Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole – Cozy up with this crock pot Pierogi casserole! Tender pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and creamy cheese come together for an easy comfort food recipe that’s big on flavor.
You know those meals that just hit differently? That’s what this crock pot Pierogi casserole is for me. The first time I made it, I had no grand plan—just a chilly day, a craving for something comforting, and a fridge that happened to have pierogies and kielbasa sitting in it (probably judging me for ignoring them all week). I tossed everything into the slow cooker, hoping for the best. Fast forward a few hours, and my kitchen smelled like heaven. My family? Obsessed. They literally scraped the pot clean. Now it’s one of those recipes I fall back on anytime life feels chaotic. It’s easy, cozy, and somehow makes everything feel a little more manageable. Do you have a recipe like that? If not, let this one be yours.
But wait—what exactly is a pierogi? If you’re unfamiliar, pierogies are delightful dumplings that come from Eastern Europe, especially Poland. They’re usually filled with comforting things like mashed potatoes, cheese, or mushrooms. In this recipe, we’re using cheddar pierogies because they’re the perfect match for the smoky kielbasa and creamy sauce. If you’re already a fan of pierogies, you know what I’m talking about. And if this is your first time? Prepare to fall in love with these tender little pockets of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole
This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s cheesy, savory, and rich without being fussy—because, let’s be real, nobody has time for complicated on a weeknight. The best part? You just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting. Plus, this crock pot Pierogi casserole is versatile. Not a fan of kielbasa? Swap it for smoked sausage or ham. Craving some greens? Add spinach or bell peppers. It’s the kind of meal that feels personal because you can tweak it to suit your mood or whatever you’ve got on hand. And let’s not forget the wow factor when you bring it to a potluck. People will ask for the recipe—I promise.
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a moment to appreciate pierogies. If you’re wondering what they are, think of them as little dumplings with big flavor. They’re usually filled with things like mashed potatoes, cheese, or mushrooms and can be boiled or pan-fried. They’ve got that perfect tender-chewy bite that soaks up all the flavors in this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole. Trust me, they’re the secret to making this dish so irresistibly cozy.
A Quick Peek at Popular Pierogi Fillings
Pierogies come in all sorts of varieties, but here are the usual suspects:
- Mashed Potatoes: Comforting and creamy, often with a bit of onion.
- Cheese: Mild and melty, with cheddar or farmer’s cheese.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and rich, sometimes mixed with onions.
For this recipe, I’m going with cheddar pierogies, which pair beautifully with the smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese. And while we’re sticking to savory here, there are sweet versions out there with fillings like berries or prunes—a different experience for sure!
So, whether you’re already a pierogi fan or this is your first foray, they add such a warm, hearty vibe to the casserole. If you’ve got a favorite filling, I’d love to hear it. Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredient Notes
Let’s break down the magic behind this crock pot Pierogi casserole (because it’s always fun to know why things work, right?):
- Cheddar Pierogies: These are the heart of the dish. They cook up tender and soak in all the cheesy, smoky flavors. If you’ve never cooked pierogies before, think of them as fluffy potato dumplings with a cheesy filling. (Basically, happiness in dough form.)
- Kielbasa: Smoky and savory, it gives this casserole its signature flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even brown the kielbasa first for extra flavor, but no pressure—it’s delicious either way.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and infuses the pierogies with a subtle savory flavor. Pro tip: low-sodium broth works best so you can control the saltiness.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to that dreamy, velvety sauce. Make sure it’s softened so it melts evenly—otherwise, you might end up with little lumps (which honestly isn’t the end of the world).
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold, tangy flavor. If you’re a cheese enthusiast (aren’t we all?), you can mix in Gruyère or mozzarella for fun.
- Salt and Pepper: These basics go a long way in pulling everything together. Don’t skip the taste test at the end to get it just right!
How To Make This Crockpot Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole:
1. Prep Your Crock Pot: First things first—spray your crock pot with nonstick spray. Trust me, you don’t want to be chiseling melted cheese off later (been there, done that).
2. Add Your Ingredients: Layer the pierogies, kielbasa slices, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chicken broth in the pot. It might not look glamorous at this stage, but trust the process.
3. Stir and Cover: Give everything a gentle stir to spread out the flavors, then cover it up. This is when your crock pot takes over, letting you go do literally anything else (or nothing at all—no judgment).
