Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate fusion of comfort and convenience, look no further than this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. It’s everything cozy food should be—pillowy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, velvety cream cheese, and a gooey blanket of cheddar all meld together in your slow cooker, infusing your kitchen with aromas that will have everyone eagerly eyeing the clock. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or need a no-fuss potluck showstopper, this crowd-pleasing casserole is guaranteed to become a regular request at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is just how down-to-earth the ingredient list is—each element brings its own burst of flavor, richness, or that signature cheesy indulgence we all secretly crave. It’s a short list, but every item has its moment to shine in this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.

  • Frozen Potato and Cheese Pierogies: These are the buttery, pillowy pockets that soak up all the sauce and become deliciously tender as they cook.
  • Kielbasa: This smoky, robust sausage brings both heartiness and an irresistible depth of flavor—slice it thick or thin for your preferred bite!
  • Cream Cheese: Softened and cubed, it melts into the casserole for a creamy, luscious texture you’ll absolutely love.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tang that balances the richness and helps create a smooth, silky sauce.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Gives that signature gooey, bubbly finish on top, making every scoop beautifully melty and cheesy.
  • Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and helps blend the flavors together while adding an extra layer of savoriness.
  • Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced and sautéed, it turns sweet and golden, bringing a gentle, savory note throughout the casserole.
  • Unsalted Butter: Used for sautéing the onions, adding a touch of richness and flavor at the very start.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances the sauce with a subtle hint of warm, garlicky depth.
  • Black Pepper: Brings a gentle kick and rounds out all the flavors without overpowering them.
  • Chopped Chives or Parsley: The perfect fresh, colorful finish that also supplies a light, herby note to each serving.

How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by giving your crockpot a quick mist of nonstick spray or lightly greasing it, so all those luscious cheesy layers release effortlessly at serving time.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and then add your thinly sliced onion. Stir regularly and let the slices slowly become soft and caramelized for about 5–7 minutes until golden. This step creates a sweet, toasty base for your casserole and is worth every minute.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. The goal is a smooth, dreamy sauce that will coat every pierogi and piece of kielbasa. If needed, give the cream cheese a head start to soften so your sauce blends easily.

Step 4: Build the Layers

Add half the frozen pierogies to the bottom of your crockpot, followed by half the kielbasa rounds and half the sautéed onions. Drizzle over half of that creamy sauce and sprinkle generously with half the cheddar cheese. Repeat the exact layers one more time. This method ensures every scoop of the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is loaded with flavor.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Once everything is piping hot and the cheese is deliciously melty and bubbly, your casserole is ready for its grand entrance.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa generously with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color and just enough herbal brightness to balance out the cheesy richness.

How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped chives or parsley transforms the entire casserole from rustic to restaurant-worthy. Want to elevate it further? Try a dollop of extra sour cream or a little crispy crumbled bacon just before serving to drive those flavors home.

Side Dishes

This casserole is ultra-hearty, so keep sides simple. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, sautéed green beans, or some buttered peas are all perfect partners, offering a bit of freshness and crunch next to the rich, cheesy centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

You can scoop generous helpings straight from the crockpot for casual family nights or assemble a mini ‘potato bar’ for parties, with little bowls of extra toppings—think shredded cheese, chives, and crispy onions. For a fun twist, bake the leftovers in a casserole dish until bubbling and serve as bite-sized squares at your next brunch or get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa cool to room temperature. Place portions in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making this a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Simply spoon cooled casserole portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results and to keep the texture creamy and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave leftovers in a covered dish until steaming hot, or warm through in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. Stir halfway if you notice the sauce separating, and feel free to add a splash of chicken broth to keep everything silky.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will work perfectly, though they may cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on the casserole in the last hour to make sure they don’t overcook.

Does this recipe work with other types of sausage?

Yes! While kielbasa lends a classic smoky flavor, smoked or cooked sausages like andouille, bratwurst, or even chicken sausage are delicious alternatives. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Can I add vegetables to Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa?

Definitely. Thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or lightly steamed broccoli are tasty mix-ins. Just be mindful that vegetables may release extra moisture, so drain them well before layering them in.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the sauce?

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave the cubed cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for 20–30 seconds until just soft enough to blend smoothly.

Can I assemble this in advance?

Absolutely! Layer everything in your crockpot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply set it in the crockpot and start cooking—just add an extra 30 minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dish that brings all the comfort of old-world flavors with modern ease, Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a must-try. It’s a guaranteed hit for gatherings or lazy Sundays, and you’ll love just how simple it is to toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away. Give it a spin—there’s a good chance it’ll become the highlight of your cozy-meal rotation!

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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of pierogi, kielbasa, and creamy cheese with this easy-to-make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a potluck gathering!


Ingredients

Scale

Pierogi Layer:

  • 2 (16 oz) packages frozen potato and cheese pierogies

Kielbasa Layer:

  • 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds

Creamy Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth

Onion Butter Mixture:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

  • Chopped chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Lightly grease the crockpot. Sauté onions until golden. Whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, broth, garlic powder, and pepper.
  2. Layer Ingredients: Arrange pierogies, kielbasa, onions, cream cheese mixture, and cheddar cheese in the crockpot in two layers.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until bubbly.
  4. Serve: Garnish with chives or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Enhance with cooked crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
  • Great for reheating and meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American, Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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