Southern Style Pierogi Soup – Creamy, Smoky, Weeknight Winner

Southern Style Pierogi Soup is the ultimate bowl of cozy. Imagine a heartwarming fusion of creamy Southern comfort and Polish soul food, all in one spoonful. It starts with pillowy pierogi, those little Eastern European dumplings we love, but we give ’em a southern spin—think smoky kielbasa, creamy potatoes, and that thick, rich broth that just hugs your insides.

And yep, it’s weeknight-friendly! If you’ve got a bag of frozen pierogi and 40-ish minutes, you’re in business. Whether you’re wrangling kids, recovering from a Monday, or just craving a little carb therapy, this dish delivers. Bonus: it reheats like a dream. Oh, and did I mention it’s versatile? Skip the meat for a veg version or throw in some extra veggies. You do you.

Table of Contents

What is Southern Style Pierogi Soup?

Southern Style Pierogi Soup is what happens when Midwest meets the South in your kitchen. Traditional pierogi—those tender dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and cheese—are simmered in a broth that’s richer and creamier than your grandma’s gravy.

But here’s the twist: we add smoky kielbasa, velvety potatoes, and classic Southern spices like smoked paprika. It’s not quite stew, not quite chowder—more like a creamy, dreamy in-between that feels like a big ol’ hug. Think of it as the culinary version of sweatpants and your favorite blanket. If you’ve never had pierogi in soup form before, this is your sign from the soup gods to go for it. It’s savory, satisfying, and honestly, way too easy to love.

Reasons to Try Southern Style Pierogi Soup

Why try Southern Style Pierogi Soup? For starters, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if the laundry says otherwise. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, but comforting enough to pass as self-care.

Got picky eaters? This soup hides veggies like a champ. Busy weeknight? It goes from pot to table in about an hour. Bonus points if you’re feeding a mixed crowd—meat-lovers, vegetarians (just skip the kielbasa), and everyone in between can customize it. Plus, frozen pierogi are just sitting in your grocery store freezer aisle waiting to be the star. If you’re already a fan of creamy soups like our Easy Cabbage Roll Soup, this one’s a no-brainer.

Ingredients Needed to Make Southern Style Pierogi Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup kielbasa, sliced (optional for vegetarians)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen pierogi (cheddar or potato filled)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Instructions to Make Southern Style Pierogi Soup

Making Southern Style Pierogi Soup is easier than trying to keep your favorite socks from mysteriously disappearing in the laundry. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it’s nice and soft—about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it get fragrant (about 1 minute). Your kitchen will already smell amazing.

Simmer the Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This is where the magic starts. Add in your diced potatoes and kielbasa (if using), and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Add the Creaminess

Now for the comfort: stir in the heavy cream, frozen pierogi, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer for another 10–15 minutes, until the pierogi are soft and cozy.

Adjust and Serve

Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Then ladle into bowls and top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot, preferably with a hunk of crusty bread or some Loaded Baked Potato Casserole on the side for the full comfort food effect.

What to Serve with Southern Style Pierogi Soup

Honestly, this soup is a meal in itself—but if you’re feeling extra, a buttery biscuit or hunk of sourdough wouldn’t hurt. For something green, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness. Want to keep the comfort train going? Serve with Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa for a pierogi-themed feast. If you’re cooking for guests, pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans to round things out. And hey, no one’s judging if you follow it up with a slice of pie or No-Bake Grinch Mousse Pie—we’re here for the full cozy experience.

Key Tips for Making Southern Style Pierogi Soup

Tip #1: Use frozen pierogi—don’t overthink it. They’re the shortcut ingredient you didn’t know you needed. Tip #2: If you’re vegetarian, skip the kielbasa and toss in extra veggies like diced carrots or bell peppers. Tip #3: Stir gently after adding the pierogi so they don’t break apart (they’re softies). Tip #4: Want a thicker soup? Mash a few of the cooked potatoes with the back of your spoon. Tip #5: Smoked paprika adds that Southern “oomph,” so don’t skimp on it. And remember—taste as you go! It’s your soup, your rules.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Southern Style Pierogi Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight—like magic. When reheating on the stove, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up; the potatoes tend to soak up the liquid while sitting. Microwave? Totally fine too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid overcooking the pierogi. Freezing isn’t ideal because the cream can separate and pierogi can get a little mushy, but hey, if you must—use a freezer-safe container and eat within a month. Your future self will thank you.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pierogi?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the soup.

Is it spicy?
Not at all. It’s smoky and savory, but kid-friendly. Add a pinch of cayenne if you want to turn up the heat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but wait to add the pierogi and cream until the last 30 minutes so they don’t turn to mush.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just know it may slightly change the flavor.

How do I make it thicker?
Mash some of the potatoes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry during the final simmer.

Final Thoughts

Southern Style Pierogi Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s creamy, hearty, and just fancy enough to impress guests without stressing you out. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or cozying up solo, it’s a recipe that hits all the right notes. And if this comfort classic speaks your love language, don’t miss other soul-warming dishes like our Taco Pierogi Casserole or One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi. Add it to your dinner rotation—you won’t regret it.

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