If you’re craving the comforting, pillowy texture of traditional perogies but need a gluten-free option, this recipe is for you. These gluten-free perogies are made with a unique dough blend featuring cream-style cottage cheese and a mix of gluten-free flours and starches, delivering a soft, tender dough that’s surprisingly easy to work with. Plus, you get to customize the filling with your favorite savory or sweet options.
Whether you want classic mashed potato and cheese, caramelized onions, or even a creative veggie filling, these perogies will satisfy every craving. They’re perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a comforting, homemade Eastern European treat without the gluten.
Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Perogies
Traditional perogies often rely on wheat flour, which can be tricky for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This recipe uses a carefully crafted blend of brown rice flour, tapioca, potato starch, sweet rice flour, and xanthan gum for elasticity, making the dough pliable and easy to handle without gluten.
The addition of cream-style cottage cheese or sour cream adds moisture and richness, giving the dough a delicate softness that mimics classic perogies. Plus, this recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor your filling to your tastes or dietary preferences.
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Gluten-free and tender dough
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Easily adaptable fillings
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Simple ingredients and approachable technique
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Perfect balance of soft and chewy texture
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Great for holiday meals or weeknight dinners
Ingredients
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½ cup cream-style cottage cheese (or sour cream, start with ⅓ cup)
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¼ cup milk
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon oil
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½ cup brown rice flour
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¼ cup cornstarch
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¼ cup tapioca starch
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2 tablespoons potato starch
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2 tablespoons sweet rice flour
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1 teaspoon xanthan gum
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½ teaspoon salt
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Filling of your choice (mashed potatoes, cheese, onions, etc.)
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A little brown rice flour for sprinkling
Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a blender or food processor, blend the cream-style cottage cheese (or sour cream), egg, milk, and oil until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine brown rice flour, cornstarch, tapioca starch, potato starch, sweet rice flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms that is not too sticky.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough into a golf-ball-sized ball. Place it on a sheet of plastic wrap, cover it with another sheet, and roll out the dough thin—about 1/16 inch thick.
Step 5: Fill and Shape Perogies
Spoon your desired filling onto one half of the dough oval, leaving room at the edges. Wet the edges with water, fold the dough over to cover the filling, and press to seal tightly. Use a round cutter or your fingers to create a clean edge.
Step 6: Refrigerate
Place the formed perogies on a baking pan lined with a cloth or parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Step 7: Cook the Perogies
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop a few perogies in at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Once they float to the surface, cook for another minute, then remove with a slotted spoon.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm with melted butter, sour cream, caramelized onions, or your favorite sauce.
Variations
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Filling ideas: classic mashed potatoes and cheddar, sautéed mushrooms and onions, sauerkraut, or sweet fruit fillings like blueberries or cherries.
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Vegan option: use plant-based yogurt or cream cheese instead of cottage cheese, and a flax egg substitute.
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Crispy finish: After boiling, pan-fry the perogies in butter or oil until golden and crispy on the outside.
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Freezing: Freeze uncooked perogies on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for longer storage.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooked perogies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by gently pan-frying or microwaving. Uncooked perogies can be frozen on a tray, then stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months—cook from frozen by boiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have brown rice flour?
You can substitute with white rice flour but the dough texture may vary slightly.
Can I use regular flour instead?
Yes, but this recipe is designed to be gluten-free using specific flours and starches.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Use a light dusting of brown rice flour on your work surface and rolling pin.
Can I make perogies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate before boiling or freeze them for longer storage.
What fillings work best?
Mashed potatoes, cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, or even sweet fruit fillings.
How do I seal perogies properly?
Wet the edges with water, press firmly to seal, and crimp edges with a fork or your fingers.
Can I pan-fry perogies after boiling?
Yes, pan-frying adds a delicious crispy texture.
Are perogies dairy-free?
This recipe includes cottage cheese but can be adapted with vegan substitutes.
Why is xanthan gum used?
It acts as a binder and gives elasticity to gluten-free dough.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/16 inch thin to ensure it cooks through but holds filling well.
Conclusion
These gluten-free perogies made with cottage cheese dough are a delicious twist on a beloved comfort food. They offer a tender, soft texture and endless possibilities for fillings, making them a wonderful addition to any meal. With a bit of prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Enjoy the taste of tradition with a gluten-free flair!
Print
Gluten-Free Perogies with Creamy Cottage Cheese Dough
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 perogies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tender, gluten-free dough made with cream-style cottage cheese and a blend of gluten-free flours, filled with your choice of savory or sweet fillings.
Ingredients
½ cup cream-style cottage cheese (or sour cream, start with ⅓ cup)
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon oil
½ cup brown rice flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup tapioca starch
2 tablespoons potato starch
2 tablespoons sweet rice flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
½ teaspoon salt
Filling of choice (mashed potatoes, cheese, onions)
Brown rice flour for dusting
Instructions
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Blend cottage cheese, egg, milk, and oil until smooth.
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Mix dry ingredients in a stand mixer.
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Slowly add wet ingredients to dry, mix until dough forms.
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Roll dough thin between plastic wrap.
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Add filling to one half, fold and seal edges.
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Refrigerate perogies before cooking.
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Boil in salted water until they float, then cook 1 more minute.
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Serve warm with butter or sauce.
Notes
- Roll dough to 1/16 inch thickness.
- Keep work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking.
- Freeze uncooked perogies on a tray for longer storage.
- Optional pan-fry after boiling for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: main dish, dumplings
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Eastern European