Perogies or pierogis are filled dumplings. A staple food from Eastern and Central Europe, some people believe it came from either Russia or Poland. Dumplings are very popular in Poland so this could very well be true. The origin appears to be diverse but what to eat with perogies remains consistent.
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.
21 Side Dishes to Serve with Perogies
Here are some great perogies 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. It’s one I recommend and certainly is what goes with perogies perfectly. 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.
11. Kielbasa
As a traditional Polish sausage, Kielbasa makes a delightful pairing with perogies. Its robust flavor and smoky undertones provide the perfect counterbalance to the mild and creamy perogies. Whether grilled or pan-fried, Kielbasa enhances the hearty and comforting feel of a perogie meal.
12. Braised Red Cabbage
The tangy flavor and delicate texture of braised red cabbage offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of perogies. The cabbage’s natural sweetness, accentuated by the braising process, adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory perogies. The vibrant color also adds a visual appeal to the meal.
13. Sautéed Mushrooms
The earthy umami flavors of sautéed mushrooms pair wonderfully with perogies. The mushrooms’ meaty texture and deep flavor profile help highlight the perogies’ filling. A simple sauté with garlic, butter, and herbs can transform this side dish into a memorable part of your meal.
14. Cucumber Salad
Offering a crisp and light contrast, a cucumber salad is a great side dish to serve with perogies. The freshness of cucumber, combined with a light vinaigrette dressing, helps cut through the richness of the perogies. This salad can also be enhanced with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
15. Pickled Beets
The sweet and sour profile of pickled beets complements the savory perogies beautifully. The beets’ vibrant color and distinct flavor add a unique touch to the meal. Served chilled, they provide a refreshing contrast to the warm perogies.
16. Green Beans
Whether sautéed with garlic and almonds or simply steamed, green beans add a delightful crunch and color to the dish. Their natural brightness and slight bitterness create a balance with the creamy, savory perogies.
17. Sour Cream and Chives
This classic topping can double as a side for dipping. The cool, creamy sour cream and the mild, onion-like flavor of chives enhance the perogies’ taste. This simple side dish adds a comforting and familiar touch to the meal.
18. Grilled Onions
Grilled until they’re sweet and caramelized, onions can enhance the flavors of your perogies. Their natural sweetness and smoky notes from grilling introduce a new flavor dimension, making the perogies even more enjoyable.
19. Fried Bacon Bits
Adding a savory, smoky crunch, fried bacon bits are an indulgent side that pairs well with soft, creamy perogies. Their rich, salty flavor complements the mild perogies, creating a harmonious combination that’s hard to resist.
20. Apple Sauce
Serving perogies with apple sauce might sound unusual, but the sweet and tangy flavors provide a delightful contrast with the savory perogies. The smooth texture of apple sauce also complements the perogies’ chewiness.
21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Brussels sprouts can add a wonderful texture contrast to your perogie meal. Their natural bitterness also provides a balance to the rich perogies, making every bite well-rounded in flavor.
Conclusion
Deciding what to serve with perogies doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a plethora of options ranging from the traditional Kielbasa and sour cream, to the more creative pairings like apple sauce or cucumber salad, there’s a side dish for every taste and preference.
Whether you prefer a hearty, meaty complement, a refreshing salad, or a contrasting sweet element, the versatility of perogies allows for a multitude of combinations. Remember, the best side dishes not only complement but also enhance the main star – the perogie. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and flavors to create your perfect perogie meal. Enjoy the process and most importantly, enjoy your delicious perogies!
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.
