If you adore the rich, comforting flavors of classic pierogies, then get ready to fall in love with this incredible **Loaded Pierogi Soup**! This ingenious recipe captures every beloved taste of those traditional Ukrainian dumplings – from the creamy potatoes to the savory bacon and tangy sour cream – but without the hours of effort spent pinching dough. I’ve masterfully transformed all the goodness of loaded pierogies into a truly creamy, deeply satisfying, and unbelievably delicious soup. It’s surprisingly quick and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a weekend treat.

Imagine a velvety broth brimming with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, soft cabbage, and perfectly fried onions, all finished with a dollop of sour cream. This soup isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hearty, fulfilling meal in itself, designed to warm you from the inside out. You get all the authentic pierogi flavors in a convenient, spoon-friendly form, making it an instant classic for any comfort food enthusiast.

This pierogi-inspired soup is the epitome of comfort food, ideal for chasing away the chill on a brisk autumn or winter day, yet delightful enough to enjoy year-round. It’s wonderfully versatile, serving as a perfect hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner. Looking for a unique idea for Father’s Day or a special family gathering? This soup is a surefire hit! Furthermore, it’s an ideal recipe for those busy days when time is a precious commodity. It can be prepared ahead of time, utilizes common pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand, and can be whipped up in approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. This very recipe was the inspiration behind my popular Creamy Zucchini Potato Soup! And for more warming and wholesome ideas, don’t forget to explore my extensive collection of Healthy Fall Soup recipes!

🍒Reader Review

“This soup is so easy and a huge hit in our house by everyone!! Definitely a cold day staple!~⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Nicky, Pinterest Follower

Why this Recipe Works!

This Loaded Pierogi Soup isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a smartly designed recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why it consistently yields fantastic results:

• Captures Essential Pierogi Flavors: At its core, this recipe brilliantly focuses on the signature taste components of loaded pierogies: the creamy, starchy potatoes, the smoky savory bacon, the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, and the bright, cooling touch of sour cream. By expertly blending these elements into a harmonious soup, it provides an authentic taste experience without the intricate process of forming individual dumplings. It’s a concentrated flavor bomb of everything you love about pierogies.
• Offers Culinary Variety: While staying true to the distinct flavor profile of pierogies, this soup provides a fresh and exciting way to enjoy them. It diversifies how you experience these beloved ingredients, transforming them into a warm, creamy, and comforting bowl. The combination of bacon, cabbage, potatoes, and sour cream works synergistically to encapsulate the very essence of traditional pierogies, making each spoonful a delightful echo of the classic.
• Remarkably Quick & Easy: Forget the hours of kneading, rolling, and pinching! This recipe streamlines the entire pierogi experience into a dish that comes together in about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort but are short on time.
• Utilizes Common Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. This soup relies on readily available ingredients found in any grocery store, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. This convenience makes it a go-to recipe for spontaneous meal planning.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Don’t let the “soup” title fool you. Thanks to the potatoes, bacon, and cheese, this is an incredibly filling and satisfying meal. It’s robust enough to stand on its own, easily fending off hunger with its rich texture and flavor.

🥘 Ingredient Notes

Crafting a delicious Loaded Pierogi Soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. I aimed to keep this recipe lighter without sacrificing flavor, so you won’t need heavy cream. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Butter: I always opt for unsalted butter in my recipes. This allows me complete control over the total salt content in the dish. Different brands of salted butter can vary significantly in their sodium levels, so starting with unsalted butter ensures your soup is seasoned exactly to your preference.
• Potatoes: The choice of potato is crucial for the soup’s texture. For a wonderfully thick and creamy consistency, I highly recommend using Russet potatoes. Their high starch content breaks down beautifully, contributing to a naturally rich base. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice if you prefer an even creamier and silkier texture, as they also have a good starch level but a finer grain.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the savory base of your soup. You have a few options here:
  • Use a high-quality store-bought chicken broth for convenience.
  • For an even richer flavor, homemade chicken stock is always superior.
  • If you’re short on broth, you can easily substitute water combined with chicken bouillon granules or cubes. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a vital smoky and savory element that is quintessential to “loaded” pierogi flavors. I personally use Costco’s pre-cooked bacon for its convenience, saving time and reducing mess. However, any type of bacon works wonderfully. Feel free to use thick-cut, regular, or even a smoked bacon variety for an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to cook it until crispy and drain off excess grease before chopping.
• Milk: To achieve a lovely creamy texture without making the soup overly heavy, I typically use 1% milk, as it’s what I usually have on hand. However, feel free to use 2%, skim, or whole milk depending on your preference and dietary needs. The richer the milk, the creamier the soup will be.
• Cheddar Cheese: The cheese is a star in a loaded pierogi dish. I strongly suggest using sharp or old cheddar cheese. These varieties provide the best depth of flavor and melt beautifully into the soup, creating a rich, savory backbone. Mild cheddar, while fine, won’t offer the same robust taste. A crucial tip: avoid pre-shredded cheeses. They often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which prevent them from melting smoothly and can give your soup a slightly grainy texture. Always grate your own cheese from a block for the best results.
• Cabbage: A subtle sweetness and tender texture. Any green cabbage works well.
• Sour Cream: This is the signature tangy finish that rounds out the pierogi flavor profile, adding a delightful creaminess and a hint of acidity.
• Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour helps to slightly thicken the soup base when combined with the pureed vegetables and milk.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational savory flavor of the soup. Freshly diced onions and minced garlic are key for a fragrant and robust start.

