There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole packed with hearty flavors. This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe combines tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and a luscious creamy sauce that just feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Trust me, it’s absolutely worth making for any dinner that calls for comfort food with a twist.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first stumbled upon this recipe when craving something quick but special. The way the smoky kielbasa mingles with creamy cheese and soft pierogies is pure magic. Every bite reminds me of family dinners but with a fun casserole convenience that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Simple & Convenient: Uses frozen pierogies for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Creamy & Cheesy Goodness: The sauce combines cream cheese, sour cream, and broth for a silky coating.
- Hearty & Flavorful: Sliced kielbasa adds a smoky, meaty punch that pairs perfectly with the mild pierogies.
- Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole so memorable. Knowing a bit about each can help you shop smarter and maybe even tweak things to your liking.
- Kielbasa sausage: The smoked flavor gives the dish a delicious depth and hearty protein boost.
- Frozen pierogies: Time-savers that soak up the creamy sauce and add a tender, pillowy bite.
- Cream cheese: Provides richness and helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that balances the cheesy richness.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while enhancing flavor complexity.
- Onion & garlic powder: Foundational seasonings that bring warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness; mozzarella melts smoothly for that gooey, bubbly top.
- Green onions: A fresh, crisp garnish to cut through the richness.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Sometimes I sneak in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra veggie power, and other times I swap out the cheddar for pepper jack to add a little kick.
- Variation: Adding caramelized onions gives the casserole a subtle sweetness and an extra layer of flavor I can’t get enough of.
- Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, try using turkey kielbasa and reduced-fat cream cheese; it still holds all the comfort with fewer calories.
- Extra cheesy: Double up on the mozzarella if you love that perfect melt and stretch—it’s totally worth it.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Essentials
Preheat your oven and grease a 9×13 baking dish to keep things from sticking. Then, arrange the sliced kielbasa and frozen pierogies evenly in the dish. I find that this layering helps everything cook uniformly and makes sure each bite has a good mix of sausage and dumpling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Using a hand mixer, blend cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. This step is key for a silky sauce without lumps. Then add chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Whisk it all together until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Combine, Top, and Bake
Pour the sauce over the pierogies and kielbasa, then gently stir to coat everything well. Finish with the remaining cheese on top for that golden, bubbly crust we all love. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 so the cheese browns perfectly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to set up and avoid lava-hot sauce surprises. Sprinkle fresh sliced green onions on top for a bright, flavorful finish that cuts through the richness.
Top Tip
After making this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe a few times, I’ve learned a few tricks that saved me from common pitfalls and made the results even better.
- Layering Matters: Don’t just dump the pierogies and kielbasa in – arrange them with some spacing so the sauce can coat each piece evenly.
- Smooth Sauce Base: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and whisked well with sour cream, or you’ll get clumps in your sauce.
- Cheese Timing: Adding half the cheese into the sauce helps it bind and flavor the whole dish, while the extra cheese on top gets that perfect melty crust.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting it cool a few minutes before serving means you won’t burn your mouth and the casserole slices better.
How to Serve Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for fresh sliced green onions—they add a mild sharpness and a pop of color that livens up each serving. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream on the side makes the flavors even creamier and more tangy-delicious.
Side Dishes
For side dishes, I like to keep things simple. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness nicely, or some steamed veggies like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add fresh, earthy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I’ve baked this casserole in mini cast-iron skillets for individual servings. It’s a fun touch that feels a little fancy but is super easy. You can also sprinkle some fried onions or bacon bits on top for an extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they generally keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, I find that warming individual portions gently in the microwave keeps them moist, while the oven works well for larger helps.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing in a tightly covered dish or freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To keep that creamy texture, I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 325°F, adding a splash of broth or sour cream to revive the sauce if it looks dry. A quick heat-up in the microwave with a cover works too, just watch that it doesn’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Fresh pierogies will work well too. Just adjust the baking time slightly since fresh ones cook faster, so check around 20-25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
I recommend using smoked kielbasa as it adds a rich, smoky flavor, but you can also use fresh kielbasa if you prefer. Just slice it thinly for even cooking.
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap out the kielbasa for sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a mix of your favorite veggies. You could also use a vegetarian sausage alternative.
To lighten the casserole, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and swap whole milk chicken broth for a low-sodium version. You can also add more veggies like spinach or peas to add freshness and balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe is one of those gems that feels special yet is incredibly easy to pull together. I love how it blends familiar flavors in a new format, perfect for weeknights or gathering around the table with friends. Give it a try—you'll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite, and trust me, it’s a delicious way to bring some cozy comfort into your kitchen.
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Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole combines hearty sliced kielbasa sausage and tender frozen pierogies baked in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. Finished with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and garnished with fresh green onions, this comforting casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Pierogies
- 14 ounces sliced kielbasa sausage, ¼-inch thick
- 32 ounces frozen pierogies
Sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) block softened cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble main ingredients: Place the sliced kielbasa sausage and frozen pierogies evenly into the prepared baking dish, distributing them well.
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the shredded cheddar, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue whisking until the sauce is well combined and smooth.
- Combine and coat: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the pierogies and kielbasa in the baking dish. Gently mix to coat all the ingredients thoroughly in the sauce.
- Add topping cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, melted cheese crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the pierogies to cook through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the top turns bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Frozen pierogies usually come pre-cooked; make sure to thaw them slightly if preferred for more even baking.
- Feel free to add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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