Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos: The Ultimate Comfort Food with Kielbasa, Sauerkraut, and Beer Cheese

An ode to my favorite city! Whether you call Pittsburgh home, have moved away, or simply adore visiting, this recipe for Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos will transport the vibrant flavors and spirit of the Steel City straight to your kitchen. Featuring crispy fried pierogies, savory kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, and a velvety homemade beer cheese sauce, it’s a culinary celebration you won’t want to miss.

This post is in partnership with Mrs. T’s Pierogies.

Pittsburgh’s Undying Love Affair with Pierogies

There are few foods that capture the heart and soul of Pittsburgh quite like the pierogy. For us, it’s more than just a dumpling; it’s a cultural icon, a beloved comfort food, and a staple of every Pittsburgher’s upbringing. The passion runs deep, and you can see it everywhere you look:

The Great Pierogi Race: Attend a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, and after the 5th inning, you’ll witness a tradition unlike any other. Larger-than-life pierogy mascots (Potato Pete, Jalapeño Hannah, Cheese Chester, Sauerkraut Saul, Oliver Onion, and Bacon Burt) sprint around the warning track in a beloved race. It’s pure Pittsburgh joy, and yes, I own a t-shirt proudly proclaiming, “I’m here for the pierogies!”
Lenten Fish Fries: During Lent, Catholic churches and fire halls across Pittsburgh host weekly fish fries, and pierogies are always a star on the menu. They’re served by the thousands, smothered in butter and onions, and are an indispensable part of this cherished community tradition.
Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival: Imagine a day dedicated solely to pierogies! This annual festival brings together countless vendors, from traditional to gourmet, offering every imaginable pierogy variation. It’s a gathering where everyone unites to celebrate and indulge in their favorite doughy delights until they can’t eat another bite.
Dedicated Pierogy Establishments: We boast restaurants and even food trucks specializing exclusively in pierogies. From classic boiled and fried to innovative, gourmet fillings and toppings, these spots are a testament to the pierogy’s versatility and popularity.
Grocery Store Guidance: Walk into any Pittsburgh grocery store, and you won’t have to hunt for pierogies. There’s often a specific sign above the freezer aisle, proudly proclaiming “Pierogies” to guide you directly to our beloved pasta pockets.
A Childhood Staple: If you grew up in Pittsburgh, you grew up eating pierogies. They were a regular feature at family dinners, holidays, and special occasions. It’s nearly impossible to find a native Pittsburgher who doesn’t have fond memories of enjoying them.

The Inspiration: Game Day Cravings and Pittsburgh Pride

The inspiration for these Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos truly struck during hockey season. When the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the playoffs, the city comes alive with an electrifying energy. The arena often sets up large outdoor screens so fans without tickets can still gather, cheer, and immerse themselves in the game-day atmosphere. I remember attending one of these outdoor watch parties with a friend, and as the evening chill set in, our thoughts inevitably turned to food.

We started discussing dinner options, and within minutes, a powerful pierogy craving hit us. We hoped the local pierogy food truck would be there, ready to dish out our favorite comfort food. Unfortunately, it wasn’t, which only intensified our desire for those delicious, potato-filled dumplings. When a pierogy craving strikes and the food truck is nowhere in sight, my natural response is to recreate that satisfaction in my own kitchen.

With Pittsburgh weather often oscillating between brisk winter and early spring, outdoor screens aren’t always feasible. That’s when the warmth of the living room, a big screen TV, and the roar of the crowd (even if it’s just on the TV) become the perfect setting for cheering on the Pens. And what’s a hockey game without an epic spread of snacks? Specifically, what’s a game night without nachos? But not just any nachos – Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos, to be precise.

From Dinner Staple to Snack Sensation: The Fried Pierogy Base

Growing up, my mom prepared pierogies almost every week. They were typically boiled or pan-fried until golden, then served simply with a generous topping of caramelized onions in butter – a classic, heartwarming dinner. But pierogies are incredibly versatile, far beyond just a main course. Did you know they make an absolutely fantastic snack?

That’s right! When you fry them until they’re golden and delightfully crispy, pierogies transform into an irresistible, chip-like treat. They become the perfect sturdy and flavorful base for loaded nachos. Trust me, once you try a crispy fried pierogy, you’ll find it hard to eat just one! This innovative twist elevates them from a humble side dish to the star of an unforgettable appetizer.

This recipe is my culinary tribute, meticulously crafted to encapsulate everything I adore about Pittsburgh in a single, mouthwatering bite. It’s a harmonious blend of kielbasa, sauerkraut, a rich homemade beer cheese sauce, and, of course, the star of the show: perfectly fried pierogies. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the city’s unique heritage and robust flavors.

This isn’t my first culinary dedication to the city I proudly call home. I’ve previously crafted recipes like The Pittsburger, a nod to the iconic sandwich, and Klondike Ice Cream Cupcakes, celebrating another Pittsburgh original. These Pierogy Nachos continue that tradition, offering a new, delicious way to savor the essence of Pittsburgh.