📖 Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this Loaded Pierogi Soup is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions to consider:

• Dill Power: Fresh dill is a hallmark of Ukrainian cuisine and adds a wonderful aromatic note. If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, dried dill is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so you’ll only need about half the amount (e.g., ½ teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh).
• Celery Options: Celery seed provides a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you can’t find celery seed or prefer a fresher taste, finely chopped fresh celery can be added along with the onions in Step 1. It will add a lovely crunch and freshness to the soup.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes along with the onions and garlic. You can also finish individual bowls with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a personalized kick.
• Bacon Alternatives & Inclusion:
  • If you prefer a completely smooth soup and want the bacon flavor integrated throughout, you can add the cooked and chopped bacon directly with the vegetables before pureeing them. This is a great option if you have dental sensitivities, as mentioned, or simply prefer a uniform texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when sautéing the onions to introduce a lovely smoky depth that mimics bacon’s savoriness.
  • For other protein boosts, consider adding cooked and crumbled sausage, diced ham, or even smoked tofu for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan:
  • **Vegetarian:** As noted above, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
  • **Vegan:** Omit bacon, use vegetable broth, and replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the milk, use a plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or soy), and swap sour cream for a vegan sour cream substitute. Ensure your cheddar cheese is also a plant-based shredded cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (look for one designed for thickening sauces) or use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry for thickening.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables during the simmering stage for extra nutrition and flavor. Carrots, parsnips, or even a small amount of bell pepper would be delicious additions.

Experiment with these ideas to make this Loaded Pierogi Soup uniquely yours!

🔪How to Make Pierogi Soup

Creating this delightful Loaded Pierogi Soup is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect bowl every time:

1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics. In a large, sturdy saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using garlic, add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning, which can make it bitter.

2. Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables. To the sautéed onions (and garlic), add the peeled and diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, celery seed (if using), and the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Cook until all the vegetables, especially the potatoes, are fork-tender and easily mashed. This ensures a smooth puree later.

3. Step 3: Prepare the Bacon. While the vegetables are simmering, it’s time to cook your bacon. If you’re using pre-cooked bacon, you can quickly heat it in the microwave or briefly crisp it in a skillet on the stovetop. For raw bacon, cook it in a separate pan until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb as much grease as possible. This step is crucial for flavor and texture. Once cooled slightly, chop the bacon into small, but not too fine, pieces (refer to the photo for ideal size). Set aside a small amount for garnish, if desired.

4. Step 4: Prepare Vegetables for Pureeing. Using a large slotted spoon or a spider strainer, carefully remove about two-thirds of the tender cooked vegetables from the saucepan, leaving the broth behind. Transfer these removed vegetables to a food processor or a high-speed blender. This partial removal ensures a creamy base while still leaving some textural elements in the soup.

5. Step 5: Create the Creamy Base. To the vegetables in your food processor or blender, add the flour, milk, and sour cream. Puree the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. For best results and to avoid overloading your appliance, it’s often best to puree in two batches. If you are lucky enough to own an immersion blender, you can skip transferring the vegetables and simply puree them directly in the pot with the broth (you may wish to remove a small portion of vegetables first if you prefer a less thick soup, or if you want some chunkier bits).

   *If you desire a soup that is absolutely silken and smooth, you can add the cooked and chopped bacon to the food processor at this stage and puree it along with the vegetables and dairy.

