This Pierogi Pizza Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending two classic dishes into one unforgettable meal. It features creamy mashed potatoes, a savory blend of cheeses, and sweet sautéed onions, all on top of a perfectly crunchy crust.
One bite of this amazing Mashed Potato Pizza, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite. It’s a unique concept that sounds strange at first, but the flavor is absolutely incredible.
A Pittsburgh-Inspired Favorite
This Mashed Potato Pizza recipe is a loving homage to Pittsburgh, a city where pierogis are practically their own food group. The city even features “the Great Pierogi Race” during Pirates games at PNC Park.
The interesting thing about this Pierogi Pizza Recipe is that it doesn’t use any actual pierogis. Instead, it perfectly captures that familiar and delicious flavor combination. We use creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, and a blend of rich cheeses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza is one of those “only in America” concepts that truly works. It’s a proven crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a family dinner, a party, or a cozy night in.
The flavors are rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced. The creamy potato base, the sweet onions, and the sharp, gooey cheeses create a taste sensation that is simply irresistible.
Recipe Time and Servings
This recipe comes together quickly, especially if you use a pre-made crust or leftover mashed potatoes.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Serving Size: This recipe yields one 16-inch pizza.
Pierogi Pizza Ingredients
You will need two sets of ingredients for this recipe: one for the pizza itself and an optional set for the homemade dough, if you choose to make it from scratch.
For the Pizza Toppings
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 C | Mashed potatoes (leftovers are ideal) |
| 1 | Medium onion, diced |
| 1 clove | Garlic, minced |
| ½ C | Olive oil |
| 4 Cups | Shredded sharp cheddar cheese |
| 1 C | Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese |
| ½ C | Grated parmesan cheese |
| 2 tsp | Salt (sea salt or kosher) |
| 1 tsp | Fresh ground black pepper |
For the Homemade Pizza Dough (Optional)
You can also use store-bought pizza dough or a pre-made flatbread or pizza crust.
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 envelope | Active dry yeast |
| 1 ⅓ C | Warm water (110°F) |
| 3 ¾ C | All-purpose flour |
| ½ C | Extra flour for kneading |
| 1 ½ tsp | Salt |
How to Make the Best Pierogi Pizza
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create this delicious pizza pierogi recipe at home. We’ll start with the optional dough first.
Step 1: Make the Homemade Pizza Dough (Optional)
If you are using store-bought dough or a pre-made crust, you can skip this section and move to Step 2.
- Activate the yeast. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the 110°F warm water and mix in with your fingers. Let it sit until the yeast becomes cloudy and creamy.
- Combine the 3 ¾ C of flour and 1 ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
- Add the yeast and water mixture. Mix with a stand mixer’s hook attachment (or by hand) until it forms a ball.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead until it is smooth and elastic, adding a little flour at a time as needed.
- Place the dough in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of oil to coat. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm area until the dough has doubled in size. This takes about 2 hours.
- Transfer the risen dough to a lightly-oiled pizza pan. Press the dough with your fingers to cover the pan.
- Poke the dough with a fork about 50 times. This allows heat to escape and prevents the dough from bubbling up.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise again at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Toppings and Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Sauté the onions. In a large sauté pan, combine the olive oil with the diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic clove to the onion mixture. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Top your prepared pizza crust with the onion and oil mix.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the onion mixture, reaching all the way to the edge of the crust.
- Combine all three cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan) in a mixing bowl.
- Top the potato mixture with the combined cheeses.
- Bake the pizza in the 450°F preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the pizza once the crust is browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe for pierogi pizza even easier and more delicious.
Make it Fast
To save on prep time, you can always use a good store-bought pizza dough. We do it all the time, and there are no judgments here! A pre-made crust also works perfectly.
Make it Ahead
To save time on a busy night, you can prepare the pizza dough and the mashed potatoes the day before. Refrigerate them both until you are ready to assemble the pizza for a quick and easy meal.
Add Meat
Crispy, crumbled bacon or sautéed kielbasa are natural pairings for this pizza. Feel free to add them on top of the potato layer before adding the cheese.
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
This is a fantastic recipe for the day after a big holiday when you have a ton of leftover potatoes. Cold, leftover mashed potatoes are ideal for this recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Do you have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the slices directly on the rack in a 400°F oven for just a few minutes. This will crisp up the crust perfectly.
