Elevate your comfort food game with these High Protein Traditional Potato and Cheese Pierogi—a modern twist on a classic Polish delicacy. This recipe combines fluffy dough enriched with Greek yogurt and unflavored whey protein isolate for a protein-packed upgrade, while the creamy filling features tender mashed russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory cottage cheese. Perfectly chewy and golden when pan-fried, these homemade pierogi are a satisfying meal option, whether you enjoy them with a dollop of tangy sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty and nutritious dish is ideal for family dinners and an irresistible crowd-pleaser for pierogi lovers everywhere.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, Greek yogurt, and milk. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and mash them in a bowl. Add the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, whey protein isolate, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. If using onions, sauté them until golden in 1 tablespoon of butter and stir into the filling. Set aside to cool.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough in half over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal. Crimp with a fork to ensure the pierogi are completely sealed.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pierogi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Optional step: In a skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the cooked pierogi until lightly golden on both sides.
Serve the pierogi warm, garnished with chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Calories |
2998 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.6 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.7 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 445 mg | 148% | |
| Sodium | 2959 mg | 129% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 414.2 g | 151% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.8 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 134.2 g | 268% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 1324 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 22.3 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 3963 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.