Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is the very definition of weeknight comfort! Imagine tender, pillowy pierogies layered with savory smoked sausage and sweet onions, all blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that practically melts around each bite—a true dream for anyone who adores cozy flavors. Everything melds together in your slow cooker, meaning you get maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers to enjoy all week, this creamy, hearty casserole brings pure comfort straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients are transformed into something magical in this crockpot delight! Each one plays its part, bringing color, texture, and rich flavor to every spoonful. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you truly don’t want to skip anything):
- Frozen potato and cheese pierogies: The heart of the dish—these little dumplings soak up all that creamy sauce and keep their delightful, pillowy texture.
- Smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage: Slice into rounds for perfect bites of smoky, savory flavor that gives the casserole its signature depth.
- Cream cheese: Adds serious creaminess and helps create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A cheesy layer on top creates a bubbling, gooey finish that’s simply irresistible.
- Sour cream: Balances out the richness and adds a subtle tangy note to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Keeps things nice and saucy, ensuring the casserole doesn’t dry out while everything cooks together.
- Onion: Fresh onion brings a pop of sweetness and a hint of sharpness that brightens up each layer.
- Garlic powder: A quick dash gives depth of flavor without having to chop fresh garlic.
- Black pepper: For just the right touch of background warmth and bite.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish at the end really wakes everything up visually!
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot
Start by giving your crockpot a quick spritz with non-stick cooking spray. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself at cleanup time—plus, this step keeps those pillowy pierogies from sticking or tearing as they cook.
Step 2: Layer the Pierogies and Sausage
Place the frozen pierogies right at the bottom of your crockpot, spreading them out evenly. Next, scatter the sliced sausage on top, followed by the finely chopped onion. The layers let every little dumpling soak up that delicious smoky flavor and sweet onion.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream cheese cubes, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Don’t worry about getting it silky smooth—a few lumps are absolutely fine, and they’ll melt right into the sauce as it cooks. This mixture is the secret to the dreamy, velvety texture that makes Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage so addictive.
Step 4: Pour and Top with Cheese
Pour the creamy sauce over the pierogies, sausage, and onion in the crockpot, making sure everything gets a nice even coating. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top, which will melt into a glorious, cheesy crust as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and set your crockpot on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’re looking for the pierogies to be tender and the cheese to bubble and melt into golden perfection. About halfway through, you might catch a whiff that’ll have your family wandering into the kitchen, asking when dinner will be ready!
Step 6: Stir and Garnish
Just before serving, gently give everything a stir to mix up those layers a bit—careful not to break up the pierogies too much. Finish with a flourish of chopped parsley or green onions if you want to add a dash of freshness and color.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Garnishes
For a burst of color and a hint of herby freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top. It’s amazing how a simple garnish can bring everything to life, both visually and flavor-wise! If you want a little extra indulgence, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a few shreds of extra cheddar really brings it over the top.
Side Dishes
The rich, creamy goodness of this casserole loves a little balance alongside. Serve with crisp steamed green beans, a simple leafy garden salad, or buttered peas—as a bonus, these sides soak up the extra sauce beautifully. Warm crusty bread never hurts either, especially if you’re a fan of mopping up every last cheesy drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop generous portions into big, deep plates for a laid-back family meal. For a buffet or a potluck, let everyone help themselves straight from the slow cooker—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter how you dish it up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and pop in the fridge. The flavors somehow get even better overnight, and the texture stays wonderfully creamy. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best taste and safety.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage for future busy nights! Cool completely, then store in airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and warm on medium power, stopping to stir every minute or so until heated through. For crispier cheese, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. If the sauce thickens up too much, just add a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up as it heats.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies work beautifully. Just keep an eye on them—they may cook a bit faster and become softer, so adjust your cook time down by about 30 minutes and test for tenderness.
What kind of sausage is best for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage?
Smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage gives the casserole a classic, hearty flavor, but feel free to swap in chicken sausage, turkey kielbasa, or even a spicy andouille for a little extra kick. Use what your family loves!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms or spinach are classic add-ins, but bell peppers, chopped broccoli, or even frozen peas can be stirred in for some extra color and nutrition. Just add them at the beginning so they have time to cook through.
Is there a way to lighten up the dish?
Try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, turkey or chicken sausage, and a light sprinkle of cheese. The dish will still turn out creamy and satisfying but with a bit less richness!
Can I assemble this in advance?
Yes, you can layer everything in your crockpot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it in the slow cooker base and start cooking—couldn’t be easier for busy days!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is pure comfort in every spoonful—simple, deeply flavorful, and meant to be shared with those you love. Give it a try and let this creamy, cheesy, smoky favorite brighten up your next dinner. I promise, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of potato and cheese pierogies with smoked kielbasa, creamy cheeses, and savory seasonings. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pierogi Casserole:
- 2 (16 oz) packages frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 1 pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the sliced sausage and chopped onion on top.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper until mostly smooth. Pour the mixture over the pierogies and sausage.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the pierogies are tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Stir gently before serving and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the sausage in a skillet before adding to the crockpot.
- You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for variation.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a comforting next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Eastern European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
