The 15 Best Sauces for Pierogi (And Toppings)

If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy pierogi, then look no further.

There are so many sauces and toppings that can be used to complement the flavor of these tasty dumplings.

From savory sour cream and bacon bits to sweet honey and applesauce, there is something for everyone.

In this article, I will share with you my top 15 best sauces for pierogi that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Read Also: Pierogi Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Perogies

What is Pierogi?

Pierogi (pee-eh-ROH-ghee) is a type of dumpling that originated in Central and Eastern Europe.

It consists of a filling, usually made from mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or ground meat, wrapped in a thin dough and boiled until cooked through.

Pierogi can be served as an appetizer or main course with various toppings such as fried onions, bacon bits, sour cream or butter.

They are also popularly served at festivals and fairs throughout the region.

Pierogi have become increasingly popular outside of their traditional home countries due to their versatility and delicious flavor combinations.

The dough used for pierogi can be made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour depending on preference; the fillings range from savory to sweet including fruits like apples and cherries.

Pierogi can also be pan-fried after boiling for added texture and flavor.

The 15 Best Sauces for Pierogi

Pierogi are a delicious and popular dish, but they can be even better with the right sauce.

Here are fifteen sauces that will take your pierogi to the next level:

1. Sour Cream Sauce

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Sour cream sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made from sour cream and other ingredients such as butter, garlic, herbs, spices, and sometimes even vegetables.

It’s often used to top pierogies or other types of pasta dishes.

• To Make It: To make sour cream sauce for pierogies, start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the sour cream and stir until combined. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor you can also add fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
• Creative Ideas: If you want to get creative with your sour cream sauce for pierogies you can try adding different ingredients such as cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for added flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like chives or tarragon for an extra kick of flavor.

2. Butter Sauce

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Butter sauce is a simple, yet flavorful sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

It’s often used as a topping for pierogies or other pasta dishes.

The butter gives the sauce its creamy texture and rich flavor while the flour helps to thicken it up.

• To Make It: To make butter sauce, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add in some all-purpose flour and whisk until combined. Slowly pour in some warm milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving over your favorite dish!
• Creative Ideas: Butter sauce can be used as an accompaniment for many different dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fish fillets, or even grilled chicken breasts. You can also get creative by adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor or stirring in grated cheese at the end of cooking for an extra cheesy kick!

3. Hot Sauce

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Hot sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients.

It can range in flavor from mild to extremely spicy and is used to add heat and flavor to dishes.

• To Make It: Making your own hot sauce at home is easy! All you need are some fresh or dried chilies, garlic, onion, vinegar, salt, sugar (optional), and water. Start by combining the chilies with the garlic and onion in a food processor or blender until it forms a paste. Then add the vinegar, salt, sugar (if using), and water until it reaches your desired consistency. Blend everything together until smooth then transfer it into an airtight container for storage.
• Creative Ideas: Hot sauce isn’t just for adding heat to dishes; it can also be used as an ingredient in recipes like marinades or sauces for meats or vegetables. You can also use hot sauce as a topping on tacos or nachos instead of salsa or guacamole for added flavor and spice!

4. Chili Sauce

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Chili sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

It is usually thick and has a sweet-and-sour flavor.

It can be used as a dip for pierogies or other fried foods, or as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

• To Make It: To make chili sauce at home, start by combining chopped fresh chilies with garlic, onion, tomato paste, brown sugar, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices such as cumin and oregano in a medium-sized pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until it thickens. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
• Creative Ideas: Chili sauce can also be used as an ingredient in recipes such as tacos or burritos; added to soups or stews; mixed into mayonnaise for sandwiches; stirred into scrambled eggs; served alongside grilled meats; drizzled over roasted vegetables; spread on toast with cream cheese; and added to macaroni and cheese for a spicy kick.

5. BBQ Sauce

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BBQ sauce is a thick, flavorful condiment made from tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

It is used to add flavor to grilled meats and vegetables.

The sauce can be either sweet or spicy depending on the ingredients used in its preparation.

• To Make It: Making your own BBQ sauce at home is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. Start by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), apple cider vinegar and black pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk all of the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust any seasonings as desired before transferring it to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Creative Ideas: There are many creative ways you can use BBQ sauce beyond just slathering it on grilled meats or vegetables. Try using it as a marinade for chicken wings or pork chops; mix it into ground beef for burgers; brush it onto pizza crusts before adding toppings; stir some into your mac and cheese; or use it as a dip for french fries.

6. Ketchup

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Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

It is typically used as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, fries, and other foods.

The word ketchup comes from the Chinese ke-tsiap which was a pickled fish sauce.

