When it comes to pairing side dishes with pierogi, you want options that not only complement the flavors but also add variety and excitement to the meal. From classic comfort foods to modern twists, I’ve curated a list of thirty-one mouth-watering recipes that will take your pierogi game to the next level.
Whether you’re drawing inspiration from family recipes or looking to try something new, this diverse selection has got you covered. With everything from hearty staples to bold and innovative creations, you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to elevate your pierogi dish.
Meat Sides for Perogies
While pierogi are often enjoyed as a standalone dish, they also complement a wide range of savory meats remarkably well. Whether it’s classic pairings like chicken or bacon, or more adventurous options such as beef or lamb, the versatile dumplings seamlessly integrate with their meat counterparts, creating a satisfying and filling combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Chicken Cabbage Rolls
Among the many mouthwatering options on our list, chicken cabbage rolls take center stage as a delectable side dish that can easily morph into a satisfying light lunch. This delightful offering is particularly well-suited for special occasions, where its harmonious blend of textures will undoubtedly impress. The satisfying crunch of the rolls gives way to tender, pillowy dumplings, creating a tantalizing contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Cabbage’s unique ability to absorb flavors makes it an exceptional accompaniment to a variety of dishes. When paired with crispy bacon, its natural sweetness is perfectly balanced by the savory essence of the pork, resulting in a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with savory perogies.
Bison Meatballs
These heartwarming bison meatballs provide a satisfying accompaniment to your perogies, offering a filling and flavorful side dish that complements your main course perfectly. The secret to their irresistible appeal lies in the scrumptious glaze, which expertly balances sweet and savory notes with a subtle hint of BBQ spice, creating an unparalleled culinary experience.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Cream Cheese
Transform a timeless favorite by wrapping prosciutto slices around asparagus spears, allowing the cream cheese to temper the bold flavors of saltiness and freshness. This elegant addition not only enhances the overall taste experience but also subtly complements the star of the show: your perogies.
Strawberry Chicken Salad with Pecans and Feta
If you’re seeking a flavorful side dish to elevate your pierogi experience, I’ve got just the recipe for you! This strawberry chicken salad is a masterclass in combining sweet and savory elements, featuring fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a dressing that’s a perfect harmony of garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Salads for Perogies
When you’re indulging in the savory goodness of perogies, it’s easy to get caught up in their rich and hearty nature. To balance things out, consider pairing them with a salad that offers a delightful contrast through its lightness and freshness. The earthy flavors and herbal notes of the greens will create a harmonious yin-yang effect with the dense, comforting perogies.
Bulgur Wheat Salad
For those seeking a satisfying side dish, this bulgur wheat salad is an ideal choice. Another staple in my culinary repertoire, its ease of preparation, nutritional value, and substantial nature make it a regular feature on my dinner table.
Burrata Salad
This refreshing summer recipe perfectly complements the richness of our perogies main course, making it an ideal choice for repeat indulgence. Its universal appeal means it can effortlessly cater to a crowd, pairing delightfully with a range of dishes to become a staple at any gathering.
Beet Avocado Feta Salad
Indulge in the harmonious marriage of flavors and textures that this earthy beetroot, creamy avocado, and tangy feta salad has to offer. The trio of ingredients creates a delightful sensory experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. And, for an added touch, consider pairing it with some grilled chicken for a satisfying main course.
Sauerkraut Salad
Incorporating sauerkraut into a side salad is a natural progression from its traditional pairing with potato perogies. The tart and tangy flavor profile of the sauerkraut provides a much-needed contrast to the richness of the dumplings, making it an excellent addition to any meal. This refreshing salad also pairs well with grilled salmon for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
Lemon Arugula Salad
The synergy between lemon, parmesan cheese, and peppery arugula elevates traditional Polish cuisine to new heights of flavor complexity. The tartness of the lemon and the nutty notes of the parmesan cheese engage in a delightful dance on the palate, punctuated by the peppery kick of the arugula. This harmonious balance yields an thrilling taste experience with each bite.
Cauliflower Cashew and Pea Salad
This delectable cauliflower and pea salad is an unexpected yet harmonious pairing that perfectly complements the creamy perogies with savory filling. I highly suggest allowing the dish to sit for a few hours, permitting the flavors to meld together in a delightful symphony. With this approach, you can be assured that even the pickiest of eaters will thoroughly enjoy the outcome.
Vegetable Sides for Pierogi
Delighting both vegetarians and health-conscious individuals alike, the versatility of these vegetable-filled pierogi is undeniable. Whether serving a crowd that prioritizes plant-based options or simply seeking a nutritious meal, these flavorful bites have something to offer.
Hasselback Carrots
Indulge in the delightful taste of Hasselback carrots, a game-changing twist on traditional roasted vegetables. This simple recipe is sure to surprise even the most seasoned foodies. By applying the same technique used for Hasselback potatoes, you’ll unlock the natural sweetness within each carrot, expertly balanced with the richness of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. The resulting tender bites will have you singing the praises of this sweet and savory culinary innovation.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
As the warmth of summer approaches, indulge in the bold flavors of this Mediterranean roasted blend, where the art of roasting brings out the natural sweetness and earthy undertones of its vibrant vegetables. The process transforms the produce into a tender, radiant masterpiece that’s sure to impress alongside a plate of savory perogies.
