Spicy Perogy Pizza Pie: A Flavorful Homemade Twist on a Restaurant Favorite
For those who’ve ever savored the unique taste of Boston Pizza’s spicy perogy pizza, you know it’s an absolute game-changer. It’s truly a menu standout, a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and perogies. As someone who increasingly prefers the warmth and control of home cooking, I decided it was high time to bring this restaurant favorite into my own kitchen. After some experimenting, I’m thrilled to share what I believe is a fantastic rendition – a homemade spicy perogy pizza that’s every bit as delicious, and undeniably spicy!
This isn’t your everyday pizza. Forget the usual pepperoni and mushroom; we’re diving into a world of creamy potatoes, tangy cheese, savory bacon, and a vibrant kick of heat. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wondering why you haven’t made it sooner. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original or simply looking for an exciting new pizza experience, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a unique family dinner, or even a casual gathering with friends who appreciate bold flavors.
Why This Homemade Spicy Perogy Pizza is a Must-Try
There’s a special satisfaction that comes with recreating a beloved dish from scratch. Not only do you get to customize it to your exact preferences, but you also save money and gain a deeper appreciation for the ingredients. My version of the spicy perogy pizza offers all these benefits and more. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of soft, spicy potatoes, rich cream cheese, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese on a perfectly baked crust is simply divine.
- Customizable Heat: Love it extra fiery? Amp up the hot sauce and jalapenos. Prefer a milder kick? Adjust to your comfort level.
- Comfort Food Redefined: It takes the hearty, satisfying essence of perogies and transforms it into a fun, shareable pizza format.
- Economical & Fresh: Cooking at home allows you to use fresh ingredients and avoid the higher costs associated with dining out.
- Impress Your Guests: This unique pizza is a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for showcasing your culinary skills.
The journey to perfecting this recipe involved a few key steps, focusing on achieving that signature perogy-like creaminess while ensuring the spice truly shines through. The secret lies in the preparation of the potatoes and the layering of the creamy sauce. Let’s delve into the components that make this pizza so incredibly special.
Key Ingredients for Your Spicy Perogy Pizza
Crafting this delicious pizza starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that authentic spicy perogy flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why it works:
- Potatoes: A large potato, thinly sliced into rounds, forms the heart of our “perogy” experience. The key here is uniformity in slicing to ensure even cooking. Don’t slice them too thin, or they’ll become overly crispy; aim for a thickness that will soften nicely in the oven.
- Canned Jalapeños and Juice: This is where the magic really happens for the spice and flavor infusion. Soaking the potato rounds in the jalapeño juice not only adds a wonderful tangy heat but also helps the potatoes cook to a tender, flavorful consistency. You’ll use the actual jalapeño slices on the pizza for an extra kick!
- Pillsbury Pizza Dough: For convenience and consistent results, a package of pre-made pizza dough is a lifesaver. This recipe uses half a package, perfect for one pie, but you can easily double it to make two pizzas if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers.
- Light Cream Cheese & Fat-Free Sour Cream: This dynamic duo creates the creamy, rich base that truly mimics the filling of a perogy. Using “light” and “fat-free” options helps keep the overall dish lighter, allowing you to enjoy this decadent pizza without too much guilt.
- Frank’s Hot Sauce: An optional but highly recommended addition for those who crave an extra layer of heat. A drizzle of Frank’s adds a zesty, vinegary spice that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Light Shredded Cheese: A generous cup of shredded cheese provides that classic pizza gooeyness and helps bind all the delicious toppings together. Feel free to use your favorite blend – mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Bacon adds an irresistible smoky, salty crunch to every bite. I often opt for leaner brands like Oscar Mayer to manage the “points” if you’re tracking, but any good quality bacon will do the trick.
- Green Onion: Freshly chopped green onion adds a touch of freshness, a subtle oniony bite, and a vibrant color that brightens the entire dish. It’s the perfect garnish to complete your pizza pie.
Each of these ingredients contributes to a symphony of textures and flavors, making this spicy perogy pizza a truly unique and satisfying meal. Now, let’s get to the exciting part – the cooking process!
Spicy perogy pizza pie
Ingredients
- 1 large potato, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/2 cup canned jalapenos, including the juice
- 1 package pillsbury pizza dough, you will only need half unless you want to double recipe and make 2 pizza’s
- 1/4 cup softened light cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp fat free sour cream
- 1 Tbsp franks hot sauce, optional, for extra spicy
- 1 cup light shredded cheese
- 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, I use Oscar Mayer to keep points low
- Green onion, chopped
Instructions
-
Slice your potato into thin rounds, not too thin or they will crisp too much in the oven.