• To Make It: Start by combining 1 cup of tomato paste with 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to the mixture and stir until combined. Then add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer while stirring constantly until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Once everything has been combined remove it from heat and let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Creative Ideas: Ketchup isn’t just for burgers anymore! Try using it as an ingredient in recipes like chili, meatloaf, or macaroni and cheese for a delicious twist. It can also be used to make a flavorful marinade for chicken or steak, or added to sauces and dressings for a hint of sweetness. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, try making your own ketchup with reduced sugar or natural sweeteners like honey or agave.

7. Pesto Sauce

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Pesto sauce is a traditional Italian condiment made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and salt.

It is usually served with pasta or used as a spread on sandwiches.

• To Make It: To make pesto sauce at home, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts; 3 cloves of garlic; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; and sea salt to taste. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Creative Ideas: Pesto sauce can be used in many different ways beyond just serving it with pasta or spreading it on sandwiches. Try using it as a dip for vegetables or chips, adding it to soups or stews for an extra flavor boost, stirring some into scrambled eggs for breakfast, tossing roasted potatoes with pesto before baking them in the oven, or even using it as a pizza topping.

8. Arrabiata Sauce

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Arrabiata sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and red chili peppers.

The name arrabiata literally translates to ‘angry’ in Italian, referring to the spiciness of the dish.

It is usually served over pasta or used as a pizza topping.

• To Make It: To make arrabiata sauce, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds before adding diced tomatoes and their juices. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly then season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Creative Ideas: Arrabiata sauce can be used in many creative ways beyond just serving it over pasta or using it as a pizza topping. Try using it as an ingredient in lasagna or baked ziti dishes; use it as a dip for breadsticks; spread it on sandwiches; mix it into scrambled eggs; serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak; or even use it as an ingredient in a spicy chili.

9. Salsa

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Salsa is a type of condiment or sauce made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other ingredients.

It is usually served as an accompaniment to Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos.

The word salsa comes from the Spanish word for ‘sauce.’

• To Make It: To make salsa at home, you’ll need fresh tomatoes (or canned), onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper (or another chili pepper), cilantro leaves (optional), lime juice or vinegar, salt and sugar. Start by dicing the tomatoes into small cubes and finely chopping the onion and garlic. Then add in the diced jalapeno pepper and cilantro leaves if desired. Finally mix in some lime juice or vinegar to taste along with a pinch of salt and sugar to balance out the flavors.
• Creative Ideas: There are many creative ways to use salsa beyond just serving it with pierogies! Try using it as a topping for grilled meats like steak or chicken; adding it to scrambled eggs; making nachos with melted cheese on top; using it as a dip for chips; or even adding it to a salad. You can also try experimenting with different types of salsa like mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or even a roasted red pepper salsa.

10. Ranch

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Ranch is a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, and herbs.

It was invented in the 1950s by Steve Henson at his dude ranch in California.

The dressing has become popular all over the world and is now used as a dip for vegetables, chips, and other snacks.

• To Make It: To make your own ranch dressing at home you will need mayonnaise, buttermilk or sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley flakes or fresh chopped parsley leaves, dried dill weed or fresh chopped dill leaves (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Taste it and adjust seasonings if needed.
• Creative Ideas: Ranch can be used as an ingredient in many dishes such as macaroni salad or potato salad. You can also use it to top off tacos or burritos instead of salsa for a unique twist on Mexican cuisine. For something sweet try using ranch to dip fruit like apples slices into for an unexpected treat!

11. Cheese Sauce

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Cheese sauce is a creamy, cheesy condiment made from melted cheese and milk.

It can be used as a dip or poured over dishes like pierogies to add flavor and texture.

• To Make It: Making cheese sauce is easy and only requires three ingredients: butter, flour, and grated cheese. Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a paste-like consistency. Then slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a sauce-like consistency. Finally, stir in the grated cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
• Creative Ideas: Cheese sauce doesn’t have to be limited to just pierogies; you can use it on all sorts of dishes! Try using it as an alternative to tomato sauce for pizza or lasagna, or even as an accompaniment for roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower. You can also get creative with your cheeses; try mixing different types together for unique flavors!

12. White Sauce

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White sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, is a classic French sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

It’s one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine and is used as a base for many other sauces.

• To Make It: To make white sauce, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of all-purpose flour to the pan and stir until combined. Cook for 1 minute before slowly adding milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• Creative Ideas: White sauce can be used in many different ways beyond just being served with pierogies! Try using it as a topping for roasted vegetables or baked potatoes; mix it into macaroni and cheese; use it as a dip for breadsticks or crudités; or even pour it over steamed fish or chicken breasts for added flavor!

13. Mushroom Sauce

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Mushroom sauce is a creamy, savory sauce made from mushrooms and other ingredients such as butter, cream, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices.