6. Step 6: Finish and Serve. Return the smooth vegetable puree to the saucepan with the remaining broth and vegetables. Stir well to combine. Next, add the grated cheddar cheese and the chopped bacon (if not pureed in Step 5). Gently reheat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the soup is warmed through. Be careful not to boil, as this can cause the sour cream to curdle. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. This is also the perfect time to stir in about a tablespoon of fresh chopped dill, which adds a vibrant, authentic Ukrainian flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with additional bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and, if desired, a little extra grated cheese and/or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish.

Expert Recipe Tips

Achieving the perfect Loaded Pierogi Soup is easy with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your soup is creamy, flavorful, and a consistent crowd-pleaser:

• Proper Cooling for Storage: It’s vital for food safety and flavor preservation that you **never refrigerate soup while it is still hot**. Large temperature changes can lead to oxidation and acidification, which can cause your delicious soup to taste sour or off. Allow the soup to cool down at room temperature for no more than 1-2 hours (divide into smaller containers to speed up cooling if necessary) before transferring it to the fridge.
• Choose the Right Potatoes for Creaminess: The type of potato you use significantly impacts the soup’s texture. Russet potatoes, with their high starch content, are ideal for thickening the soup naturally and creating a hearty, robust body. If you’re aiming for an even silkier, smoother consistency, Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic alternative. They offer a creamy texture with a slightly buttery flavor.
• Utilize Pre-Shredded Cabbage for Convenience: Save yourself valuable prep time by opting for a pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store. It delivers the same great cabbage flavor and tender texture as fresh cabbage but with minimal chopping effort, getting you to a comforting bowl of soup even faster.
• Adjusting Soup Thickness – Too Thick? If, after pureeing and reheating, your soup turns out thicker than you prefer, don’t worry! Simply thin it out by stirring in a little extra chicken broth or milk, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Adjusting Soup Thickness – Too Thin? Conversely, if your soup is too thin, you have a couple of easy fixes. You can stir in a tablespoon or two of instant mashed potato flakes (they absorb liquid and thicken without altering flavor much) or create a simple slurry. To make a slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
• Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy: Once you’ve added the sour cream (and milk), avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil. High heat can cause dairy products to curdle, resulting in an unappealing texture. Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt unevenly and sometimes result in a slightly gritty texture. For the creamiest, best-tasting soup, always grate your own cheddar cheese from a block.

🥗 What to serve with Loaded Perogy Soup

This Loaded Pierogi Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. I find that a fresh salad or a crusty piece of bread are perfect complements, offering a balance of textures and flavors. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Fresh Salads: A vibrant, light salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich and creamy soup. My refreshing Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad (shown in the photo below) is an excellent choice, offering sweetness and crunch. Alternatively, this wholesome Kale Salad with Cranberries and Feta adds a touch of earthy goodness and tang.

For those who love to dip, a good bread is essential. Try it with my low-carb Everything Bagel Cloud Bread, which offers a light and airy texture with savory seasonings. If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent and traditional, a slice of my homemade Bread Machine Onion & Olive Bread would be divine, with its savory notes complementing the soup beautifully. This soup also pairs exceptionally well with my crisp and flavorful Bread Machine Italian Breadsticks (shown below), perfect for scooping up every last drop of that creamy goodness.

👪 Serving Size

This easy pierogi soup recipe is designed to yield 6 satisfying servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a few days of delicious leftovers. However, in my household, this soup is such a runaway hit that my family is absolutely crazy for it! As such, I frequently find myself tripling the recipe to ensure there’s enough for everyone and maybe a little extra for the next day.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can effortlessly double or even triple the recipe to accommodate more guests or larger appetites. Simply click on the **serving number** displayed in the recipe card below, and then select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust themselves, taking the guesswork out of scaling the recipe. It’s that easy to customize for any gathering!

🌡️Storage

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of this pierogi soup for days to come. Here are the best ways to store it:

• Refrigeration: Once completely cooled (follow the expert tip about cooling hot soup properly), transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
• Make Ahead: This soup is an excellent candidate for making in advance. You can prepare the entire recipe a few days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

🔢WW Points

For those tracking with Weight Watchers, this creamy and satisfying Loaded Pierogi Soup comes in at 10 WW points per serving when made with low-fat cheese, light sour cream, and real bacon. You can further reduce the WW points and make it even more diet-friendly by opting for fat-free sour cream and substituting turkey bacon for traditional bacon. These simple swaps allow you to enjoy all the delicious flavor with fewer points!

❔Recipe FAQ’s

Have questions about making this delightful Loaded Pierogi Soup? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you along the way:

Comments & Reviews

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