Shortcut Pierogies Recipe: Easy Polish Dumplings Anytime

Pierogies, those pillowy dumplings filled with savory or sweet goodness, are beloved by food enthusiasts worldwide. Traditionally hailing from Poland, making pierogies from scratch can be a lengthy process—from kneading dough to preparing fillings and shaping each dumpling. But for busy families and cooking beginners, it’s not always practical to dedicate hours to the kitchen for these comforting treats.

That's where shortcut pierogies come in! This recipe offers quick and easy pierogies with all the flavors you love but none of the hassle. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy meal with friends, these shortcut pierogies are sure to become a favorite at your table.

Curious? Let's get started!

What Are Shortcut Pierogies?

Shortcut pierogies are a modern twist on the traditional pierogi recipe. Instead of making the dough from scratch, we use pre-made ingredients like wonton wrappers or refrigerated crescent dough to save time. These convenient substitutions allow you to skip the labor-intensive dough prep without compromising on flavor or texture.

Combined with classic fillings like creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar or sauerkraut, shortcut pierogies deliver all the comforts of traditional pierogies in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients You'll Need

For this recipe, you'll need simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.

For the Shortcut Dough

• Wonton Wrappers (available in most supermarkets, usually in the produce or freezer section) or Refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheets (found in the bakery aisle).

For the Classic Pierogi Filling

• 2 cups of mashed potatoes (can be made fresh or from leftovers)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Optional toppings: chopped parsley, bacon bits, or caramelized onion

Pro Tip for Variations

While mashed potatoes and cheddar are the classic filling, you can customize your shortcut pierogies with other options like sauerkraut, ricotta and spinach, or even sweet fillings like blueberry or plum preserves.

How to Make Shortcut Pierogies

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let's get into the process of making these quick and satisfying pierogies.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Combine the mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl.
2. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture for flavor.
3. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Set the filling aside.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dough

If you’re using wonton wrappers:

• Lay the wonton wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to help seal the edges.

If you’re using refrigerated crescent dough sheets:

• Roll out the dough onto parchment paper and cut it into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass.

Step 3: Assemble the Pierogies

1. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper or dough circle.
2. Fold the dough in half over the filling to create a crescent shape.
3. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp and create decorative edges (this also ensures the filling stays inside during cooking).
4. Repeat until all your dough or filling is used up.

Step 4: Cook the Pierogies

You’ve got two cooking options here, depending on your preference:

Option 1: Pan-Frying

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the assembled pierogies in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Option 2: Boiling

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Drop the pierogies in, a few at a time, and cook for about 2–3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Heat the remaining butter in the skillet. Add the sliced onions and sauté until caramelized and golden brown.
2. Toss the cooked pierogies in the skillet with the onions for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange your shortcut pierogies on a serving plate, top with caramelized onions, and serve with sour cream on the side. Sprinkle with parsley or bacon bits for an extra touch, and dig in!

Why Shortcut Pierogies Are Perfect for Busy Families

Need more reasons to love this recipe? Here’s why shortcut pierogies are a go-to for busy homes and weeknight meals.

• Time-Saving: Using pre-made dough slashes prep time significantly while still delivering authentic taste.
• Customizable: You can adapt the fillings to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand, making it a flexible meal option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy potato filling, and assembling these pierogies can be a fun family activity!
• Convenient: Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily available, meaning you can whip up a batch of pierogies anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze shortcut pierogies?

Absolutely! Assemble the pierogies and lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and can be cooked straight from frozen.

What dipping sauces go well with pierogies?

Sour cream is a classic choice, but they also pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or even a dollop of applesauce for sweet pierogies.

Are shortcut pierogies healthier than traditional recipes?

Shortcut pierogies often use thinner pre-made dough, such as wonton wrappers, which can reduce heaviness compared to traditional dough. You can also adjust the filling to include healthier ingredients like mashed cauliflower or reduced-fat cheese.

Taste the Comfort, the Shortcut Way

There you have it! With this simple recipe, you can enjoy delicious pierogies without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick meal, family gatherings, or even a creative dinner party, these shortcut pierogies bring the ultimate combination of tradition and convenience.

Feeling inspired? Give this recipe a try and share your creations with us on social media using #ShortcutPierogies. Want more cooking tips and recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration.

Happy cooking!