It’s often used to top dishes like pierogies or pasta.

• To Make It: To make mushroom sauce you’ll need butter (or oil), mushrooms of your choice (button mushrooms are the most common), garlic, onion, cream or milk (optional), herbs and spices of your choice. Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in butter until they become fragrant. Then add the mushrooms and cook until they’re soft. Add some herbs and spices for flavor if desired. Finally stir in some cream or milk to create a creamy texture before serving over pierogies or pasta.
• Creative Ideas: For an extra flavorful mushroom sauce try adding white wine while cooking the mushrooms for added depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello for more intense flavors. If you want to make it vegan-friendly use vegetable stock instead of cream/milk and olive oil instead of butter. You can also top the sauce with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.

14. Marinara Sauce

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Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions.

It is usually served over pasta or used as a base for other sauces.

• To Make It: To make marinara sauce from scratch, start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil until softened. Then add canned crushed tomatoes and seasonings such as oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, stir in fresh parsley or basil before serving.
• Creative Ideas: Marinara sauce can be used in many creative ways beyond just being served over pasta! Try using it as a pizza topping instead of traditional red sauce; use it as a dip for breadsticks; mix it into scrambled eggs; or even use it as an ingredient in lasagna!

15. Chocolate Sauce

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Chocolate sauce is a sweet, creamy topping made from cocoa powder, sugar, and butter.

It can be used to top ice cream sundaes, cakes, and other desserts.

It’s also a popular accompaniment for pierogies.

• To Make it: To make chocolate sauce at home you’ll need cocoa powder, sugar, butter or margarine, milk or cream (optional), and vanilla extract (optional). Start by combining the cocoa powder and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is combined then add the butter or margarine and stir until melted. If desired add some milk or cream to thin out the sauce. Finally add some vanilla extract for flavor if desired. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened then remove from heat and serve warm over pierogies or your favorite dessert!
• Creative Ideas: Chocolate sauce isn’t just for topping desserts; it can also be used as an ingredient in recipes like brownies or cookies! You can also use it as a dip for fruit such as strawberries or bananas slices. Or try adding it to your favorite milkshake or smoothie for a chocolatey twist.

6 Best Pierogi Toppings

1. Sautéed or caramelized onion

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Caramelized onion is a type of cooked onion that has been slowly cooked in oil or butter until it turns golden brown and develops a sweet, caramel-like flavor.

It is often used as a topping for dishes such as pizza, sandwiches, salads, and pierogies.

• To Make It: To make caramelized onions, start by slicing the onions into thin rings. Heat some oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the onions. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once they are softened and lightly browned, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until they are golden brown and have developed a sweet flavor.
• Texture: Caramelized onions should be soft but still retain their shape when done cooking. They should also be slightly sticky due to the natural sugars that have been released during the cooking process.
• Common Uses: Caramelized onions can be used as toppings on pizzas, sandwiches, salads, burgers, tacos, pierogies or any other dish where you want to add sweetness without overpowering other flavors. They can also be added to soups, stews, and sauces for added flavor.

2. Breadcrumbs

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Breadcrumbs are small pieces of dried bread that have been ground or processed into crumbs.

They can be made from any type of bread, including white, wheat, rye, and sourdough.

The texture of the crumbs varies depending on how finely they are ground and whether they are toasted or not.

• To Make It: To make your own breadcrumbs at home, start by tearing a few slices of stale bread into small pieces. Place the pieces in a food processor and pulse until you get a coarse meal-like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a blender or even just your hands to break down the bread into smaller pieces. Once it’s broken down enough, spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool before using as desired.
• Texture: Breadcrumbs range from fine to coarse in texture depending on how finely they are ground up and whether they are toasted or not. Finely ground breadcrumbs will create more crunchy textures while coarser breadcrumbs will create more chewy and substantial textures.
• Uses: Breadcrumbs are commonly used as a crunchy topping for casseroles and pasta dishes, as a coating for fried food and fish, and as an ingredient for meatballs, meatloaf, and stuffing. They can also be used to thicken soups and sauces, as a crunchy topping for salads, and as an ingredient in baked goods like breads and muffins.

3. Crushed garlic

Crushed garlic is a condiment made from raw garlic cloves that have been crushed or finely chopped.

It has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma that adds depth to dishes.

• To Make It: To make crushed garlic, start by peeling the skin off of the garlic cloves. Then, use a knife to mince the cloves into small pieces. Alternatively, you can use a garlic press to crush the cloves into smaller pieces.
• Texture: The texture of crushed garlic depends on how it is prepared; if it is minced with a knife, it will be more coarse and chunky while if it is pressed with a garlic press, it will be finer and smoother in texture.
• Common Uses: Crushed garlic is commonly used as an ingredient in sauces and marinades for meats and vegetables. It can also be used as an accompaniment to pierogies or other types of dumplings, added to soups or stews for extra flavor, or sprinkled over roasted vegetables for added zest.

