Perogies, those delightful Polish dumplings, are incredibly versatile and comforting. Whether filled with classic potato and cheese, savory sauerkraut, or earthy mushrooms, they offer a wonderful base for countless culinary adventures. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Perogies to create a complete and satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore over 30 fantastic accompaniments, from traditional toppings to hearty soups and refreshing salads, ensuring your perogi feast is a resounding success.
Classic Perogi Toppings: Elevating the Basics
Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the most satisfying. These classic toppings enhance the inherent flavors of perogies without overpowering them.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet and Savory Perfection
Caramelized onions are a quintessential perogi topping for a reason. Their deep sweetness and rich umami notes create a beautiful contrast with the savory dumplings. The slow cooking process transforms the humble onion into a melt-in-your-mouth delight that adds both flavor and textural depth. The gentle sweetness of caramelized onions complements the often-savory fillings of perogies, creating a balanced and delicious bite.
Sour Cream: The Traditional Creamy Partner
Sour cream is arguably the most traditional and beloved perogi accompaniment. Its tangy creaminess cuts through the richness of the dumplings, providing a refreshing counterpoint. The cool, smooth texture of sour cream also contrasts nicely with the soft, slightly chewy perogies. Whether you opt for classic dairy sour cream or a plant-based alternative like cashew sour cream, this topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The slight tanginess enhances the flavor profile without masking the taste of the perogies themselves.
Fresh Herbs: Brightness and Aroma
Chopped fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness and aromatic complexity to perogies. Dill is particularly classic, offering a slightly citrusy and grassy note that complements the dumplings beautifully. Parsley, chives, basil, and tarragon are also excellent choices, each adding their unique flavor dimension. Avoid woody herbs like rosemary or sage, as their strong flavors can easily overpower the delicate perogies. Fresh herbs not only enhance the taste but also add visual appeal to your perogi dish.
Unexpectedly Delicious Dips and Spreads for Perogies
Think beyond the usual and explore these flavorful dips and spreads that offer exciting taste combinations with perogies.
Beet Hummus: A Colorful and Earthy Twist
Beet hummus might seem unconventional, but its earthy sweetness and vibrant color make it a surprisingly delightful perogi pairing. Beets are a common ingredient in Polish cuisine, often featured in dishes like Buraczki (beet salad), making this combination a subtle nod to Polish flavors. The creamy texture of hummus and the earthy notes of beets create a unique and memorable taste experience alongside perogies.
Hearty Soups to Serve with Perogies: Comforting Combinations
For a truly satisfying and warming meal, pair your perogies with a comforting soup. These options offer a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Vegan Corn Chowder with Potatoes: Creamy and Smoky
Vegan corn chowder with potatoes is a creamy and smoky soup that complements the richness of perogies. Its comforting warmth and subtle sweetness from the corn create a harmonious balance with the savory dumplings. The addition of potatoes in the chowder echoes the potato filling often found in perogies, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.
Bigos (Polish Hunter’s Stew): A Taste of Tradition
Bigos, or Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a deeply flavorful and traditional Polish dish that naturally pairs well with perogies. This hearty stew, typically made with sauerkraut, meats (or tofu for a vegan version), mushrooms, and spices, offers a complex and savory counterpoint to the milder perogies. Serving perogies alongside Bigos is like enjoying a complete Polish culinary experience in one meal.
Vegan Italian Wedding Soup: Light and Flavorful Broth
Vegan Italian Wedding Soup provides a lighter and more brothy soup option that still offers a comforting and flavorful pairing with perogies. The savory white wine broth, vegetables, herby meatballs, and pastina pasta create a delicate yet satisfying soup that won’t overwhelm the dumplings. This soup is a great choice if you want a less heavy meal but still crave a soup and perogi combination.
Parsnip and Apple Soup: Creamy and Sweetly Savory
Parsnip and apple soup offers a creamy and subtly sweet flavor profile that can beautifully complement perogies. The sweetness of the apple and the earthy notes of parsnip create a unique and sophisticated soup that pairs unexpectedly well with savory dumplings. The smooth texture of the soup and the soft perogies make for a pleasing mouthfeel.
Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup: Rustic and Hearty
Sausage, kale, and white bean soup is a rustic and hearty soup that provides a substantial and flavorful side for perogies. The Italian-inspired flavors, with savory sausage, earthy kale, and creamy white beans, create a comforting and satisfying combination. This soup offers a more robust flavor profile that stands up well to the richness of perogies.
Refreshing Salads to Balance Rich Perogies
To balance the richness of perogies, consider serving a refreshing salad. These options offer contrasting textures and flavors, adding lightness to your meal.
