I Made PERFECT Homemade Pierogi from Scratch – Better Than Store Bought?! 🥟

I Made PERFECT Homemade Pierogi from Scratch – Better Than Store Bought?! 🥟 is a medium Polish recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Brooke Ervin on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 25 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $8.56 total, $2.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (for dough, sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (divided between dough and filling)
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted; used in dough and filling)
  • 2 large Eggs (scrambled into dough; one optional egg in filling)
  • 0.25 cup Water (add more as needed to achieve smooth dough)
  • 7 medium Potatoes (peeled, diced, boiled for filling)
  • 4 slices Bacon (smoked, cooked and chopped)
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese (adds creaminess to filling)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; pizza mozzarella works well)
  • 3 stalks Green Onions (chopped; adds fresh bite)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl combine 4 cups flour and 1 tsp salt. Add 0.5 cup sour cream, 0.5 cup melted butter, 2 scrambled eggs, and 0.25 cup water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface, adding water a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Rest the Dough

    Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set aside while you prepare the filling.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Boil the Potatoes

    Dice the 7 medium potatoes into uniform 1‑inch cubes, place them in a pot of cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until fork‑tender, about 15‑20 minutes. Drain well.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 212°F

  4. Prepare the Filling

    Return the drained potatoes to a bowl and mash. Stir in 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 optional egg, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, chopped bacon, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until creamy.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Roll Out the Dough

    Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. On a clean countertop (marble works well) roll each portion into a thin sheet about 1/8‑inch thick. No need to flour heavily if the surface is cool.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Cut Dough Circles

    Using a round cutter (about 3‑inch diameter) or a cup rim, cut circles from the rolled dough. Gather scraps, re‑roll, and cut more until all dough is used.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Fill and Seal Perogies

    Place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the circle in half to form a half‑moon and press the edges together. Seal by crimping with a fork or brushing edges with a little beaten egg before pinching.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Cook the Perogies

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add perogies in batches; they are done when they float to the surface, about 3‑5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 212°F

  9. Freeze for Later Use (Optional)

    Arrange uncooked perogies on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, about 30 minutes. Transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding an extra minute to boiling time.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs, Contains pork

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Pork

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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I Made PERFECT Homemade Pierogi from Scratch – Better Than Store Bought?! 🥟

Recipe by Brooke Ervin

A step‑by‑step guide to making soft, tender perogies from scratch using a quick‑mix dough and a creamy potato‑bacon‑cottage cheese filling. The recipe follows Brooke Ervin’s improvised video method, includes tips for rolling, sealing, cooking, and freezing the dumplings for later use.

MediumPolishServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 5m
Prep
30m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.56
Total cost
$2.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a smooth, non‑sticky dough consistency
  • Sealing the edges securely to prevent filling leakage
  • Cooking until the perogies float, indicating they are done

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water with care to avoid burns
  • Cook bacon thoroughly before adding to filling
  • Wash hands after handling raw eggs
  • Use a sharp knife when cutting dough circles

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of perogies (pierogi) in Polish cuisine?

A

Perogies, known as pierogi in Poland, are traditional dumplings that date back to medieval Slavic times. They were originally a peasant food, filled with whatever was on hand, and later became a national comfort dish served at holidays and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of perogies in Polish cuisine?

A

Polish regions vary the fillings: Silesia favors sauerkraut and mushroom, the east prefers potato‑onion or sweet cheese, and the south includes meat or fruit. The dough may also be made with rye flour in some mountain areas.

cultural
Q

How are perogies traditionally served in Poland?

A

They are typically boiled, then optionally pan‑fried in butter until lightly crisp. They are served hot with a dollop of sour cream, fried onions, or melted butter, and sometimes accompanied by a side of stewed cabbage.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations are perogies commonly prepared in Polish culture?

A

Perogies are a staple at Christmas Eve (Wigilia), Easter, and family birthdays. They are also served at harvest festivals (Dożynki) and as a comforting dish during winter evenings.

cultural
Q

What makes this perogies recipe special compared to other Polish pierogi recipes?

A

Brooke Ervin’s version uses a quick‑mix dough enriched with sour cream and butter, giving a tender crumb, and a creamy potato‑bacon‑cottage cheese filling that mimics a potato salad, offering a richer flavor than classic plain potato‑onion fillings.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making perogies at home?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough (making it tough), under‑sealing the edges (causing leaks), over‑filling each dumpling, and boiling them for too long, which can make the dough mushy.

technical
Q

Why does this perogies recipe use sour cream in the dough instead of just water?

A

Sour cream adds fat and acidity, which tenderizes the gluten and creates a richer, slightly tangy crumb that mimics store‑bought pierogi dough without needing a long resting period.

technical
Q

Can I make these perogies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Freeze uncooked perogies on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the boiling time. Cooked perogies keep refrigerated for 3‑4 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the perogies are done cooking?

A

Fully cooked perogies will float to the surface of the boiling water and the dough will be tender yet slightly firm to the bite. If pan‑fried, the edges should be golden‑brown and crisp.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Brooke Ervin focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food with a strong emphasis on improvisation, local grocery finds, and practical cooking hacks for everyday meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin's approach to Polish cooking differ from other Polish cooking channels?

A

Brooke Ervin often experiments with ingredient swaps and on‑the‑fly techniques, like using sour cream in the dough, whereas many traditional Polish channels stick to classic recipes and precise measurements.

channel

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