If you love the comforting charm of traditional pierogis but want a much quicker, simpler route to get them on your table, this Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These delightful little dumplings are incredibly soft, mildly sweet, and irresistibly creamy thanks to the farmer’s cheese filling and a luscious sour cream topping that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive yet fuss-free weekend treat, this recipe skips the complicated folding and rolling but keeps all the heart and soul of classic pierogi comfort food. Let me take you through all the simple steps to create these fast and scrumptious lazy pierogis that will soon become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A few basic ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing an essential role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, soft, and lightly sweet pierogi goodness. From the tangy farmer’s cheese to the rich butter and smooth sour cream, every component adds its own delightful touch to the final dish.
- Farmer’s cheese (3 cups, well-drained): This fresh cheese is the creamy heart of the pierogi filling, offering a soft, slightly tangy texture that’s just perfect.
- Eggs (3 large): Eggs help bind the dough together and contribute to its tender structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small splash adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dough and sour cream mixture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup + 3 tbsp): The sugar sweetens both the dough and the sour cream topping, enhancing their flavors without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Flour gives the dough its body and elasticity, so the pierogis hold their shape beautifully during cooking.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Melting butter to toss the pierogis adds a luscious richness and prevents them from sticking together.
- Full-fat sour cream (1 cup): The star of the topping, sour cream balances the sweetness and adds a creamy tang that brightens the dish.
How to Make Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
Step 1: Make the Lazy Pierogi Dough
Begin by combining the farmer’s cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything until a somewhat sticky but workable dough forms. To make sure your dough has the right consistency, cook a tiny piece in boiling water — it should hold together without falling apart. If it’s too soft, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a spoonful at a time, to reach the perfect texture. This dough is the base of your lazy pierogi and sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Shape the Pierogis
Once your dough is ready, divide it into four equal parts for easier handling. Roll each piece into a long rope, about ½ inch thick, and then chop the rope into small bite-sized pieces. These piece-shaped pierogis are what make this recipe “lazy” — no filling to stuff or delicate folding to worry about, just simple, chewy, delicious dumpling nuggets.
Step 3: Cook the Pierogi
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully drop in the chopped dough pieces. They cook quickly, usually floating to the surface within about a minute. Once they float, scoop them out gently with a slotted spoon and immediately toss them with melted butter to keep that rich flavor and prevent sticking. This step is key to making the pierogis taste indulgent without any fuss.
Step 4: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture
While the pierogis cook, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and a little vanilla extract in a small bowl. This creamy, lightly sweetened sauce will become your favorite way to enjoy lazy pierogi — it’s like a cool, tangy counterpoint that perfectly complements the warm, buttery dumplings.
Step 5: Serve the Pierogi
To plate, simply spoon a generous amount of the sour cream mixture over the warm pierogis. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of your favorite jam or scattering fresh berries on top for a fruity burst. This step is all about personalizing your dish to your taste, making each bite a delightful surprise.
How to Serve Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your lazy pierogi experience with toppings that bring extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar can add a sweet touch, while toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts provide a satisfying crunch. Fresh herbs aren’t traditionally used here, but a light dusting of nutmeg or a few fresh mint leaves can add unexpected brightness.
Side Dishes
These pierogis work wonderfully as a standalone treat, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm fruit compotes or stewed apples on the side create a delightful balance and add a touch of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy pierogis.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, serve your lazy pierogi in small, individual bowls topped with a swirl of sour cream and a drizzle of honey or berry syrup. Alternatively, layer them in a shallow dish with alternating layers of the sour cream sauce and fresh berries for a visually stunning and delicious pierogi parfait that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover lazy pierogis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to maintain the best texture. They tend to mellow and develop even more flavor the next day, making them great for quick snacks or breakfast.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep these pierogis on hand for longer, freeze them before cooking for best results. Place the shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, cook straight from frozen, just extend the boiling time by a minute or so until they float.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed pierogis gently in a skillet with a little butter to bring back their lovely crisp edges and warm interiors, or warm them in boiling water briefly until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent rubberiness. Then serve again with fresh sour cream for a quick, comforting second round.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of farmer’s cheese?
Absolutely! While farmer’s cheese is traditional and gives the best texture, ricotta or even well-drained cottage cheese can be used as substitutes. Just make sure to press out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy dough.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy, especially in the farmer’s cheese and sour cream, so finding perfect vegan substitutes can be tricky. You might try vegan cream cheese or tofu for the filling and plant-based sour cream alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ significantly from the original.
How do I know if my dough has too much or too little flour?
The trick is to test-cook a small piece. If it falls apart in boiling water, you need to add more flour gradually. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape after cooking without being crumbly or sticky.
Can I prepare the sour cream mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sweetened sour cream sauce several hours ahead and keep it chilled. Give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated liquid, and it’ll be just as delicious.
What is the best way to serve leftover lazy pierogi?
For leftovers, pan-frying with a bit of butter until golden and crisp on the outside is a fantastic way to breathe new life into these pierogis. Serve with fresh sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicious snack or side.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe as much as I have. It’s exactly the kind of recipe that brings heartwarming comfort without hours in the kitchen, perfect for whenever you want that special homemade touch with a simple, speedy process. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these utterly scrumptious lazy pierogis — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi recipe is a simple and delicious take on traditional pierogi, combining farmer’s cheese with a quick dough that cooks in just minutes. These soft, sweet dumplings are boiled until tender, then tossed with melted butter and served with a luscious sweetened sour cream, perfect for a comforting treat or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Lazy Pierogi Dough
- 3 cups well-drained farmer’s cheese (tvorog), packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
For Cooking and Serving
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for sour cream mixture)
Instructions
- Make the Lazy Pierogi Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained farmer’s cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and flour. Mix until a dough forms. To test the texture, cook a small piece of dough in boiling water. If it falls apart, add more flour gradually until the dough holds together well.
- Shape the Pierogis: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into long ropes approximately ½ inch thick. Cut the ropes into ½-inch pieces to form the small dumplings.
- Cook the Pierogi: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the pierogi pieces into the boiling water. Once they float to the surface, cook for about 1 more minute to ensure they are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and toss immediately with the melted butter to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the full-fat sour cream with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This sweetened sour cream adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the pierogi.
- Serve the Pierogi: Plate the butter-coated lazy pierogi and spoon the sweetened sour cream over them. Alternatively, serve with jam or fresh berries for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the farmer’s cheese is well drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Adjust flour quantity as needed based on dough consistency; it should be pliable but not sticky.
- Lazy pierogi cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
- For a different twist, try serving with fruit preserves or fresh berries instead of sour cream.
- These pierogi are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
