When the winter chill envelops the world outside, I often find solace in the kitchen, particularly when it comes to comfort food. Just last week, I felt that familiar tug of nostalgia and warmth as I crafted Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits. The vibrant orange sweet potatoes, infused with sharp cheddar, wrapped in tender, buttery dough, create a cozy hug for your palate. And let’s not forget the crispy bacon bits and the aromatic pan sauce that elevate this dish to new heights.
This recipe is not just another meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort that transforms chilly evenings into something special. With each bite, you’ll experience that delightful contrast of creamy and crunchy, making it a perfect dish for gathering with loved ones or simply enjoying a quiet night in. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, these pierogi are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Are you ready to dive into this delightful culinary adventure?
Why will you love Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits?
Comforting and satisfying, this dish wraps creamy sweet potatoes and sharp cheddar in a delightful, buttery shell. Easy to make, the simple dough and filling can be prepared in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Impressive yet homestyle, serve these at a gathering, and they’ll steal the show! Adaptable to dietary preferences, you can easily swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Plus, freezable for meal prep, they’re a perfect way to save time without sacrificing flavor. Elevate your winter evenings with this cozy recipe that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia!
Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi Ingredients
• Discover how simple ingredients come together to create these delightful pierogi!
For the Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the pierogi dough; you can swap with whole wheat flour for a earthier flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of your dough.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and a wonderful taste to your dough.
• Plain Full-Fat Greek Yogurt – Keeps the dough moist with a slight tang; sour cream can be a good substitute.
• Large Egg – Acts as a binding agent for your dough, helping it to hold together.
For the Filling
• Sweet Potatoes – The star of the filling, offering a creamy, sweet base; bake or use an Instant Pot for convenience.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Imparts a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth and a touch of savory to your filling.
• Black Pepper – Enhances the dish’s flavor profile with a hint of spice.
For the Topping
• Thick-Cut Bacon – Delivers salty, crisp bites of flavor; make sure to cook it to a perfect crisp for the best texture.
• Additional Salted Butter – Used in the sauce to toss your cooked pierogi, enriching their flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Rosemary – Introduces aromatic herbal notes to your pan sauce.
• Chili Flakes – Infuses the dish with a gentle heat to balance the flavors.
With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to crafting the most delightful Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits that wraps every winter evening in warmth and flavor!
How to Make Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi
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Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, melted butter, Greek yogurt, and egg. Knead the mixture for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes, allowing the gluten to relax.
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Prepare the Filling: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them until tender, about 50-60 minutes. Once cool, peel and mash the sweet potatoes. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Form Pierogi: Roll out the rested dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut out 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Place about 2 teaspoons of the potato filling in the center of each circle. Brush the edges with water and fold over to seal, ensuring no filling escapes.
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Cooking Options: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pierogi in batches, cooking until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them well.
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Make Sauce: In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove excess fat, then add a couple of tablespoons of salted butter and chopped rosemary to the skillet, cooking until the butter is browned. Sprinkle in chili flakes for an aromatic kick.
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Combine: Toss the cooked pierogi in the fragrant pan sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Serve them hot and top with extra cheddar and crispy bacon bits for a delightful finish.
Optional: Drizzle with additional melted butter before serving for extra richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste buds and dietary needs for a delightful twist!
- Cheese Swap: Try using gouda or mozzarella for a creamier texture. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor note to the filling.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a savory umami flair. The mushrooms will add depth without losing that satisfying bite.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh chives or dill to the filling for an aromatic lift. These herbs complement sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or increase the chili flakes in the sauce. This can elevate the flavor profile and give you that extra zing!
- Different Fillings: Experiment with other fillings like roasted butternut squash or spinach and ricotta. These variations can turn your pierogi into new and exciting meals.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities without losing the authentic pierogi experience.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted walnuts or pecans into the filling for a delightful crunch. The nuttiness pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes and cheese.
