National Pierogi Day is upon us! Yes, that glorious 24-hour window on October 8th when we can unapologetically stuff our faces with dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, onions, and love. I like to think of pierogis as Poland’s little gift to the world. And like all great gifts, sometimes it’s best to let someone else do the work. If you’re not up for making them from scratch (because let’s face it, no one has time for dough-induced mental breakdowns), this list of ready-to-cook pierogi options will save you.
(Want some pierogi-related gifts that you cannot eat? We’ve got a list for you!)
We’ve also sprinkled in some Polish cultural gems to make this list feel like a history lesson wrapped in a delicious potato blanket. Oh, and if you’re feeling brave, we’ve added a bonus cookbook for those who want to test their patience by making pierogi from scratch. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.
1. Kasia’s Potato & Cheese Pierogies
Classic. Like the original Polish babcia (grandma) sitting in her kitchen, making pierogi by hand while yelling at you for not eating enough. These potato and cheese pierogies from Kasia’s are the OG comfort food. Soft, savory, and just the right amount of cheesy to make you question why you’ve ever eaten anything else.
Polish lesson: “Kasia” is a common Polish name, short for Katarzyna, and she’d probably tell you that if you’re buying these, you’re cheating. But also, go ahead, they’re delicious.
2. Kasia’s Potato & Onion Pierogies
If you’re one of those people who believe onions are the backbone of any good dish, then these pierogies are for you. Potato, meet onion, your new best friend. This is the kind of pierogi that’ll have you throwing on a babushka (headscarf) and dramatically sighing like a Polish soap opera star.
Polish lesson: Onions are a staple in Polish cooking, and pierogis are no exception. In Poland, cebula (onion) makes everything better, even your existential crises.
3. Golden Potato and Cheddar Pierogies
For the cheddar lovers who feel like standard pierogies just aren’t cheesy enough, these are for you. Packed with cheddar, these pierogies bring a bit of American boldness to the Polish pierogi tradition. It’s like Poland and Wisconsin had a culinary baby, and it’s glorious.
Polish lesson: Pierogi has been around since the 13th century, but cheddar? That’s a little nowoczesny (modern). Still, we don’t judge; we’re here for all the cheesy goodness.
4. Pierogi Inc Potato and Cheese Pierogi
These pierogies are here to tell you that simplicity is key. The tried-and-true potato and cheese combo isn’t here to impress you with crazy flavors, it’s here to remind you why pierogi became a worldwide comfort food in the first place. Sometimes, less is more.
Polish lesson: Pierogi aren’t just food in Poland, they’re a personality trait. And while traditionalists might insist on boiling them, the real fun starts when you toss those beauties in bacon or duck fat. Because if you’re going to indulge, why not go full pierogi and make your ancestors proud?
5. Severino Potato Cheddar Pierogi
More cheddar, you say? These Severino pierogies offer another potato-cheddar option but with their own twist on the classic. These guys have a slightly denser dough, perfect for soaking up all the butter you’re definitely going to fry them in. Because, as any self-respecting pierogi lover knows, butter is life.
Polish lesson: In Poland, frying pierogi in butter is a must. It’s the culinary equivalent of putting your best foot forward… except that foot is now covered in buttery, crispy goodness.
6. Severino Mushroom & Kraut Pierogi
Feeling adventurous? These mushroom and kraut pierogies are for those who want to step outside the potato-filled comfort zone. Earthy mushrooms paired with tangy sauerkraut make for a flavor-packed combo that screams Eastern European soul food. It’s like a nature hike, but for your taste buds.
Polish lesson: Sauerkraut (kapusta kiszona) is another Polish staple, often found in everything from pierogi to stews. Basically, if there’s cabbage, there’s comfort.
7. Mrs. T’s Four Cheese Pierogies
If two types of cheese weren’t enough, how about four? Mrs. T’s pierogies combine four different cheeses into one creamy, dreamy filling that will make you feel like you’ve cheated the system. Pair this with a pierogi party and you’ll have everyone asking, “Did you make these yourself?” to which you can confidently respond, “No, I’m not that skilled.”
Polish lesson: Cheese-filled pierogies are a bit more Americanized, but we still welcome them to the table. After all, if there’s one thing Polish people love, it’s carbs and cheese.
Bonus Item: Pierogi Love: New Takes on an Old-World Comfort Food
Feeling like you want to add a little “DIY” into your pierogi journey? This cookbook takes the traditional pierogi and flips it on its head. From unique fillings to different doughs, this is the guide for anyone ready to create their own pierogi masterpieces — and potentially shed a few tears over rolling out the dough.
Why it’s risky: Making pierogi from scratch is like trying to do your taxes by hand. It can be done, but at what cost? However, if you’re up for a challenge, this book will have you rolling and stuffing dough like a seasoned babcia (almost).
Final Thoughts: Pierogi, the Polish Power Move
On National Pierogi Day, there’s really only one rule: eat pierogi. Whether you’re a potato purist or a cheddar lover, this list has something for every kind of pierogi enthusiast. And if you’re brave enough to attempt making them from scratch, may the culinary gods be with you. For the rest of us? We’ll be here, cracking open a pack and enjoying Poland’s greatest gift to the world, one bite at a time.
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