Southern Style Pierogi Soup Recipe
Introduction
Southern Style Pierogi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender pierogies with flavorful vegetables and a creamy broth. This soup is perfect for warm family meals and offers a delightful twist on traditional pierogi flavors.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound frozen pierogies (preferably potato and cheese)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the garlic, red bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Gently add the frozen pierogies to the pot. Cook until they are tender and float to the top, about 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cooked chicken (if using). Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then stir in the fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or replace it with cooked mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat in your soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few pierogies against the side of the pot during cooking to release some starch.
- Fresh pierogies can be used instead of frozen, but reduce cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. For best texture, pierogies are best eaten fresh but will remain tasty after reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze Southern Style Pierogi Soup?
Freezing is possible but not ideal because the cream and pierogies may change texture. If you freeze the soup, separate the pierogies and add them fresh when reheating.
What type of pierogies work best in this soup?
Potato and cheese pierogies are traditional and work well, but you can experiment with other fillings like sauerkraut, mushroom, or meat depending on your preference.
PrintSouthern Style Pierogi Soup Recipe
This Southern Style Pierogi Soup combines hearty pierogies with a flavorful broth infused with smoked paprika, fresh vegetables, and optional shredded chicken. Creamy and comforting, it’s a perfect meal for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen pierogies (preferably potato and cheese)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat to prepare the base for the soup.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and release their sweetness.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Pierogies: Gently add the frozen pierogies to the pot. Cook until they become tender and float to the surface, about 10 minutes, ensuring they are heated through without breaking apart.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cooked chicken if using. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine all flavors and heat the chicken thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can use chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Frozen pierogies can vary in cooking time; watch for when they float to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.
- The soup can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Use smoked paprika for a distinctive smokey flavor, but regular paprika can be substituted if unavailable.
- Adding fresh parsley at the end enhances the presentation and adds a fresh herbal note.
Keywords: pierogi soup, southern style soup, creamy soup, chicken pierogi, vegetable soup, hearty soup

