October 8

National Pierogi Day

Celebrate National Pierogi Day with delicious pierogies! Enjoy the classic flavors or invent your own - it's time to get creative in the kitchen!

Yearly Date

October 8

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Pierogi Day on Oct. 8! These delicious dumplings have been around since the 13th century, originating in Eastern Europe as a popular and tasty dish among peasants. Now, they are enjoyed all over the world in many unique flavors and varieties - from sweet cheese-filled pierogis to savory bacon-filled ones, there is something for everyone's taste buds! So why not join us this October 8th by cooking up some of these delectable treats?

National Pierogi Day Timeline

13th Century

Pierogi's Origin

Pierogies are believed to have been first made in Poland during the 13th century and quickly spread to various regions in Eastern Europe.

1800s

Pierogi Immigrates to America

With a massive wave of Eastern European immigrants, Pierogi made its way to America and started becoming a popular dish among various cultural groups.

1952

First Pierogi Business

Ted Twardzik Senior, considered the "father of the pierogi industry," launched the business Mrs. T’s Pierogies, selling the traditional Polish dumplings on a larger scale.

1993

Pierogi Festival Inception

The Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Indiana, was first held, celebrating the food's history and culture. The three-day event is now considered one of the Midwest's most significant food festivals.

2004

National Pierogi Day

Tom and Sophie Hodor, founders of the Pierogi Tennis Tournament in Pennsylvania, established National Pierogi Day, celebrated every October 8.

2020

Increased Pierogi Popularity

Pierogi continues to gain popularity globally, celebrated in both homes and restaurants for its diverse flavor profiles and simple, comforting ingredients.

How to Celebrate National Pierogi Day

1 Make your own pierogis

Making pierogis is easier than you think. All you need is a dough made with flour, water, and salt, and a filling of your choice - cheese, potatoes, mushrooms, or anything else you like. Then just boil them up and enjoy!

2 Go out for pierogis

Order out from your favorite pierogi joint or search for one on Yelp. Enjoy the different styles of pierogis available - savory, sweet, classic, or inventive.

3 Throw a pierogi party

Invite some friends over for dinner and make a spread of all kinds of pierogis - classic potato and cheese plus more creative flavors like bacon and cheddar or broccoli and parmesan. Don't forget the sour cream.

4 Bake some pierogi desserts

Make up some sweet treats with pierogi dough - try mini pies filled with cinnamon apples or chocolate chips, or make little donuts filled with jam or custard. Yum!

5 Explore pierogi culture

Learn about the history of pierogis and explore their cultural significance in Eastern European countries like Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Slovakia, Romania and beyond.

Why We Love National Pierogi Day

Pierogis are Delicious

The combination of mashed potatoes, onions and cheese wrapped up in a soft dough makes pierogi one of the tastiest dishes around! Not to mention you can top them with all kinds of delicious condiments, like melted butter, sour cream or caramelized onions. So if you're looking for something different - and delicious - give pierogi a try on National Pierogi Day!

Pierogis are easy to make

Making your own pierogis is surprisingly easy! All you need is some store bought dough (or make your own) and some filling ingredients, like mashed potatoes, onions and cheese. Then just roll out the dough and fill with your choice of ingredients, cut out circles, and steam or boil until cooked through.

Pierogis are fun to eat

Not only do pierogis taste amazing, but they're also a lot of fun to eat! Try eating them like tacos by folding them over into bite size pieces or adding various toppings like bacon bits or diced tomatoes. Give it a go on National Pierogi Day for an extra special treat!