Dive into these variations and make this comforting dish uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling and the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just mash the sweet potatoes and mix in the cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then refrigerate the filling in an airtight container. The dough can also be made and chilled; be sure to cover it well while it rests. When you’re ready to enjoy your pierogi, roll out the dough, fill them, and cook directly from the fridge or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply boil the frozen pierogi, then toss them in the buttery bacon sauce, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dinner with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi
- Dough Care: Cover your pierogi dough with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out too quickly, which ensures a tender texture.
- Par-Freeze: To make meal prep easier, consider par-freezing pierogi before cooking. Just boil from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until crispy to enhance flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking to maintain its delightful crunch in the dish.
- Filling Flavor: Always taste your sweet potato filling after mixing in the cheddar. Adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance in your Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits.
- Cooking in Batches: When boiling, work in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking for each pierogi.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs in the filling for a unique twist, adding your personal touch to this comforting dish.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits?
Cozying up with a plate of pierogi is truly a delightful experience, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal even further.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness and crispy texture of roasted Brussels sprouts balance the creaminess of the pierogi, adding depth to your meal. Tossed in a bit of balsamic glaze, they amplify the flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Butter Green Beans: Fresh, sautéed green beans topped with garlic butter provide a pop of color and a crisp bite, enhancing the dish’s overall freshness. Their vibrant taste complements the rich pierogi too.
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Apple Cider Slaw: This refreshing slaw brings a sweet-tart crunch with a touch of apple cider vinegar and crisp apples. It’s a perfect contrast to the tender pierogi and offers a bright flavor push.
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Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Another bacon-inspired side, this dish combines the savoriness of bacon with fresh asparagus, tying back to the flavors in the pierogi while adding an appealing textural variety.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup: A warm bowl of mushroom soup provides a silky, earthy companion to your pierogi. The creaminess of the soup melds well with the rich flavors in each bite, warming you from the inside out.
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Cherry Tomatoes with Basil: Fresh cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with basil can serve as a light and refreshing side option. Their juiciness contrasts nicely with the savory pierogi for a well-rounded meal.
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Chardonnay or Riesling: A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Riesling makes for a delightful pairing, enhancing the savory and sweet notes of your pierogi while bringing a refreshing acidity to the table.
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Warm Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp with yogurt or cream brings cozy sweetness to close your meal. The warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of apples resonate beautifully after savoring your main dish.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi
- Room Temperature: It’s best to serve pierogi fresh, but if you have leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Fridge: Store cooked pierogi in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter until warmed through and crispy.
- Freezer: Uncooked pierogi can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat cooked pierogi in a skillet on medium heat, tossing with a bit of butter to restore their delightful texture. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits again with that just-made taste!
Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits Recipe FAQs
What type of sweet potatoes should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin without any dark spots or blemishes. The best choice would be orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, as they offer the perfect sweetness and creaminess for your pierogi filling.
How should I store leftover pierogi?
Cooked Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a skillet with a little butter to bring back that crispy texture. If you plan on saving them for longer, freeze any uncooked pierogi.
Can I freeze uncooked pierogi, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can! To freeze uncooked pierogi, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen by boiling in salted water until they float to the top.
What if my pierogi dough is too dry or too sticky?
If your dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water or melted butter to improve the consistency. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you achieve a workable dough. Knead gently and ensure the dough is smooth and pliable.
Are these pierogi suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! You can easily modify the recipe by omitting the bacon and replacing it with sautéed mushrooms or even some sautéed spinach for added flavor and texture without losing that comforting vibe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to match.
How can I adjust the filling for allergies or dietary preferences?
For those with lactose intolerance, you can swap the shredded cheddar for a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it. To heighten the flavor without cheese, consider adding nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This keeps your Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits delightful while catering to various dietary needs.
Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, melted butter, Greek yogurt, and egg. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and mash. Mix in the cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out the rested dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 3-inch circles. Place about 2 teaspoons of filling in the center, brush edges with water, and fold over to seal.
- Bring salted water to boil. Drop in pierogi, cooking until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove excess fat, then add butter and rosemary, cooking until the butter is browned. Sprinkle in chili flakes.
- Toss cooked pierogi in the pan sauce and serve hot; top with extra cheddar and crispy bacon bits.