Vegan Farro Salad: Textural and Flavorful
Vegan farro salad is a textural and flavorful salad that provides a wonderful counterpoint to perogies. With chewy farro, crunchy nuts, fresh herbs, leafy greens, and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad offers a diverse range of flavors and textures that refresh the palate. The lightness of the salad helps to balance the richness of the dumplings, creating a well-rounded meal.
Arugula and Butternut Squash Salad: Sweet and Peppery
Arugula and butternut squash salad combines the peppery bite of arugula with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash for a delightful salad pairing. The addition of pecans and pomegranate seeds adds further texture and flavor complexity. The orange vinaigrette brings a bright citrusy note that complements both the salad and the perogies.
Vegan Caprese Salad: Simple and Summery
Vegan Caprese salad is a simple and summery salad that highlights fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. The creamy vegan mozzarella adds richness, while the balsamic glaze provides a touch of sweetness and tang. This salad is light, refreshing, and allows the flavors of high-quality ingredients to shine, making it a lovely contrast to richer perogies.
Vegan Chicken Caesar Salad: Hearty and Satisfying Salad
Vegan chicken Caesar salad offers a more substantial salad option that can even serve as a light main course alongside perogies. The hearty vegan chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing create a satisfying and flavorful salad. This pairing is ideal if you want a more filling meal that includes both salad and perogies.
Tequilaberry Salad (Vegan Version): Unique and Tangy
Tequilaberry salad (vegan version) is a unique and tangy salad with a creamy dressing that offers an unexpected yet delicious pairing with perogies. The combination of iceberg lettuce, vegan bacon, mayo, and parmesan creates a flavorful and texturally interesting salad. Its tangy and slightly salty profile cuts through the richness of the dumplings.
Hearty Main Courses to Serve Alongside Perogies
While perogies can be a main course themselves, they also pair beautifully with other hearty dishes. Consider these options for a truly substantial and satisfying meal.
Cabbage Rolls: A Classic Polish Duo
Cabbage rolls, or Golabki in Polish, are another classic Polish dish that naturally complements perogies. The savory filling of cabbage rolls, often featuring rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat substitutes, pairs wonderfully with the simple dumplings. Serving perogies and cabbage rolls together is a celebration of Polish comfort food.
Impossible Meatloaf: Plant-Based Comfort Food
Impossible meatloaf offers a plant-based take on a classic comfort food that pairs surprisingly well with perogies. The hearty and savory flavors of the meatloaf, even in its vegan form, create a satisfying and nostalgic meal when served alongside the dumplings. This combination is perfect for those seeking a comforting and filling plant-based dinner.
Vegan Sausage and Peppers: Rustic and Flavorful
Vegan sausage and peppers is a rustic and flavorful sheet pan dinner that provides a vibrant and satisfying main course to accompany perogies. The roasted vegetables and savory vegan sausage create a hearty and aromatic dish. Serving this over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes alongside perogies makes for a truly abundant and delicious meal.
Honey Mustard Tofu: Sweet and Tangy Appetizer or Side
Honey mustard tofu can serve as a fun and flavorful appetizer or a lighter main course alongside perogies. The crispy tofu with its sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavor to the soft dumplings. This pairing is especially appealing if you enjoy sweet and savory combinations.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Perogies: Wholesome and Colorful
Add some wholesome goodness to your perogi meal with these delicious vegetable side dishes. They bring color, nutrients, and diverse flavors to the table.
Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges: Crispy and Tender
Air fryer cabbage wedges are a quick and easy way to add a healthy and flavorful vegetable side to your perogi dinner. The air fryer creates crispy edges and tender interiors, transforming humble cabbage into a delightful dish in just minutes. The slightly sweet and savory flavor of cooked cabbage pairs well with the savory perogies.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Warm and Earthy
Roasted root vegetables like carrots, squash, and beets are a perfect side dish for perogies, especially during colder months. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior. Their earthy and slightly sweet flavors complement the savory dumplings, creating a warm and comforting meal.
Grilled Asparagus in Foil: Simple and Green
Grilled asparagus in foil is a simple and healthy way to add a green vegetable side to your perogi meal. Grilling asparagus in foil with lemon and olive oil keeps it tender-crisp and flavorful. The slight char and bright lemon notes of the asparagus provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of perogies.
Garlicky Sautéed Kale: Nutritious and Flavorful Greens
Garlicky sautéed kale or other leafy greens like spinach or chard are a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs well with perogies. Sautéing greens with garlic and olive oil enhances their natural flavors and creates a slightly wilted and tender texture. The slight bitterness of kale is balanced by the savory garlic and richness of the dumplings.
