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How to Make Chef John's Potato and Cheese Pierogi - A Step-by-Step Guide

There are few comfort foods that can rival the humble pierogi. These delicious dumplings are a staple in Eastern European cuisine and are loved by people all over the world. Chef John's Potato and Cheese Pierogi are a classic dish that never fails to bring joy and warmth to the table. With a simple yet flavorful filling of mashed potatoes and cheese, these pierogi are the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and downright delicious.

What makes Chef John's recipe stand out is the att...

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Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup warm water (120 to 130 degrees F/50 degrees C)
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (120 to 130 degrees F/50 degrees C)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 16 ounces farmer's cheese
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, or more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream, or to taste (Optional)
  • 2 teaspoons snipped fresh chives, or to taste (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 1 hr
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 7
  • Yield: 42 pierogi

  • Prepare dough: Mix 3 ½ cups flour and salt together in a large bowl, then make a well in the center. Pour vegetable oil and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water into the well. Stir to form a shaggy dough that just pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Use a little flour to clean the dough off the spoon.
  • Transfer dough to a work surface; press and knead for a few minutes until you have a smooth, soft dough. You can add a little more flour if it's too sticky but don't add too much. Form dough into a ball and wrap in plastic. Leave on the counter for 1 hour or pop it into the refrigerator for 3 hours to overnight.
  • Prepare buttered onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let mixture cool a bit, then transfer to a bowl and reserve until needed.
  • Prepare filling: Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth. Let cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Place farmer's cheese in a bowl and break it up with a spoon. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne, then add 2 to 3 heaping spoons of the buttered onions. Be sure to drain off most of the butter so you're adding mostly onions. Mix just until ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Add cooled mashed potatoes and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside while you roll the dough.
  • Roll ¼ of the dough at a time on a floured surface until very thin, at least 1/8-inch thick or thinner if possible. Cut 3 ½-inch circles out of the dough, saving all scraps for re-rolling.
  • Add about 2 tablespoons filling to the center of each circle. Moisten your fingertips with water and wet the edges, then fold the dough over the filling and seal the two edges together in the center. Flatten the filling very lightly under the dough as you press and seal the edge of each pierogi with your fingers, working from the center to the ends. Try not to trap air in the pierogi as you seal. The edge can be left as is, or you can pinch the dough every inch or so to make pleats for a more decorative appearance.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pierogi in batches and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes (they may or may not float to the top.)
  • While the pierogi are boiling, melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • Transfer pierogi from the boiling water directly into the melted butter. Cook until light golden brown, about 2 minutes per side or longer if more browning is desired.
  • Continue boiling and browning pierogi in batches as needed.
  • Transfer to a plate and spoon buttered onions over top. Garnish with sour cream and chives.

    • Nutrition

    739 cal.

    • Total Fat: 42g
    • Saturated Fat: 24g
    • Cholesterol: 96mg
    • Sodium: 1267mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 68g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 23g
    • Potassium: 545mg

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