-
Pour 1/2 cup of canned jalapenos with the juice into the cut potatoes. Swirl around to cover, let soak in the fridge for at least an hour.
-
Once potatoes have soaked preheat oven to 375F. Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the juices and drizzle them over the potato rounds, you can leave the jalapenos on there too.
-
Bake potatoes for 15 minutes, turn over and bake another 15 minutes, Its important that the rounds not be too thin or they will start to crisp up in the oven.
-
Remove from oven and leave oven on. Open your pizza dough and cut in half. (You can make 2 pizza pies if you want, or save the other dough for something else)
-
Roll out the dough and press down into a 8 inch pie dish, this will involve some trimming of the dough and filling in some areas. Poke a few holes in the dough if you get some air pockets.
-
Bake dough in oven for 10 minutes.
-
Meanwhile mix your softened cream cheese and sour cream together. When dough is out of the oven spread half of your cream cheese mixture onto the dough, then layer your potato rounds on top.You can leave jalapenos on or take them off, its up to you. Spread the other half of your cream cheese on top of the potatoes.
-
Drizzle your hot sauce over the cream cheese, then top with your grated cheese, bacon crumble and green onion. Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes.
-
Cut into 6 slices. Each slice is 7sp or 5pp.
-
Nutritional info, per slice.. Calories 207… Fat 7.9g.. Saturated fat 3.8g… Carbs 22.5g… Fiber 1.1g… Sugars 3.4g… Protein 11.9g
Additional Info
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Perogy Pizza
While the recipe instructions are straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade spicy perogy pizza from great to extraordinary:
- Potato Thickness is Key: As mentioned, don’t slice your potatoes too thin (they’ll crisp up too much) or too thick (they won’t soften enough). Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness for ideal texture. A mandoline slicer can achieve perfect consistency effortlessly.
- Don’t Rush the Soak: Allowing the potato rounds to soak in the jalapeño juice for at least an hour (or even longer, up to overnight in the fridge) is crucial. This step infuses them with flavor and a pleasant tang, which is essential for that “perogy” essence.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper when pre-baking the potatoes prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Even Dough Distribution: When pressing the pizza dough into the pie dish, take your time to ensure an even crust. If you notice any stubborn air pockets, a quick poke with a fork can solve the problem.
- Layering for Success: The order of layering matters. Spreading half the cream cheese mixture, then the potatoes, then the remaining cream cheese ensures that the potatoes are enveloped in creaminess, mimicking a true perogy filling.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce. For a bolder flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other toppings.
- Crispy Bacon Perfection: Ensure your bacon is cooked to a crispy crumble before adding it to the pizza. This provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft potatoes and creamy base.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This spicy perogy pizza is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw can be a delightful accompaniment.
- Beverage Pairing: A cold lager or a crisp, dry white wine can complement the spicy and creamy flavors perfectly.
Looking to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few variations to consider:
- Cheesy Alternatives: Experiment with different cheese blends. A sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or a Monterey Jack cheese can add new dimensions of flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté some thinly sliced onions until golden brown and sweet, then layer them over the cream cheese mixture for an added depth of flavor, reminiscent of classic perogy toppings.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, simply omit the bacon. You could add smoked paprika to the potatoes during the soak for a hint of smoky flavor, or sauté some mushrooms.
- Different Crust: While Pillsbury dough offers convenience, feel free to use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe for an even more authentic touch.
- Herb Boost: A sprinkle of fresh dill or chives along with the green onions can enhance the traditional perogy experience.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or venture into these exciting variations, you’re in for a treat. This spicy perogy pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a delightful culinary journey that combines comfort with a thrilling kick.
Final Thoughts on Your Homemade Spicy Perogy Pizza
Creating this spicy perogy pizza has been a delightful culinary journey, proving that some of the most satisfying restaurant dishes can be perfectly replicated – and often improved upon – right in your own kitchen. The blend of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheese, and the unmistakable zing of jalapeños creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exhilarating.
It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can yield truly extraordinary results. This recipe encourages you to embrace the joy of cooking, to experiment with flavors, and to share delicious, unique meals with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to indulge in a pizza that defies expectations. You’ll be glad you did!
Don’t forget to share your creations! If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your spicy perogy pizza. Tag us on social media using #drizzlemeskinny and @drizzlemeskinny. Happy cooking!