Southwestern Style Pierogi Appetizers

If you like potato skins appetizers or mini potato bites I think you’re going to love this unique twist on pierogies. It works because the little dumplings are filled with mashed potatoes, so the addition of cheese, sour cream, and bacon make them even more delicious.

Make these easy appetizers for girls night in or serve them for happy hour. I even love to eat them for girl dinner!

Helpful Tips

• Use frozen pierogies. I like to use Mrs. T’s Pierogies because they’re a good size for appetizers and they’re very tasty. There are many varieties to choose from, but I like the classic cheddar or four cheese flavors for this recipe. Just follow the instructions on the box for heating them.
• Use a pastry brush to brush olive oil over the pierogies before cooking. It helps to give the dumplings a crisp crust to stand up to the toppings.
• Cook bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You want it crisp enough so it crumbles easily.
• As a time saver, you can purchase diced tomatoes and onions in the produce section, in clear clamshell containers.
• Shredding your own cheese is always the tastiest choice, but in this case it’s okay to use a good quality package of shredded cheese. If you buy cheddar, make sure it’s “fancy shredded” so it melts quicker and easier. Mexican blend is also a good choice.
• If you want to add a dipping salsa on the side, put it in a bowl with a small spoon so you can add a dollop on top. You don’t want to dip the dumplings into the bowl and potentially lose some toppings behind.

Serving Suggestions

I hope you’ll make these southwestern style pierogies – they’re kind of addictive! They would make a great appetizer for a western themed party, or football party food along with cowboy caviar.

Serve them as an accompaniment to southwestern style chili or white bean soup.

Round out a party appetizer spread with crunchy chicken taco cups and 7-layer Mexican dip.