4. Herbs

Herbs are the leaves of certain plants that are used to flavor and season food.

They can be fresh or dried, and they come from a variety of plants, including shrubs, trees, vines, and flowers.

• To Make It: To make herb topping for pierogies, you will need to finely chop your herbs of choice. Popular herbs for this dish include parsley, dill, chives, basil, oregano and thyme. Once chopped up into small pieces (or minced), mix them together in a bowl with some olive oil or butter until combined.
• Texture: The texture of the herb topping should be slightly oily due to the addition of either olive oil or butter. The herbs should also be finely chopped so that they don’t overpower the pierogies when eaten.
• Common Uses: Herb toppings are commonly used on pierogies as well as other dishes such as pizza and pasta salads. They can also be added to soups or stews for extra flavor and aroma.

5. Fried, chopped meats

Meat can be divided into two categories: red meat, which includes beef, pork, and lamb; and white meat, which includes poultry such as chicken and turkey.

• To Make It: To make fried chopped meats, start by cutting the desired type of meat into small cubes or strips. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to fry the pieces of meat. Add the cubed or sliced pieces to the pan and cook them until they’re browned on all sides. Once cooked through, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
• Texture: Fried chopped meats have a crunchy texture on the outside due to being fried in oil while still maintaining some tenderness inside due to being cooked quickly at high temperatures.
• Common Uses: Fried chopped meats are commonly used as toppings for dishes like pierogies or salads, as well as added to soups or stews for extra flavor and texture. They can

6. Shredded cheese

Shredded cheese is a type of cheese that has been cut into thin strips or small pieces.

It is usually made from cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and other types of cheeses.

• To Make It: To make shredded cheese, the cheese must first be grated on a grater with large holes. The grated cheese can then be placed in a food processor and pulsed until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, the grated cheese can also be chopped with a knife until it reaches the desired size and texture.
• Texture: Shredded cheese has a crumbly texture that melts easily when heated. This makes it ideal for use in dishes such as pizza and lasagna where melted cheese is desired.
• Common Uses: Shredded cheese is commonly used to top dishes such as tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, soups and sandwiches. It can also be used to make quesadillas or grilled sandwiches like paninis or melts. Additionally, shredded cheese can be added to pasta dishes such as macaroni and cheese or baked dishes like casseroles.

FAQ

What’s the best sauce for Potato and Cheese Pierogi?

A classic sauce for Potato and Cheese Pierogi is a simple combination of melted butter, onions, and sautéed mushrooms. You can also try a sour cream-based sauce or a garlic-butter sauce with herbs. Top it all off with some diced bacon for an extra crunchy texture!

What can I put on top of pierogies?

Pierogies are delicious served with the traditional Polish topping of a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of fried onions or pork rinds. However, you can easily change up the flavor profile with a variety of other toppings.

Some great options include a creamy garlic sauce, a pesto or tomato sauce, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or even a dollop of salsa.

If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try topping them off with some crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms. You can also get creative and top them with some freshly chopped herbs such as thyme, basil, parsley, chives, or green onions.

How are pierogies traditionally served?

Pierogies are a traditional Eastern European dish, typically served with simple toppings that enhance their flavor. These toppings may include fried onions, lardons, melted butter, sour cream, and pork rinds.

These toppings can be upgraded with more complicated sauces, or replaced with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, dill, mint, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, or basil. Pierogies can also be served with a variety of side dishes including mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and salads. For a traditional experience, pierogies are best served with a cold beer or glass of wine.

Can you eat pierogies with soy sauce?

Yes, you can most certainly enjoy pierogies with soy sauce. The salty flavor of the sauce contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes of the pierogies, making for a delicious combination. You could even try adding some garlic or ginger to the soy sauce to give it an extra kick of flavor.

If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, lingonberry jam is also a great option that pairs nicely with pierogies. Experiment with different sauces to find the combination you like best!

Conclusion

In conclusion, pierogi is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion.

To give your pierogi a unique flavor, you can pair them with a variety of sauces.

The best sauces for pierogi are sour cream sauce, butter sauce, hot sauce, chili sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, pesto sauce, arrabiata sauce, salsa, ranch, cheese sauce, white sauce, mushroom sauce, marinara sauce, and chocolate sauce.

Each of these sauces has its own unique flavor and can be used to customize your pierogi according to your taste.

So, the next time you make pierogi, don’t forget to grab a few of these sauces and create a truly unique and delicious dish.