I once ambitiously decided to make pierogies from scratch. I had visions of perfectly golden dumplings filled with creamy, cheesy goodness. What I ended up with, however, was a kitchen that looked like it had been hit by a flour tornado. My clothes, the countertops, and even my dog—everything was covered. After that chaotic experience, I realized some recipes are better left to the experts. Thankfully, this crockpot pierogi casserole saves the day. It has all the delicious flavors of pierogies but skips the mess and stress entirely.
This casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm and satisfying but don’t feel like babysitting the stove. Just toss everything into the crockpot, let it work its magic, and enjoy a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
This crockpot pierogi casserole is a must-try, and here’s why it will win over your heart (and your taste buds):
- Easy and Convenient: No rolling dough, no filling dumplings—just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Family-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, you can customize it with their favorite ingredients.
- Comforting and Hearty: This is the ultimate comfort food, with soft pierogies, savory sausage, and a luscious sauce that warms you from the inside out.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a holiday side dish, this recipe is versatile enough to shine anywhere.
Now that you know why it’s a winner, let’s dive into the details of how to make this amazing dish.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6 hours on low, plus 30 minutes for finishing touches
- Total Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Servings: 6-8 hearty portions
Ingredients of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious crockpot casserole:
- 3 packages (about 48 oz) frozen cheddar pierogies: These are the star of the dish, bringing a cheesy, comforting base.
- 4 cups chicken broth, divided: Adds flavor and helps create a creamy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced: Adds a smoky, savory element that pairs perfectly with the pierogies.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and irresistible.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crockpot
- In a 4-6 quart crockpot, pour in 3 cups of the chicken broth. This will act as the base for cooking the pierogies.
- Add the frozen cheddar pierogies, spreading them out evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Layer the sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogies. The sausage adds flavor and keeps the pierogies moist.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the kielbasa for an extra cheesy layer.
2. Start Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. During this time, the pierogies will cook through, and the kielbasa will release its smoky flavors into the dish.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, combine the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Warm the mixture in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. You can also do this on the stovetop over low heat if you prefer.
4. Combine and Finish Cooking
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pierogies and kielbasa in the crockpot. Gently stir to ensure everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a final layer of cheesy goodness.
- Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt and all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cooking time is complete, stir the casserole gently to mix everything one last time.
- Scoop the casserole onto plates or serve it family-style directly from the crockpot. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
Serving Suggestions of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
This crockpot pierogi casserole is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it with a few side dishes:
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Add a loaf of crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce.
Variations and Tips
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy kielbasa or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Different Pierogies: Try potato and onion or spinach-filled pierogies for a twist on the classic cheddar version.
- Cream Cheese Alternative: If you’re out of cream cheese, substitute with heavy cream or a combination of sour cream and milk.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before melting it. This helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Use a Liner: Line your crockpot with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your crockpot runs hot, check the dish an hour earlier to avoid overcooking the pierogies.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~14g
- Cholesterol: ~80mg
- Sodium: ~1200mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
Final Thoughts
I hope this crockpot pierogi casserole becomes a staple in your mealtime rotation, just as it has in mine. It’s a dish that combines simplicity with soul-warming comfort, perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without a lot of effort. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with smoky kielbasa and tender pierogies is an unbeatable combination that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be rewarding. This recipe proves that you can create something extraordinary with just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker. So, grab your crockpot, toss in those pierogies, and let the magic happen. Don’t forget to share your results—snap a picture, tag me on social media, or drop a comment below. I can’t wait to see how this dish turns out in your kitchen! Let’s make comfort food fun, easy, and utterly delicious together.
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole: All the Flavor Without the Mess
- Total Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This crockpot pierogi casserole is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy the classic flavors of cheddar pierogies without the hassle of making them from scratch. With smoky kielbasa, tender pierogies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 packages (about 48 oz) frozen cheddar pierogies
- 4 cups chicken broth, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour 3 cups of chicken broth into a 4-6 quart crockpot.
- Add frozen pierogies, spreading them evenly.
- Layer sliced kielbasa on top and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the end, melt cream cheese with 1 cup chicken broth in the microwave or stovetop until smooth.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over pierogies and kielbasa. Stir gently.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Use spicy kielbasa for a kick.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6 hours on low + 30 minutes finishing time
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American