These homemade Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Bacon are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family meals. The pillowy potato-filled dumplings are drizzled with a rich, buttery sauce and topped with crispy caramelized onions, bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of creamy potatoes, tangy cheese, and smoky bacon makes these pierogies absolutely irresistible.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

• 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• 1 large egg

Filling:

• 4 Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 ounces cream cheese

• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For the Butter Sauce:

• 4 slices bacon

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• Fresh thyme (optional)

• Extra cheddar cheese for topping

Directions

1. Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, melted butter, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and egg. Mix until well combined. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling: Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20-30 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash over low heat. Stir in the butter, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Pierogies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut 3-inch circles using a biscuit cutter. Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each circle, brush the edges with water, fold over, and press to seal.

4. Freeze or Cook: For freezing, flash-freeze the pierogies on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook, boil the pierogies in salted water for 2-3 minutes or until they float. Drain.

5. Make the Butter Sauce: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, then add apple cider vinegar and cook for another 5-8 minutes until the onions are caramelized. Add the bacon and thyme.

6. Combine: Add the pierogies to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve with extra cheddar cheese and a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream).

Nutrients (per serving, 8 servings total)

• Calories: 604 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~62g

• Protein: ~14g

• Fat: ~34g

• Saturated Fat: ~14g

• Fiber: ~5g

The Origins of Pierogies

Pierogies have long been a beloved dish in many Eastern European countries, including Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. Their versatility and heartiness have made them a staple in family kitchens for centuries. Traditionally, pierogies are filled with a variety of ingredients, from sweet fillings like fruit to savory combinations of cheese, potatoes, and meats. The process of making pierogies is a labor of love, often passed down through generations, with each family adding its own unique twist to the classic recipe.

While the traditional pierogi filling consists mainly of mashed potatoes, cheese, and onions, the Homemade Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Bacon recipe adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. The sharp cheddar cheese blends beautifully with the smooth, creamy potatoes, while the bacon and caramelized onions provide a smoky, sweet contrast that makes each bite unforgettable.

A Rich and Creamy Filling

The filling of these pierogies is nothing short of indulgent. Russet potatoes, which are known for their fluffy and starchy texture, are boiled until soft, then mashed with a generous amount of butter, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. This combination results in a filling that’s rich, smooth, and utterly satisfying. The cheddar cheese provides a sharp, tangy bite that complements the mildness of the potatoes, while the cream cheese adds a velvety texture that makes each dumpling melt in your mouth.

The filling’s simplicity is part of its charm. It’s easy to make, but the flavors come together beautifully, creating a contrast to the buttery dough and the savory toppings. The addition of cream cheese also helps keep the filling moist and creamy, making it a perfect match for the crispy pierogi dough.

The Pierogi Dough: A Buttery Masterpiece

Making the dough for pierogies may seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly simple. The dough for these cheddar pierogies consists of just a few ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, melted butter, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and an egg. The result is a soft, pillowy dough that’s easy to work with and holds the filling perfectly.

Greek yogurt adds a subtle tanginess to the dough, which helps balance out the richness of the filling and butter. Some people opt for sour cream instead, but Greek yogurt works particularly well because of its thick, creamy texture. Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, it’s left to rest, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to become more pliable for rolling out.

Once rolled out to the desired thickness, the dough is cut into small circles, ready to be filled. The process of sealing the dough around the filling requires a bit of care to ensure that the dumplings don’t open while cooking, but it’s easy to master with practice. A simple brush of water around the edges helps to seal the dough tightly, keeping the creamy filling inside.

Caramelized Onions and Bacon: The Ultimate Topping

What truly sets these cheddar pierogies apart is the deliciously caramelized onions and crispy bacon that top the dish. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a deep, rich flavor that perfectly balances the savory pierogi filling.

To make the caramelized onions, simply slice the onions and cook them in butter until they become golden and soft. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy note that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the onions. This step elevates the flavor profile of the dish, giving it a slightly acidic kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Bacon is, of course, the ultimate flavor enhancer. Its smoky, salty crunch adds texture and depth to the dish. When the bacon is cooked to a crisp and crumbled into pieces, it’s sprinkled over the pierogies, ensuring that each bite is packed with a satisfying crunch.

A Flavor Combination That Delights the Senses

The combination of creamy cheddar-filled pierogies, smoky bacon, and sweet caramelized onions makes this dish a true flavor explosion. Each bite delivers layers of texture and taste, from the soft, pillowy dumplings to the crispiness of the bacon and the silky smoothness of the filling. The richness of the cheese is perfectly balanced by the tangy onions, while the bacon provides a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the onions.

This dish is a celebration of contrasting flavors—rich and creamy, smoky and sweet—that come together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of meal that comforts you with each bite, providing that satisfying feeling of indulgence without being overly heavy.

Versatility and Variations

While this recipe for Homemade Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Bacon is a classic, it also lends itself well to adaptations. For those who prefer a different type of cheese, you can easily substitute the sharp cheddar for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère. You can also experiment with different fillings—adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even ground sausage for a new twist.

For a lighter version, you can skip the bacon and use caramelized onions as the star topping. Or, for a more decadent experience, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless, and this recipe is a great base for exploring your own flavor combinations.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Homemade Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Bacon are the ultimate comfort food. The soft, buttery dough paired with a creamy, flavorful filling creates a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. The caramelized onions and crispy bacon elevate the flavor, turning these pierogies into a truly indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting family dinner, these pierogies are guaranteed to hit the spot.

This dish brings the best of both worlds: the heartwarming appeal of homemade pierogies and the irresistible combination of cheddar, bacon, and caramelized onions. It’s comfort food at its finest, made even better by the love and care put into each dumpling. If you’re looking for a dish that will warm you up from the inside out, look no further—these pierogies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.