Russian Potato Salad
While many may be familiar with the quintessential potato salad, there’s another Russian-inspired variation that’s equally tantalizing – the Olivier Salad. Also affectionately known as ‘Olivier Salad,’ this culinary delight takes on a life of its own, thanks to its judicious balance of peppery pickle flavors and sweet peas. The result is a dish where every bite is a surprise for the palate, making it an ideal addition to a seemingly dull meal like perogies. In fact, Olivier Salad’s versatility allows it to elevate even the most mundane dishes into something truly memorable.
Cheesy Baked Green Beans
Elevate your family’s veggie game with a clever trick: incorporating cheese as a key player. This tried-and-true method is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Take it up a notch by baking green beans to perfection, minimizing cleanup in the process. To truly elevate this dish, incorporate a generous amount of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of garlic for an added depth of flavor.
Roasted Broccoli
For those seeking an even more effortless culinary experience, look no further than this straightforward yet satisfying oven-roasted broccoli recipe. Simply combine chopped broccoli with salt and oil, spread it evenly on a roasting pan, and let the oven do its magic. The result is tender, caramelized florets in just 20 minutes.
Grilled Asparagus
When it comes to effortless cooking, this grilled asparagus recipe is a game-changer. With minimal prep time, you can create a flavorful side dish that’s sure to please even the largest of crowds. The key to its success lies in the combination of rich olive oil and flaky sea salt, which perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the asparagus. Simply brush the spears with a generous amount of oil and sprinkle with salt before roasting alongside halved lemons for added brightness.
Sauteed Rapini
A culinary masterpiece born from simplicity, sautéed rapini – also known as Italian-style broccoli – is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Unlike traditional broccoli, this variety boasts leaves that are more delicate, evoking the freshness of a salad merged with the heartiness of a broccoli dish. Whether you’re seeking a side dish to accompany perogies or require a convenient meal prep solution, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Brussel Sprouts
While Brussels sprouts often fall short of our culinary expectations, it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. These air-fried delights prove that with minimal effort, we can transform these nutritious little bundles into a side dish worthy of admiration.
In just five minutes of hands-off time, you can achieve perfectly cooked sprouts without sacrificing flavor or texture. Simply press start and let the magic happen!
Sauteed Mushrooms
For those seeking a satisfying side dish that doesn’t require adding more meat to the plate, these mushrooms are an excellent choice. Their robust flavor and bold character make them a hearty addition to any meal. The best part? They’re incredibly quick to prepare, allowing you to cook them up in just five minutes before serving alongside your dumplings.
Creamed Corn
Ditch the processed canned version of creamed corn and take the simple route to homemade goodness. The payoff is well worth the extra effort. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of sweetness and creaminess that makes it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite pierogies or as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Best Sides for Perogies
As we wrap up our exploration of perogy essentials, let’s dive into the final and arguably most tantalizing aspect – the perfect pairing of sides to elevate this beloved dish. While these suggestions might not be the healthiest options, they’re sure to leave your taste buds singing and your cravings thoroughly satiated.
Red Borscht
The classic pairing between Polish dumplings and borscht is undeniable. However, elevating this dish to new heights is the incorporation of Barszcz Ukrainski, a hearty red borscht that’s bursting with the sweet, earthy flavors of root vegetables. This soup not only satisfies the palate but also makes for an excellent leftover option due to its impressive shelf life.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
The harmonious union of Brussels sprouts and bacon is a culinary pairing that never goes out of style. This classic side dish seamlessly integrates with the essence of Polish cuisine, perfectly complementing a pierogi meal. Furthermore, this roasted sprouts recipe is remarkably straightforward – simply pop them in the oven and you’re good to go!
Baked Avocado Fries
For those who can’t resist the allure of crispy fries but want to ditch the guilt-inducing calories, baked avocado fries offer a tantalizing solution. These creamy, crunchy, and flavorful treats not only satisfy your fry cravings but also pair surprisingly well with perogies, thanks to their silky texture and understated flavor profile.
Keto Garlic Bread
Indulge in the mouthwatering aroma and taste of this keto garlic bread, which effortlessly pairs with an array of dishes, including delectable Polish- born dumplings. A perfect accompaniment to any meal, serve it as a centerpiece alongside a tangy tomato dipping sauce for an unforgettable experience. Once you master this recipe, your garlic bread will soon become the go-to choice among friends and family.
Black Bean and Onion Pilaf
This savory rice pilaf is a vibrant and nutritious addition to any meal. Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s an excellent way to boost the nutritional value of your plate. What’s more, its well-rounded ingredients list makes it suitable for both lunch and meal prep options.
Caramelized Onions
The sweetness of caramelized onions is a perfect match for perogies. With their natural sweetness and smoky undertones, they have the power to elevate your dish significantly. Although the process may take some time, the end result is well worth the effort.
Roasted Peppers
Achieving a culinary trifecta without sacrificing ease or flavor is a feat in itself, and these Italian red peppers excel at just that. With minimal fuss, you’ll be able to whip up a scrumptious side dish, freeing you up to concentrate on crafting those delectable perogies.
Instant Pot Quinoa
With this Instant Pot quinoa recipe, you can effortlessly create a nutritious foundation for your dumplings, all while minimizing hands-on effort. By cooking the grain in flavorful stock, you’ll infuse your dish with an additional layer of savory goodness at the simple touch of a button.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots, a timeless favorite on menus globally, are surprisingly easy to craft once you master the recipe. This versatility-driven dish excels not only as a side accompaniment but also shines as a convenient snack, potluck offering, or picnic treat.As you prepare to take your pierogi game to the next level, keep in mind that these knots can be enjoyed at any time – whether as a quick pick-me-up or as part of a larger gathering. Which recipe from this series are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments!
