If you have ever dreamed of a dish that combines the cozy warmth of comfort food with the delightful flavors of Eastern European cuisine, then this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender, cheesy pierogies mingling with savory slices of kielbasa, all gently cooked together in a luscious cream cheese and cheddar broth. This casserole is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a hands-off meal that lets your crockpot do all the hard work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes, making every bite irresistibly good.
- 3 packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (frozen): These are the star of the dish, delivering tender pockets of pasta filled with cheesy goodness.
- 4 cups of chicken broth: Adds a flavorful base that keeps the casserole moist and rich without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese: Brings a silky smooth texture and a subtle tang that elevates the casserole’s creaminess.
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, melty top layer that complements the cheddar pierogi filling perfectly.
- 1 pound of kielbasa, sliced: Adds a smoky, savory punch that pairs beautifully with the mild pierogies and creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing your 4-6 quart crockpot. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth to set a flavorful base. Add the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and shredded cheddar cheese directly into the crockpot. Distribute everything evenly to ensure each scoop is packed with tasty goodness.
Step 2: Cook Slowly and Let Flavors Meld
Set your crockpot to high and cook for 3-4 hours, or if you prefer, low for about 6 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the flavors from the kielbasa and cheese to infuse into the pierogies, creating a hearty, comforting dish that will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
About half an hour before the cooking time ends, take the block of cream cheese and heat it gently with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth in a separate bowl. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a luscious richness that brings the casserole into ultimate comfort food territory.
Step 4: Final Assembly and Finishing Touch
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring carefully to combine all the layers into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Let the casserole cook on low for another 30 minutes to melt the cheese and bring everything together perfectly. Your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is nearly ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates a dish like fresh garnishes. Try sprinkling chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream on top right before serving. These add color, freshness, and a hint of brightness to the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your plate, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A tangy cucumber salad or sautéed kale would offer a nice contrast to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, serve the casserole in individual crockpot-safe ramekins or bake it briefly in a casserole dish to crisp up the edges. You can even turn this into a potluck favorite by bringing it along in your crockpot, ready to be served hot and fresh!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, so leftovers make an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze it before adding the cream cheese mixture and final cheese topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and add the creamy blend fresh before finishing the cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the sauce and keep the pierogies tender. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese or herbs helps revive the dish’s vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade pierogies bring a special touch, and they’ll cook beautifully in the crockpot just like frozen ones. Just be mindful of cooking times and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the kielbasa for your favorite plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
What type of kielbasa works best?
Traditional smoked kielbasa works wonders here, but feel free to try other varieties like garlic or spicy kielbasa depending on your flavor preference.
Can I prepare this casserole in the oven instead of a crockpot?
While the crockpot is ideal for slow melding of flavors, you can bake it in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour, adding the cream cheese mixture halfway through cooking.
How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?
Doubling or tripling the ingredients works great in a larger crockpot. Just ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pierogies and extend cooking time slightly to ensure even heat distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is one of those rare dishes that manages to be wonderfully simple and impressively flavorful all at once. Perfect for family dinners, busy nights, or when you just want to indulge in something heartwarming, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting and flavorful dish made by slow-cooking frozen cheddar pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and cheddar cheese in chicken broth, then finishing with a smooth cream cheese sauce. Perfect for a fulfilling family meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (frozen)
- 1 pound of kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups of chicken broth (divided: 3 cups + 1 cup)
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients. In a 4-6 quart crockpot, mix together 3 cups of chicken broth, the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the crockpot.
- Cook. Set the crockpot to high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pierogies to cook thoroughly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture. About 30 minutes before the cooking time finishes, warm the cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth in a separate bowl. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Final Assembly. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to blend the flavors and melt the cheese topping.
- Serve. Serve the casserole hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or fresh herbs. Enjoy the comforting and rich meal!
Notes
- You can adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Adding chopped green onions or fresh herbs as a garnish adds freshness and color.
- If cream cheese is too thick, microwave it briefly to soften before mixing with broth.
- Cook times may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausages and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
