As a child growing up in a Polish-American family, I discovered that the most memorable family tales were always told around a platter of hot pierogi.
With my Polish Kielbasa Stuffed Pierogi Wreath, I’m giving this beloved comfort dish a Christmas twist today, making it a perfect Christmas Pierogi recipe or even a holiday appetizer with a Polish twist.
Wrapped in a soft, buttery dough, this show-stopper blends the richness of melted cheddar, the tartness of sauerkraut, and the hearty smokiness of kielbasa.
Pierogi are often boiled, but this baked variation produces a beautiful golden crust that’s ideal for entertaining during the holidays.
And the creamy horseradish dip? It adds just the right kick to elevate these hand-held delights from homey to extraordinary.
Dough Ingredients (Authentic flavors of Polish Christmas recipe)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, with extra for dusting and rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream (adds tenderness to the dough)
- A quarter cup of melted butter (melted until smooth and cooled slightly)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Kielbasa Filling
- 1/2 pound kielbasa, finely chopped (smoked or fresh, as per your preference)
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and finely chopped – perfect for a holiday pierogi wreath
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional, for added freshness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Horseradish Dip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust based on desired heat)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or dill for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: Put the flour and salt in a big bowl and whisk the melted butter, sour cream, and egg together in a separate small bowl until smooth. Stir the flour until it begins to come together after adding the wet ingredients.
- Knead the Dough: Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and pliable. The dough should be soft and flexible, but if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for at least half an hour at room temperature after covering it with plastic wrap. The gluten is able to relax as a result, which facilitates rolling out and shaping the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Kielbasa Filling
- Cook the Onion and Kielbasa: Add a little oil to a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped onion for about five minutes, or until it becomes transparent. Add the chopped kielbasa and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until fragrant and gently browned.
- Add Sauerkraut and Cheese: Take the skillet off of the burner and let it to cool a little. Add the cheddar cheese, chopped sauerkraut, and fresh dill (if using) and stir. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper based on taste. There should be a harmony of tanginess from the sauerkraut and smokiness from the kielbasa in the stuffing.
- Cool the Filling: Before putting the pierogi wreath together, let the filling cool fully. This prevents the filling from making the dough soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the Festive Pierogi Wreath
- Roll Out the Dough: To make handling the dough easier, I suggest dividing it in half. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Cut out circles with a glass or cookie cutter that is round and about 3 inches in diameter.
- Fill the Pierogi: In the center of each circle, put roughly 1 teaspoon of the chilled filling. Fold the dough over and firmly press the sides together to form a half-moon. Using a fork, pinch the edges together to create a tight seal.
- Arrange in a Wreath Shape: Start arranging the pierogi in a circle on a baking sheet coated with parchment paper, slightly overlapping to make a wreath. Keep going until the ring is completely formed, rearranging the pierogi as necessary to achieve a uniform shape.
- Brush with Butter: Melt a bit of butter and brush it generously over the pierogi wreath. This will add flavor and help achieve a beautiful golden crust that suits the overall christmas theme.
Step 4: Bake the Pierogi Wreath
- Preheating the Oven: Set the oven’s temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Put the pierogi wreath into the oven that has been warmed and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is brown and the edges of the pierogi are crisped. To ensure consistent baking, turn the pan halfway through.
Step 5: Preparing the traditional horseradish dip served with Christmas pierogi
- Mixing The Ingredients: As the pierogi wreath bakes, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a separate bowl.
- Seasoning & Garnishing: Season to taste and garnish with salt and pepper. For a bit of color, garnish with freshly chopped chives or dill to make it christmas worthy.
Step 6: Serving the Kielbasa-Stuffed Pierogi Wreath with Creamy Horseradish Dip
- Presentation: Place the pierogi wreath on a serving platter and put a small bowl of the creamy horseradish dip in the center (a Polish Christmas potluck idea). For added color, you can garnish the wreath with sprigs of fresh dill or rosemary.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and dip each pierogi in the creamy horseradish dip. The crispy, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the smoky, cheesy filling, and the tangy dip adds just the right kick!
Tips for the Best Pierogi Wreath
- Seal Tightly: To prevent filling from leaking out when baking, make sure the pierogi’s edges are securely sealed.
- Add Your Own Twist: Try incorporating a small amount of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the filling for a stronger taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The wreath may be put together a day ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator and when you’re ready to serve, simply bake.
This Kielbasa-Stuffed Pierogi Wreath combines the festive appeal of a wreath with the flavors of traditional pierogi, making it a distinctive and beautiful addition to any holiday table.
Final Thoughts
This Pierogi Wreath recipe is a celebration of how classic recipes may change without losing their essence, not just a recipe.
Pierogi’s comforting familiarity becomes a striking focal point that pays homage to its modest beginnings while fostering new memories at your christmas table.
Every taste strikes the ideal balance between tradition and creativity, whether you’re preparing it for a special christmas family dinner or sharing it at a holiday get-together.
The best part? You can prep it ahead, leaving you free to enjoy your Christmas, what matters most – the joyful moments with loved ones as they gather around this golden wreath of deliciousness.
