Perogies, a staple in Eastern European cuisine, are beloved for their delicious fillings and tender dough.
Choosing the right side dishes to enhance your pierogi meal can make all the difference.
The right sides can elevate the flavors and round out the meal, whether you’re after something crispy, creamy, or refreshing.
This guide will introduce you to 27 outstanding sides that perfectly complement perogies.
From savory options like caramelized onions and garlic butter to fresh picks like cucumber salad and green beans, each side dish offers unique flavors and textures that pair beautifully with the rich, savory taste of perogies.
Continue reading to discover the best pairings and learn how to create a balanced, delightful meal that makes your perogies the star of the show.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Perogies
1. Sour Cream
- Flavor Profile: Creamy and tangy with a rich texture that contrasts the perogies smoothly.
- Best Pairings: Complements all types of perogies, especially those filled with potatoes or cheese.
- Preparation or Recipe: Serve a dollop of cold sour cream on top of perogies, or mix with chives for added flavor.
2. Caramelized Onions
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and savory with a deep, rich flavor from slow cooking.
- Best Pairings: Adds a sweet and savory note to perogies, particularly those with potato or cheese fillings.
- Preparation or Recipe: Slice onions and cook in butter over low heat until golden brown and tender. Serve warm over perogies.
3. Chopped Chives
- Flavor Profile: Mildly onion-like with a fresh, herbaceous taste.
- Best Pairings: Enhances the flavor of perogies by adding a touch of freshness and color.
- Preparation or Recipe: Finely chop fresh chives, sprinkle over cooked perogies, or mix into sour cream.
4. Bacon Bits
- Flavor Profile: Crispy and salty with a rich, smoky flavor.
- Best Pairings: Adds a crunchy, savory element that pairs well with potato or cheese perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Cook bacon until crispy, crumble into bits, and sprinkle over perogies or mix into dishes.
5. Applesauce
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and slightly tangy, offering a fruity contrast to savory perogies.
- Best Pairings: Works particularly well with perogies filled with potato or cheese, adding a sweet complement.
- Preparation or Recipe: Serve a spoonful of plain or spiced applesauce on the side of perogies.
6. Crispy Fried Onions
- Flavor Profile: Crunchy with a savory, slightly sweet taste.
- Best Pairings: Adds a crispy, flavorful topping to perogies, enhancing their texture and flavor.
- Preparation or Recipe: Purchase pre-made crispy fried onions or make your own by frying thinly sliced onions until golden and crispy.
7. Sauerkraut
- Flavor Profile: Tangy and fermented with a crunchy texture.
- Best Pairings: Provides a tart contrast to the rich, hearty flavor of perogies, especially those with meat fillings.
- Preparation or Recipe: Serve sauerkraut warm or cold alongside perogies, or cook it briefly to warm through.
8. Garlic Butter
- Flavor Profile: Rich and savory with a strong garlic flavor.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies by adding a rich, buttery taste with a hint of garlic.
- Preparation or Recipe: Melt butter and mix in minced garlic. Drizzle over perogies or use as a dipping sauce.
9. Grilled Kielbasa
- Flavor Profile: Smoky and savory with a hearty, satisfying taste.
- Best Pairings: Pairs well with perogies, especially those with potato or cheese fillings, adding a meaty, flavorful side.
- Preparation or Recipe: Grill kielbasa until browned and crispy, then slice and serve alongside perogies.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Flavor Profile: Nutty and slightly sweet with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Best Pairings: Adds a healthy, flavorful vegetable side that complements the richness of perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.
11. Green Salad
- Flavor Profile: Fresh and crisp with a light, tangy dressing.
- Best Pairings: Provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty perogies, adding a light, crunchy element to the meal.
- Preparation or Recipe: Toss mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add optional ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes.
12. Pickled Beets
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy with a slightly earthy flavor.
- Best Pairings: Offers a tangy, colorful side that pairs well with the savory taste of perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Serve store-bought or homemade pickled beets alongside perogies. Simmer beets in vinegar, sugar, and spices, then chill.
13. Mushroom Gravy
- Flavor Profile: Rich and savory with a deep umami flavor from mushrooms.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies, especially those with potato fillings, adding a hearty, flavorful sauce.
- Preparation or Recipe: Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter, then add flour and vegetable broth to create a thick gravy. Season with salt and pepper.
14. Coleslaw
- Flavor Profile: Tangy and crunchy with a creamy or vinegar-based dressing.
- Best Pairings: Adds a refreshing, crunchy side that contrasts well with the rich perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Shred cabbage and carrots, and mix with a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.
