Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits
Pillowy dumplings stuffed with sweet potato and sharp cheddar, pan-fried in butter and showered with crisp bacon.
In a nutshell: This authentic polish-american sweet potato cheddar pierogi with bacon bits comes together in just 1 hr 5 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: warm filling melts the dough from the inside and makes sealing a sticky mess. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Sweet potato cheddar pierogi with bacon bits: buttery pan-fried dumplings with a sweet-savoury filling. A cosy new Thanksgiving side.
Key Equipment
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- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Round cutter or glass
- Large skillet
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Cool the filling completely before filling: warm filling melts the dough from the inside and makes sealing a sticky mess.
- Seal out the air: trapped air puffs the pierogi open in the boiling water, so press the edges firmly and check each seal twice.
- Do not skip the boil before frying: boiling cooks the dough through, so the pan-fry is purely about crisp, golden edges — fried-only pierogi stay doughy inside.
Ingredients
6
servings
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2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
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½ tsp kosher salt, divided
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1 egg, large
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½ cup sour cream
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2 tbsp butter, melted, for the dough
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1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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2 tbsp butter, for the filling
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
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4 tbsp butter, for pan-frying
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1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp fresh chives, snipped, for serving
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
Mix the flour and half the salt in a large bowl. Stir in the egg, sour cream and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.
Cook the Filling
Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until very tender. Drain well and mash with the butter, cheddar, pepper, nutmeg and remaining salt until smooth. Cool completely.
Fill and Seal
Roll the dough to 1/8 inch on a floured surface and cut 3-inch rounds. Place a tablespoon of filling in each, fold over, and pinch the edges firmly shut, pressing out any air.
Boil the Pierogi
Boil the pierogi in batches in salted water for 2-3 minutes, until they float and puff slightly. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain.
Pan-Fry and Serve
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the onion until golden, then add the pierogi in a single layer and fry 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Serve showered with bacon bits and chives.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
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Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
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Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
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Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
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Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
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Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — freeze the filled, uncooked pierogi in a single layer on a baking sheet, then bag them for up to 3 months. Boil straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes.
You can, but you lose the crisp edges. Brush boiled pierogi with butter and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, for a lighter finish.
Smoked Gouda adds a lovely depth, and a sharp white cheddar keeps the colour pale and pretty. Avoid very soft cheeses, which make the filling runny.
A dollop of sour cream, caramelised onions and bacon bits are the classics — plus a simple green salad to balance the richness.