This recipe combines two of my favorite foods, cheddar pierogi, and broccoli cheddar soup. Why I didn’t think of this concept sooner, I don’t know, but man, these really are so delicious. I’ve told the story once before, but to recap a little, I basically grew up on pierogi. My best friend in middle school, Stephanie, and I went through a phase one year of eating nothing but Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies with plenty of extra melted cheddar on top almost every day after school. It was the best. And then, during the freezing cold winter months in Cleveland, my mom and I would boil up a batch of Mrs. T’s, add lots and lots of cheddar, melt that in the microwave, and then proceed to eat every last one while huddled by the crackling fire. Cleveland winter days are COLD, so this was clearly the best way to eat lunch or dinner. And really, I’m not one to buy pre-made frozen foods. But I could easily make an exception in the case of Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Sometimes you just need that childhood comfort food…and you need it to be exactly the way you remember it. I mean, right?! (before sealing the filling) (after sealing the filling) And the broccoli cheddar soup part to this recipe? Well, just like Mrs. T’s Pierogies, I also ate a lot of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup growing up. If I could convince my mom to grab Panera for lunch, it was always the most special treat. And if I could get her to splurge on a bread bowl too? Ah, my day would be made…one of my favorite childhood foods for sure. Anyway, I’ve made pierogi a couple of times before. The first time a did them up a little more classic to the way I’d eat them as a kid. The second time I went all out and added caramelized onions and crispy bacon. But today, I’m keeping the flavors simple and cozy with a broccoli cheddar twist. I’m not sure which pierogi is really my all-time favorite because I love any and all pierogi, but these really are so good. Creamy potato mixed with cheesy broccoli might just be one of the better combinations out there. But add a buttery onion sauce? Pretty hard to beat.
Making pierogi are fun. Start with the dough.
Start with the dough. It’s your basic, flour, egg, salt, combo, but what’s unique about most pierogi recipes is the use of sour cream in the dough. The sour cream keeps the dough moist and adds the slightest tang. I prefer to use plain greek yogurt in place of sour cream, which works perfectly. However, you can certainly use an equal amount of sour cream if you prefer sour cream. Let the dough sit and rest while you making the broccoli potato filling.
For the filling.
All you need are potatoes, butter, broccoli, cheese, and spices. This filling is cheesy, creamy, and buttery when added to the potatoes and steamed broccoli. Don’t mess with it…so good. You can make the potatoes the traditional way on the stove-top, or you can use the instant pot. I prefer to use the instant pot. It’s the easiest, quickest way to make potatoes. Once you have the pierogi assembled, simply toss them with a little buttery caramelized onion sauce. Then serve with extra sharp cheddar and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on the side.
Freeze for later.
Here’s the thing about pierogi making. Just like ravioli, these take time. Please do not let this scare you away. Making pierogi is very simple. The dough is incredibly easy to work with. If you can roll out a basic bread dough, you can certainly make pierogi. You don’t need any special equipment, just a bowl, a spoon, and a rolling pin. And if you don’t have a rolling pin – use a wine bottle. So, while making pierogi does take a little effort, you can make them in bulk over the weekend…or whenever you have time. Then just freeze what’s leftover for the quickest, easiest, lunch or dinner…any day of the week. Once the pierogi are frozen, simply boil them up from frozen, they take just minutes to cook. And yes, these are far better than Mrs. T’s. I know everyone has been dealing with some chilly winter days and things are a bit cold and deary. To me, that’s all the more reason to spend an extra thirty minutes in the kitchen and make homemade pierogi on a random Monday night. Promise you will not be left disappointed. Looking for other fun homemade dinners? Here are some favorites: Sheet Pan Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Folded Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap Healthier Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme Lastly, if you make these Broccoli Cheddar Potato Pierogi be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
