Creamy Pierogi Kielbasa Dish

This creamy pierogi kielbasa casserole has been my weeknight dinner savior for years. The combination of tender pierogies and savory kielbasa creates a comforting dish that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor in every bite.

I first made this casserole when I needed something hearty for unexpected dinner guests. They raved so much about it that it became my go to dish whenever I need a guaranteed crowd pleaser without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Frozen potato pierogies these pillowy dumplings are the star of the show and require zero prep work
• Kielbasa sausage adds smoky depth and hearty protein to balance the dish
• Chicken broth creates the base for our creamy sauce without being too heavy
• Sour cream provides tangy richness that coats every bite
• Cream cheese adds velvety thickness to the sauce making it cling to the pierogies
• Black pepper simple but essential for balancing the rich flavors
• Green onions offer a fresh bite and pretty color contrast
• Sharp cheddar cheese creates that irresistible golden bubbly top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 casserole dish ensuring nothing sticks during baking. The proper temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect texture where the pierogies are tender but not mushy.

Arrange The Main Components

Place the frozen pierogies in an even layer in your prepared dish no need to thaw them first which saves precious time. Distribute the sliced kielbasa pieces evenly throughout making sure every serving will have a good balance of both ingredients.

Create The Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese sour cream chicken broth black pepper and half of your sliced green onions. Whisk until smooth and well combined making sure there are no cream cheese lumps remaining. Pour this luxurious mixture evenly over your pierogies and kielbasa making sure everything gets coated.

Initial Baking Phase

Cover the dish tightly with foil this traps moisture and helps the pierogies cook through without drying out. Bake for a full 30 minutes which gives time for the flavors to meld and the pierogies to become perfectly tender.

Add The Cheesy Finish

Remove the foil and sprinkle the entire surface with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese is completely melted bubbly and beginning to get those delicious golden spots.

Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle the remaining fresh green onions across the top just before serving. This adds a pop of color vibrant flavor and fresh contrast to the rich casserole beneath.

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The first time I made this recipe my husband who normally politely eats whatever I cook actually went back for thirds. Now whenever kielbasa goes on sale at our local grocery store he gives me that look that means this casserole should be on our menu that week. Its humble appearance belies how deeply satisfying it is.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight making leftovers something to look forward to. When reheating cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes stirring halfway through. Add a small splash of milk if it seems dry after storage.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Chicken apple sausage offers a lighter alternative to traditional kielbasa. Vegetarians can use plant based sausage and vegetable broth instead. If you cannot find pierogies ravioli makes a surprisingly good substitute though cooking time may need adjustment. For a lower fat version use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese and reduced fat sour cream without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli also make excellent accompaniments. For a complete Polish inspired meal serve with a side of braised red cabbage or quick pickled cucumbers. A dollop of additional sour cream on top of each serving adds an extra touch of indulgence that my family always appreciates.

Historical Context

This casserole represents American comfort food at its finest taking inspiration from Polish cuisine but adapting it for busy modern lifestyles. Traditional pierogies would be handmade and served with caramelized onions and sour cream while kielbasa would be enjoyed separately. This casserole brings these elements together in a convenient format that honors the flavors of Eastern European cooking while fitting into contemporary meal patterns. It reminds me of the casseroles my grandmother would make practical and comforting food designed to feed a family with minimal fuss.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade pierogies instead of frozen?

Yes! Homemade pierogies work wonderfully in this casserole. If they're fresh (not frozen), you might want to reduce the initial baking time by about 5 minutes since they won't need as much time to heat through.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a nice contrast to the rich casserole. For a heartier meal, crusty bread works well for sopping up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble everything but don't bake it. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing leftovers, store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ What type of pierogies work best?

While the recipe calls for potato pierogies, you can use any variety you prefer. Potato and cheese, sauerkraut, or mushroom pierogies all work well in this dish. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the final result.

→ How can I make this casserole lighter?

To create a lighter version, use light cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and a smaller amount of reduced-fat cheese. You could also increase the vegetables by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the casserole.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the refrigerator.