What to Serve with Perogies

Perogies or pierogis are filled dumplings. A staple food from Eastern and Central Europe, some people believe it came from either Russia or Poland. Dumpling is very popular in Poland so this could very well be true. It was once believed that the food was good only for the Polish peasants, so the noble class used to avoid it. But others are convinced that the food has its origins in ancient China. It was Marco Polo who brought it to Italy first from China, and then it spread to other areas. Then there are those who believe that the perogies originally came from Turkey.

Of course, perogies have now become popular worldwide. It was brought to Canada and the US by immigrants from Europe. In the US, they are considered as a side dish, but in Europe, they are sometimes the main food, mostly a snack.

How Are Perogies Made?

A classic comfort food, they are made either with pastry dough or flour. Traditionally, they have been filled with potatoes and cheese. But there are plenty of variations where the stuffing includes fried onions, mashed potatoes, vegetables, bacon, pork, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, fish, chicken, and even goose, duck, and lamb.

There are also variations with sweet stuffings like apricots, apples, and berries. They are then typically served as desserts.

Perogies are truly versatile and offer many tastes and textures. They can be frozen. They can be easily made at home.

Top Side Dishes to Serve with Perogies

Here are some great side dishes you can have with these dumplings.

1. Mushrooms with Sour Cream and Onions

This is a classic. Onions and sour cream will go very well, but add mushrooms, and you will have a fantastic earthy flavor. Sautee the onions in butter. Mix the sour cream with the mushrooms and onions. You can also add some spices if you want. It is so good that it can be a dish on its own. So have it on the side with your perogies or as a dish.

2. Bacon and Onions

This is a traditional food from Poland. Potato perogies and cheese are topped with smoky and crisp bacon. Sweet caramelized onions are added to it. You will find a very good balance of savory and sweet tastes in the topping. It goes very well with the dumplings. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, basil, and rosemary. That will give you an earthy flavor.

3. Parsnip, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts

Three vegetables will together taste very good. Brussels sprouts will give you a nutty flavor, parsnips will bring the earthy touch, and the addition of sweet carrots will give the right combination of colors and flavors. Add some maple syrup on top if you want the side to be more sweet. Crisp up everything in your oven and you are ready.

4. Greek Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad will also go very well with fried, crispy perogies. The taste of cucumber always pairs well with perogies and you will also get classic Greek flavors in this one. This recipe includes yogurt, dill, lemon juice, and English cucumbers, which holds up the salad dressing better. Add olive oil, red onion, oregano, ad vinegar, and you will have a Mediterranean flavor. Finish your salad with the lemon juice.

5. Polish Coddle

Coddle is a typical stew from Ireland or Dublin. It is made with sausage and thick-cut bacon. To have on the side with perogies, you can customize the stew and have a Polish touch in it. Just replace the sausage and bacon with kielbasa, which is a seasoned Polish sausage containing garlic. The Polish coddle should also have potatoes and cabbage. Make your perogies float on the stew. Meatiness of the kielbasa and the smoothness of your perogies will go well. The cabbage will add greenery. Finish it by adding a few caraway seeds.

6. Cabbage and Bacon

Like bacon and onions, the bacon and cabbage combination too is an excellent side dish for the dumplings. The cabbage will add a touch of greenery to your pergoies. Also, bacon will give the cabbage a salty and smoky flavor, making it a delicious salad. Fry your chunks of bacon and sauté the cabbage in the juice. You can also add a little bit of butter if you want. Season it with paprika and garlic powder.

7. Cranberry Relish

Here, you will find the awesome blend of tangy and sweet. You can serve it with the perogies – it will go very well. The flavor will complement each other. The cranberries will also add a nice color.

8. Slow Roasted Tomatoes

This simple dish will also complement your dumplings perfectly. By roasting the tomatoes, you will only improve the flavor. It won’t be overpowering as well. Just slice your tomatoes into two pieces and keep them on your baking tray. The skin-side should be down. Add a garlic on your tomatoes and some vinegar and olive oil on top. You can also sprinkle some pepper, salt, and sugar before roasting. The tomatoes will look juicy and sweet on the outside.

9. Walnut and Eggplant Wraps

Serve this dish with your perogies. It is from the country of Georgia in Eastern Europe. This will be perfect for vegans and it is also fun to eat. The walnut will give it a meaty quality, while the eggplant will add flavor. Include spices like fenugreek, coriander, white pepper, and saffron and you will be ready.

10. Pork Chop with Apple Chutney

Apple sauce is actually a normal side dish with peeogies. This too will be a classic. But you are adding a twist by creating an apple chutney. The chutney will add a unique tangy and sweet flavor, but it’s still a good combination. Use spiced chops of pork instead of plain pork chops.

Conclusion

Perogies or dumplings are very good comfort foods. They come stuffed with various things, but it’s still best to serve them with a side. Try these 10 suggestions. They all go very well with perogies. You are sure to love them.

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