15. Beef Stroganoff
- Flavor Profile: Creamy and savory with tender strips of beef in a rich mushroom sauce.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies by adding a rich, creamy sauce and hearty beef component.
- Preparation or Recipe: Cook beef strips with onions and mushrooms, then stir in sour cream and a bit of beef broth. Serve over or alongside perogies.
16. Cucumber Salad
- Flavor Profile: Fresh and crisp with a light, tangy dressing.
- Best Pairings: Provides a refreshing, cool side that pairs well with the hearty perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Slice cucumbers and mix with a dressing made from vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper. Serve chilled.
17. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and savory with a caramelized exterior and tender interior.
- Best Pairings: Adds a sweet contrast to the savory perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Cube sweet potatoes and toss with olive oil, salt, and spices. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
18. Spinach Salad
- Flavor Profile: Fresh and slightly earthy with a light vinaigrette.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies by providing a light, nutrient-rich side.
- Preparation or Recipe: Toss fresh spinach leaves with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add optional ingredients like nuts or fruit.
19. Potato Salad
- Flavor Profile: Creamy and tangy with a combination of tender potatoes and a flavorful dressing.
- Best Pairings: Pairs well with perogies, adding a classic and hearty side dish.
- Preparation or Recipe: Boil potatoes, then mix with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped celery, onions, and seasoning. Chill before serving.
20. Borscht
- Flavor Profile: Beet-based soup with a tangy, earthy flavor, often served hot or cold with a dollop of sour cream.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies, especially in a meal with Eastern European influences.
- Preparation or Recipe: Cook beets with onions, carrots, and cabbage in broth. Add vinegar and seasonings. Serve hot or cold with a dollop of sour cream.
21. Chicken Schnitzel
- Flavor Profile: Crispy and savory with a tender, juicy interior, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies by adding a hearty, protein-rich option that enhances the meal’s overall taste.
- Preparation or Recipe: Bread and fry chicken cutlets until golden and crispy. Season with salt and pepper, and serve alongside perogies.
22. Mashed Potatoes
- Flavor Profile: Creamy and buttery with a smooth texture, providing a comforting and rich side.
- Best Pairings: They are ideal with perogies, especially when you want to add extra creaminess and substance to your meal.
- Preparation or Recipe: Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
23. Vegetable Soup
- Flavor Profile: Light and flavorful with a variety of vegetables in a savory broth, adding warmth and nutrition.
- Best Pairings: Provides a light and wholesome side that complements the richness of perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Simmer a mix of vegetables (like carrots, celery, and potatoes) in vegetable broth with herbs and seasoning until tender.
24. Grilled Vegetables
- Flavor Profile: Smoky and slightly sweet with a tender texture, enhanced by grilling.
- Best Pairings: It works well with perogies, adding a smoky, flavorful side that pairs well with the rice and fillings of the perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Grill vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper until charred and tender.
25. Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw
- Flavor Profile: Tangy and slightly sweet with a crunchy texture, offering a refreshing and zesty contrast.
- Best Pairings: Complements perogies by adding a tangy, crunchy side that cuts through the richness.
- Preparation or Recipe: Mix shredded cabbage with a dressing made from apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.
26. Fresh Green Beans
- Flavor Profile: Crisp and slightly sweet with a fresh, bright flavor.
- Best Pairings: This dish is ideal with perogies, adding a healthy and crunchy vegetable side that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the perogies.
- Preparation or Recipe: Steam or blanch green beans until tender-crisp. Toss with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or add a splash of lemon juice.
27. Cheddar Cheese
- Flavor Profile: Sharp and tangy with a creamy texture, offering a rich, savory flavor.
- Best Pairings: Adds a creamy and flavorful component to perogies, especially when served melted or alongside.
- Preparation or Recipe: Serve shredded or sliced cheddar cheese on the side, or melt over the top of perogies for an extra cheesy touch.
Summing Up
Choosing the right sides to serve with perogies can transform your meal, adding variety and enhancing the comforting flavors of this beloved dish.
From the tangy zest of cucumber salad and the satisfying crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts to the smooth richness of mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese, each side dish uniquely complements perogies.
This guide lists 27 side dishes that promise a complete dining experience, catering to different tastes and textures. Each option adds a special flair through contrasting flavors or complementary ingredients.
With these choices, you’re set to enjoy a full and delicious meal that brings out the best in perogies, making every meal memorable and enjoyable.
Ready to make your pierogi meal unforgettable? Try these sides and share your favorites with us in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue exploring delightful pairings together!