4. Set It and Forget It: Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. The pierogies will soak up the broth, and the cheese will melt into a sauce that’ll make you weak in the knees. Try not to peek too often—every time you lift the lid, you let out precious steam!
5. Serve It Up: Once it’s done, grab a ladle and dish it out while it’s piping hot. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. Warning: there won’t be leftovers, but if there are, you’re in for a treat tomorrow.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Pro Tip: For an added layer of flavor. Consider browning the kielbasa slices in a skillet. Before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn’t necessary. But it can give your casserole a deeper, richer taste. With those delicious caramelized edges on the sausage. If you’re feeling adventurous. Toss in some sautéed onions or bell peppers. To add sweetness. And texture to the dish. And if you’re in a hurry. You can prepare the ingredients the night before. So all you have to do is pop them into the slow cooker. In the morning.
Storage Options
If you do manage to save some (props to your self-control), here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Pop the leftovers into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up—it’s like hitting refresh on that cheesy sauce.
- Freezer: This crock pot Pierogi casserole is freezer-friendly! Portion it into freezer bags, flatten them for easy storage, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave. Pro tip: cover it with foil in the oven to keep it from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is a canvas for creativity, so don’t be afraid to mix things up:
- Pierogi Swaps: Try potato, mushroom, or spinach-filled pierogies. For a gluten-free twist, grab GF pierogies (they’re surprisingly good).
- Cheese Options: Feeling adventurous? Swiss, mozzarella, or even a smoky Gouda can totally work.
- Protein Alternatives: Not into kielbasa? Use smoked sausage, ham, or shredded chicken. It’s all good.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Sneak in some bell peppers, spinach, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
What to Serve with Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole
Honestly, this casserole is the whole deal, but if you want to go all out, here are a few sides that will complement it perfectly:
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side is a lifesaver with rich casseroles. Just toss sliced cucumbers with a little sour cream, fresh dill, and a splash of vinegar. It’s light, tangy, and balances out all that cheesy goodness perfectly.
- Braised Red Cabbage: This brings a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. Braise red cabbage with a hint of vinegar and a sprinkle of brown sugar—it’s a cozy, slightly tangy side that pairs so well with the smoky kielbasa.
- German-Style Pretzel Rolls: These soft, chewy rolls are perfect for dunking into the casserole. They add a bit of that classic German flavor that complements the pierogies and kielbasa, plus they’re just plain fun to eat!
What do you think? Got any sides you’d add? I’d love to hear about your own twists on this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Of course! Smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even plant-based sausage work great in this crock pot Pierogi casserole.
How do I keep it from drying out when reheating?
Just add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I make this pierogi kielbasa casserole vegetarian?
Yes. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. By substituting the kielbasa. With a plant-based sausage. Additionally, ensure your broth is vegetable-based. This swap will maintain the hearty flavors. And textures of the dish. While making it suitable. For vegetarian diets.
How can I store leftovers from this casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For up to 3-4 days. To reheat. Simply microwave until warm. Or place in a 350°F oven. Until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. And store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook. Place it in your slow cooker. And adjust the cooking time slightly. To accommodate the cold start. This makes it perfect for busy days. When you want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to give this crock pot Pierogi casserole a try? Let me know if you’ve got your own twists or sides you love pairing it with—I’m always looking for inspiration!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 boxes cheddar pierogies (with mini-sized ones being ideal for easy, bite-sized portions.)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8- ounce cream cheese
- 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. sliced kielbasa or another preferred cooked meat
- salt and pepper according to your taste.
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients. Into your crockpot. Ensuring they are evenly distributed. Set your crockpot to cook on high. For 3 to 4 hours. Or if you prefer a slower, more infused flavor. Cook on low for 6 hours. As the casserole cooks. The flavors will meld jointly. Creating a rich. And a pleasing dish.
- Once it's done. Pair this hearty casserole. With a fresh, crisp green salad. And some warm, crusty bread. To complete the meal. The contrast of textures. And flavors. Makes this satisfying. And well-rounded dish. Ideal for any occasion.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
Made this, and it was delicious! The flavors were perfect. Anyone else add extra cheese?
Hey Maggie! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Extra cheese is always a win, right?! Thanks for giving it a try and for the awesome idea—I might just have to add more cheese next time, too! 😊 Hope you find more recipes you love here!