Can I use a different meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground pork, turkey, or a mix of beef and pork will all work. If you choose leaner meats (like turkey), add a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of oil to keep the filling moist.

Is there a vegetarian version of Fleisch Perishke?

Yes, swap the meat for sautéed cabbage and mushrooms or a seasoned lentil mixture. Just cook down the veggies until tender, season well, and follow the same assembly steps.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy under the sauce?

To minimize sogginess, bake the buns until they’re just golden and let them rest while you prepare the sauce. If you bake again with the sauce, use a slightly lower temperature (325°F/163°C) for only 8–10 minutes. This allows them to soak up flavors without turning mushy.

Mennonite Fleisch Perishke recipe

Name: Mennonite Fleisch Perishke recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Mennonite
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp instant yeast; 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C); ¼ cup melted butter; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp butter or oil; 1 lb ground beef or farmer’s sausage; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ tsp paprika or garlic powder (optional); 2 tbsp sour cream or heavy cream (optional); 1 beaten egg + splash of water (for egg wash); 2 tbsp butter (for sauce); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for sauce); 2 cups milk or half-and-half (for sauce); ½ cup sour cream (for sauce); 1 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill

Description

Warm, fluffy buns filled with savory meat and topped with a creamy dill sauce—Mennonite Fleisch Perishke is comfort food at its finest and a treasured family classic.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup sour cream
2 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp butter or oil
1 lb ground beef or farmer’s sausage
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika or garlic powder (optional)
2 tbsp sour cream or heavy cream (optional)
1 beaten egg + splash of water (for egg wash)
2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for sauce)
2 cups milk or half-and-half (for sauce)
½ cup sour cream (for sauce)
1 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill

Fresh and essential ingredients for making authentic Mennonite Fleisch Perishke, ready for preparation.

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sour cream, and eggs.
Stir wet into dry to form a shaggy dough. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
Sauté chopped onion in butter/oil until translucent.
Add ground beef or sausage, cook through, breaking up meat. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Stir in sour cream or cream if using. Cool filling slightly.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking dish with grease or parchment.
Punch down dough, divide in two, and roll out to ⅛ inch thick. Cut 3-inch circles (about 24).
Place 1 tbsp filling in each circle, fold or pinch to seal, and place seam-down on baking dish. Brush tops with egg wash.
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Rest 5 minutes after baking.
For sauce, melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in milk, simmer 3–5 minutes until thick.
Add sour cream, dill, and season to taste. Thin with extra milk if needed.
Arrange buns in casserole, pour warm sauce over, and return to oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes or serve immediately with extra sauce.

Golden baked Mennonite Fleisch Perishke buns smothered in rich, creamy dill sauce—authentic and homemade comfort food.

Notes

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill or cracked pepper for a beautiful finish. These meat buns are perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Mennonite

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 buns with sauce
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 105mg