Your New Favorite Comfort Food
This unique and delicious pizza pierogi recipe is a must-try. It combines the cozy flavors of traditional Polish pierogis with the simple, classic joy of an Italian pizza.
We hope you enjoy this taste of Pittsburgh! It’s a simple, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to satisfy.
We would love to hear from you. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below to let us know how it turned out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions about making this Mashed Potato Pizza.
What is Pierogi Pizza?
Pierogi Pizza is a unique pizza recipe that combines the flavors of traditional pierogis with a classic pizza. It typically features a pizza crust topped with mashed potatoes, cheese, and onions, mimicking a pierogi’s filling.
What type of cheese is best for Pierogi Pizza?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese works very well. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy flavor that complements the potatoes, while low-moisture mozzarella provides that classic, melty, and stretchy texture.
What sides go well with Pierogi Pizza?
This pizza pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of coleslaw. It also perfectly complements a comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup.
Can I use store-bought pierogis to make Pierogi Pizza?
You can use store-bought pierogis as a topping, but we don’t recommend it. An authentic Pittsburgh-style Pierogi Pizza is made using the same ingredients as pierogis (potatoes, cheese, onion), not the pierogis themselves.
Ingredients
You will need two sets of ingredients for this recipe: one for the pizza itself and an optional set for the homemade dough, if you choose to make it from scratch.
For the Pizza Toppings
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 C | Mashed potatoes (leftovers are ideal) |
| 1 | Medium onion, diced |
| 1 clove | Garlic, minced |
| ½ C | Olive oil |
| 4 Cups | Shredded sharp cheddar cheese |
| 1 C | Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese |
| ½ C | Grated parmesan cheese |
| 2 tsp | Salt (sea salt or kosher) |
| 1 tsp | Fresh ground black pepper |
For the Homemade Pizza Dough (Optional)
You can also use store-bought pizza dough or a pre-made flatbread or pizza crust.
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 envelope | Active dry yeast |
| 1 ⅓ C | Warm water (110°F) |
| 3 ¾ C | All-purpose flour |
| ½ C | Extra flour for kneading |
| 1 ½ tsp | Salt |
Instructions
If you are using store-bought dough or a pre-made crust, you can skip this section and move to Step 2.
- Activate the yeast. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the 110°F warm water and mix in with your fingers. Let it sit until the yeast becomes cloudy and creamy.
- Combine the 3 ¾ C of flour and 1 ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
- Add the yeast and water mixture. Mix with a stand mixer's hook attachment (or by hand) until it forms a ball.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead until it is smooth and elastic, adding a little flour at a time as needed.
- Place the dough in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of oil to coat. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm area until the dough has doubled in size. This takes about 2 hours.
- Transfer the risen dough to a lightly-oiled pizza pan. Press the dough with your fingers to cover the pan.
- Poke the dough with a fork about 50 times. This allows heat to escape and prevents the dough from bubbling up.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise again at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Toppings and Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Sauté the onions. In a large sauté pan, combine the olive oil with the diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic clove to the onion mixture. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Top your prepared pizza crust with the onion and oil mix.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the onion mixture, reaching all the way to the edge of the crust.
- Combine all three cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan) in a mixing bowl.
- Top the potato mixture with the combined cheeses.
- Bake the pizza in the 450°F preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the pizza once the crust is browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to make this Pierogi Pizza Recipe even easier and more delicious.
Make it Fast
To save on prep time, you can always use a good store-bought pizza dough. We do it all the time, and there are no judgments here! A pre-made crust also works perfectly.
Make it Ahead
To save time on a busy night, you can prepare the pizza dough and the mashed potatoes the day before. Refrigerate them both until you are ready to assemble the pizza for a quick and easy meal.
Add Meat
Crispy, crumbled bacon or sautéed kielbasa are natural pairings for this pizza. Feel free to add them on top of the potato layer before adding the cheese.
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
This is a fantastic recipe for the day after a big holiday when you have a ton of leftover potatoes. Cold, leftover mashed potatoes are ideal for this recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Do you have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the slices directly on the rack in a 400°F oven for just a few minutes. This will crisp up the crust perfectly.