grill for about five minutes.
Crisp and Puffy
Baking pierogies makes them crisp on the outside and puffy on the inside. Bake pierogies by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and placing pierogies on a baking sheet. Spray the sheet and both sides of the pierogies with a thin coat of non-stick cooking spray. Bake for at least 18 minutes or until they are browned and puffy, turning halfway through the baking time.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information of pierogies varies depending on the size of the pierogi, the filling it contains and the exact ingredients in the dough. A single 114 gram serving of potato and cheddar cheese pierogies, which consists of three pierogies, contains 170 calories, with 25 of those calories from fat. The total fat content is 2.5 gram, with 1 gram of saturated fat. Each serving contains 5 gram of protein, 33 gram of carbohydrates, 510 milligrams of sodium and 5 milligrams of cholesterol.
FAQs
Boiling pierogies gives them a soft and tender texture without adding any extra calories, as does heating pierogies in the microwave. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, then place about 12 pierogies in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Once they float, they're done.
What is the best way to cook perogies? ›
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add pierogies. Cook 4-5 minutes or until they float the top, drain. In a large NON-STICK fry pan, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add onion and drained pierogies and season to taste with salt and pepper or House Seasoning.
Is it better to boil or pan fry pierogies? ›
However, it's not a must—you can also cook frozen pierogies right in the skillet without boiling them—and they will turn out delicious. But, if you're a stickler for tradition, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, drop the pierogies in and wait for them to float.
Is it better to cook perogies in butter or oil? ›
How To Sauté / Pan-fry Pierogi: Lightly grease the frying pan with neutral oil or ideally – butter. If you plan to top pierogi with some chopped onion, bacon or kiełbasa pieces, now it's a good moment to add them to the pan and fry them for a few minutes.
Is it better to cook perogies frozen or thawed? ›
Using freshly frozen homemade pierogies is perfect too. Or you can even let frozen ones thaw just a little bit. You want to make sure they are fully tossed or brushed with olive oil, covered in some salt, pepper and garlic.
Are perogies better baked or boiled? ›
Boiling pierogies gives them a soft and tender texture without adding any extra calories, as does heating pierogies in the microwave. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, then place about 12 pierogies in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Once they float, they're done.
Do you fry or bake perogies? ›
Place frozen perogies into frying pan and fry for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Then, turn perogies over and brown on other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove and serve with your choice of favourite toppings like sour cream, onions or bacon bits.
Do you put perogies in before or after water boils? ›
Place a spoonful of potato or sauerkraut filling in the center of each circle and fold over, pinching edges together to seal. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; drop perogies in boiling water and cook until they float, 4 to 5 minutes.
How do you crisp pierogies in a pan? ›
Prepare the Pierogi: In a frying pan, simply add a bit of butter or oil before arranging the pierogi in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Pan Fry the Pierogi: In the pan, fry the pierogi for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a golden brown and get crispy.
What do you eat with perogies? ›
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.
The secret to delicious homemade pierogies, baked or fried, is in the dough. For the softest, lightest dough (whatever combination of flour, water, eggs, salt or butter the recipe calls for), remember to knead gently. Perogies that are 'over-handled' will tend to be heavy and chewy.
Why do my perogies always stick to the pan? ›
It is recommended to use a non-stick or cast iron skillet when cooking pierogies in a pan. These pans distribute heat evenly, preventing the pierogies from sticking to the surface and ensuring they cook uniformly. A pan with a larger surface area will allow you to cook more pierogies at once.
How to cook perogies on the stove? ›
Sauté Preheat frying pan with butter or oil over medium heat. Cook frozen pierogies 7-9 minutes per side until they are Golden Brown.
Can you overcook perogies? ›
Be careful not over-cook or they will come apart. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a dish towel to remove excess water. Serve with butter, sour cream, whipped cream, white sugar, brown sugar, or fresh fruits.
Can you cook pierogies in an air fryer? ›
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate. Using an oil with a high smoke point (such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil), generously baste each pierogi on both sides. Place pierogies in a single layer in the air-fryer basket and set the cooking time for 10-11 minutes.
What is the best way to heat up pierogies? ›
Introduce the Pierogi: Using a slotted spoon or skimmer, gently lower three or four pierogi into the boiling water. This ensures they heat evenly without crowding the pot. Time the Boil: Allow the pierogi to swim in the boiling water until they float to the surface and then boil for an additional 90 seconds.
Do you boil perogies in salted water? ›
The pierogies need to be boiled in salted water. Make sure you use a big pot with lots of water so those dumplings can move around. Add them to the pot when the water is at a rolling boil and stir them once – just to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom.
What is the traditional way to serve pierogies? ›
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.