Air Fried Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and Flavorful
Air fried Brussels sprouts are another fantastic air fryer vegetable side dish option. Air frying Brussels sprouts makes them incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, transforming them into a truly enjoyable vegetable. Their slightly nutty and caramelized flavor complements the savory perogies.
Seared Mushrooms with Thyme: Earthy and Umami
Seared mushrooms with thyme offer an earthy and umami-rich side dish that pairs beautifully with perogies. The combination of mushrooms and thyme is a classic and flavorful pairing. The savory and slightly meaty texture of seared mushrooms complements the soft dumplings, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.
Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Light and Summery
Sautéed zucchini and yellow squash are a light and summery vegetable side dish that is perfect for warmer months. Their mild and slightly sweet flavor complements perogies without overpowering them. This simple side dish is a great way to use seasonal summer produce and add a touch of freshness to your meal.
Lemony Green Beans: Classic and Bright
Lemony green beans are a classic and versatile side dish that works well with almost anything, including perogies. The bright lemon flavor and crisp-tender texture of green beans provide a refreshing and palate-cleansing counterpoint to the richer dumplings. This simple side dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet and Savory
Oven-baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory side dish that is fun and appealing, especially to families. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes and their crispy texture provide a delightful contrast to the savory perogies. This side dish is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and kid-friendly appeal to your meal.
Pickled and Fermented Sides: Tangy and Traditional
Pickled and fermented sides are traditional accompaniments to perogies, offering tangy and contrasting flavors that cut through the richness of the dumplings.
Ogórki Kiszone (Polish Pickles): Authentic Tanginess
Ogórki kiszone, or Polish dill pickles, are an authentic and traditional perogi side dish. These fermented pickles are loaded with fresh dill and offer a tangy, sour, and salty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of perogies. Their crunchy texture also provides a pleasant contrast to the soft dumplings.
Fermented Red Cabbage: Vibrant and Probiotic-Rich
Fermented red cabbage, similar to sauerkraut, is a vibrant and probiotic-rich side dish that provides a tangy and slightly sour flavor profile. The red cabbage version offers a beautiful color and a slightly different flavor nuance compared to traditional sauerkraut. Its tangy and fermented flavors are a classic pairing with perogies.
Simple and Satisfying Potato Sides
If you’re a potato lover, doubling down on potatoes with your perogies can be incredibly satisfying!
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Tangy and Bright
Fire roasted tomatoes offer a simple yet flavorful side dish that provides a bright tanginess to offset the richness of perogies. Roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor. The acidity of tomatoes cuts through the richness of the dumplings, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Boiled Baby Potatoes: Simple and Versatile
Boiled baby potatoes are a simple and versatile side dish that lets the pure potato flavor shine. Their tender and creamy texture complements the perogies beautifully, especially if you are serving perogies with a flavorful sauce or topping. This is a great option for potato enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity.
Creamy Cucumber Salad: Cool and Refreshing
Creamy cucumber salad offers a cool and refreshing side dish that is reminiscent of Polish pickles in its tangy and refreshing qualities. The creamy vegan mayo dressing, fresh herbs, and hint of vinegar and sugar create a delightful salad that balances the richness of perogies. Its cool and creamy texture provides a welcome contrast to the warm dumplings.
Perogi FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
Do perogies need to be boiled before frying?
Yes, perogies always require boiling first to cook the dough and fillings through. Pan-frying in butter or oil afterward is optional but highly recommended for adding flavor and texture.
Butter or oil for frying perogies?
Both butter and oil can be used for frying perogies. Butter is more traditional and imparts a rich flavor, especially brown butter. Oil, particularly neutral oils with high smoke points like avocado or grapeseed oil, prevents butter from burning if used in combination.
Is hot sauce a traditional perogi topping?
Hot sauce is not a traditional perogi topping, but it’s certainly not discouraged! The mild flavor of potato and cheese perogies makes them a great canvas for adding heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
Are perogies Polish or Ukrainian?
Historically, perogies originated in eastern pre-war Poland, which is now part of Ukraine. Both Poland and Ukraine consider perogies an integral part of their culinary heritage, reflecting shared culinary traditions.
Can you freeze uncooked perogies?
Yes, uncooked perogies freeze exceptionally well. Store them in an airtight container for up to six months. There’s no need to thaw them before boiling – simply cook them directly from frozen.
Share Your Perogi Pairings!
Now you have a wealth of ideas for what to serve with perogies. Whether you choose classic toppings, hearty soups, refreshing salads, or flavorful vegetable sides, the possibilities are endless.
What are your favorite perogi pairings? Let us know in the comments below!
