PolishMedium · Hot
Petra's resurrection of yesterday's spuds into silky dumplings with a golden cheese center. Crisp-fried after boiling because day-two cooking deserves texture, not sympathy.
45 min
20 min
30 min
1h 35m
Method
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potato, sautéed onion, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide rested dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each portion to 1/8-inch thickness.
Using a 3-inch round cutter or inverted glass, cut out circles. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of potato-cheese filling into the center of each circle.
Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Transfer to a floured surface. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Carefully drop pierogi in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a parchment-lined plate.
Nutri-Score
Fair balance
A–E · lower is better · score 4
Calories
776
per serving
Protein
29g
Carbs
73g
Fat
41g
Sat. fat
25g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
788mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Moderate impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
1.1
per serving
Water
0.2m³
Land
30Pt
Runoff
0.07g P
cheddar cheese, grated drives 53% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Large SkilletTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Bring water to full boil before adding pierogi. Fry at medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards for dough preparation and onion/parsley prep. Avoid cross-contact between raw egg and cheese filling.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked pierogi within 2 hours in airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shelf Life
Refrigerated pierogi remain safe for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F before consuming.
High Risk Population
Ensure eggs are fully cooked in dough. Pierogi must reach safe internal temperature before serving to vulnerable populations.
Handling
Use slotted spoon for boiling. Allow pierogi to cool slightly before frying. Do not overcrowd pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
Pro Tips
Technique
When crimping your pierogi edges, press with the tines of a fork AND your thumb for a seal that'll survive the boil. Any gap, any weakness, and you'll be fishing cheese out of your pasta water.
Flavor Boost
Add a tablespoon of tangy pickle or a pinch of smoked paprika to the potato filling before sealing. The acid wakes up the starch like a shot of espresso.
Storage
Uncooked pierogi freeze beautifully on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Once frozen solid, transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen—just add 2 extra minutes to the boil time.
From the chef
I never call them leftovers. I call them tomorrow's mise en place, and these pierogi are exactly why. Those sad, cooling mashed potatoes in your fridge? They're actually a golden ticket to the best dumplings you'll make this week. We wrap them in a simple egg dough, seal them tight, then give them the resurrection they deserve: a hot bath, then a hot sear in butter until they're crisp, golden, and wearing that molten cheese like a badge of honor. This is what I mean when I say day-two cooking deserves texture, not sympathy.
Source: generated · June 9, 2026