What Makes These “Pittsburgh” Pierogy Nachos?

You might be wondering, what truly distinguishes these from just any regular nacho recipe? It’s all in the authentic Pittsburgh-inspired components, carefully selected to create a unique flavor profile that speaks to our city’s heritage.

Pierogies: The Unconventional Chip – The most significant deviation from traditional nachos is the brilliant swap of tortilla chips for crispy, golden-brown fried pierogies. They form the flavorful and hearty foundation of this dish, instantly rooting it in Pittsburgh tradition. For many, pierogies are synonymous with childhood memories and family meals. And when it comes to pierogies, there’s one brand that holds a special place in the hearts of Pittsburghers: Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Almost everyone who grew up here consumed Mrs. T’s. Their pierogies are renowned for their quality ingredients, combining creamy whipped potatoes with a tender pasta shell. Mrs. T’s offers an impressive array of over 15 varieties, including delightful mini pierogies. For these nachos, I found myself torn between the classic comfort of Classic Cheddar and the savory depth of Classic Onion. If you’re feeling adventurous and want an extra kick, the Spicy Jalapeño variety would also be a fantastic choice.
Kielbasa: The Essential Companion – Using pierogies as the “chips” is just the beginning; the toppings are equally crucial for that authentic Pittsburgh feel! While some pierogy nacho variations might use typical salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños, that’s not our style. In Pittsburgh, we top them with flavorful, fried kielbasa. This robust, smoked Polish sausage is a natural partner to pierogies, deeply embedded in the region’s culinary landscape due to its strong Eastern European heritage. It’s like Batman without Robin; you simply can’t have one without the other for a truly complete experience. Its savory, smoky notes perfectly complement the potato and cheese of the pierogies.
Sauerkraut: A Tangy Tradition – You truly can’t have kielbasa without sauerkraut! This fermented cabbage adds a distinct tangy, slightly sour crunch that cuts through the richness of the kielbasa and pierogies, balancing the flavors beautifully. However, I understand that sauerkraut is a polarizing ingredient – you either absolutely love it or strongly dislike it. If you’re in the latter camp, don’t despair! A fantastic substitute that still captures that comforting, savory essence is caramelized onions. Their sweet, mellow flavor provides a wonderful contrast and depth without the tang. You won’t regret the swap!
Beer Cheese: Pittsburgh’s Liquid Gold – Pittsburgh is undeniably a beer-loving city. According to Discover The Burgh, the city boasts an astounding 44 breweries – and that number is constantly growing! Given this vibrant beer culture, incorporating beer into the nachos was a non-negotiable. What better way to do so than with a luscious, homemade beer cheese sauce? For this sauce, I recommend a lager-style beer, as its mild, crisp notes will enhance the cheese without overpowering it.

Fun cooking tip: When preparing your beer cheese sauce, using evaporated milk instead of fresh dairy milk is a game-changer. It helps the sauce maintain a silky, smooth consistency, preventing it from becoming clumpy or separating, even as it cools down. If you decide to make the sauce ahead of time, you might find it has thickened upon cooling. Simply whisk in a little extra milk (evaporated or regular) as you gently reheat it to bring it back to its perfect pourable consistency.

To truly complete your Pittsburgh-inspired feast, serve your Pierogi Nachos alongside a traditional side dish like haluski (cabbage and noodles). It’s another classic that perfectly complements the hearty flavors of this dish.

Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Bring a taste of Pittsburgh into your home with these indulgent Pierogy Nachos! Crispy pierogies are loaded with savory kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy homemade beer cheese sauce, perfect for game day or any cozy gathering.

Ingredients

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons or 2 ounces) unsalted butter
1/2 pound kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped white or yellow onion
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
12 Mrs. T’s Classic Cheddar Pierogies
Sour cream, green onion, and pickled jalapenos (recipe here), for topping

Beer Cheese Sauce

1 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup lager-style beer
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the kielbasa, onion, and a big pinch of salt. Cook until the kielbasa is beautifully browned on one side, approximately 3-5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until browned on the other side, another 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the drained and rinsed sauerkraut and cook until it’s heated through, about 1 minute. Transfer this flavorful mixture to a bowl and keep it warm while you prepare the pierogies and sauce.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the pierogies in a single layer. (If your skillet is smaller than 12 inches, you might need to cook them in two batches to ensure even browning). Cook until they are wonderfully golden brown and crispy on one side, about 5-8 minutes. Flip them over and cook until golden brown on the other side, another 5-8 minutes.
For the Beer Cheese Sauce: In a small separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of the evaporated milk with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, gently heat the remaining evaporated milk and the lager-style beer until the mixture is hot, but be careful not to bring it to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and salt until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
To assemble your Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos, arrange the crispy pierogies on a large serving plate or platter. Generously top them with the warm kielbasa and sauerkraut mixture, then drizzle liberally with the homemade beer cheese sauce. Finish with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh green onion, and for an extra kick, some quick pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mrs. T’s Pierogies. As always, thank you for reading and supporting brands I work with, which helps keep this website running.