Heart-Healthy Cheese Pierogi

Discover a delightful twist on a classic comfort food with these Heart-Healthy Cheese Pierogi! Made with wholesome whole wheat flour, this recipe offers a nutritious upgrade without sacrificing the rich, indulgent flavors you love. The filling combines reduced-fat ricotta, feta, and mozzarella cheeses with fresh spinach and a touch of garlic for a creamy, flavorful bite in every pierogi. Perfectly balanced for healthy eating, these pierogi are boiled to tender perfection, with an optional light pan-fry for a golden, slightly crisp finish. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this recipe is a heart-smart option that pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you're looking to lighten up your dinner table or impress with a healthier take on traditional cheese pierogi, this dish delivers on all fronts—flavor, nutrition, and comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.75 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup Reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.5 cup Reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 8 cups Water (for boiling)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.

Step 2

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add 0.75 cup of water, olive oil, and the egg.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.

Step 4

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes.

Step 6

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling by combining the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl.

Step 7

Mix the filling ingredients until well combined and set aside.

Step 8

Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.

Step 9

Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut circles out of the dough.

Step 10

Place about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.

Step 11

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal.

Step 12

Bring 8 cups of water to a gentle boil in a large pot.

Step 13

Add the pierogi in batches to the boiling water. Cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 14

Remove the cooked pierogi from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 15

Optional: For a crispy finish, lightly pan-fry the boiled pierogi in a non-stick skillet with a touch of olive oil until golden brown.

Step 16

Serve warm with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2918.2 grams (2918.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1992

Total Fat 95.50g	122%
Saturated Fat 42.00g	210%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 430mg	143%
Sodium 4282mg	186%
Total Carbohydrate 198.50g	72%
Dietary Fiber 31.20g	111%
Total Sugars 11.60g
Protein 99.80g	200%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 1749mg	135%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 1777mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 38.7%