If you’ve ever loved the comforting flavors of pierogis but wished there was an easier way to enjoy them in a crowd-pleasing dish, then you’re going to adore this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe. This casserole takes those classic stuffed potato pockets and layers them with smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese goodness, making it a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I absolutely love how the flavors meld together in the oven, plus it’s a breeze to make with minimal hands-on time.

What makes this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe stand out is how it balances the rich creaminess of sour cream and cream cheese with the sharp bite of cheddar and the savory sausage. When I first tried this, I was amazed by how it elevates simple frozen pierogis into a hearty meal that my family goes crazy for every time. Whether you want a cozy dinner or something to share with friends, this casserole delivers on flavor and ease.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Takes under an hour from start to finish with minimal prep.
  • Comfort Food Classic: Combines familiar flavors everyone in the family enjoys.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite sausage or cheese to customize it your way.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want cozy, hearty food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe features simple ingredients that work harmoniously together to deliver that luscious, savory flavor. When shopping, look for good-quality frozen potato pierogis and a flavorful kielbasa to really make this shine.

  • Frozen Potato Pierogi: I like the classic potato and cheese filled pierogis—they’re soft, pillowy, and absorb the sauce beautifully.
  • Kielbasa Sausage: Choose fully cooked kielbasa for smoky flavor; it’s the perfect hearty complement.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory base to the creamy sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Makes the sauce tangy and creamy—don’t skip this!
  • Cream Cheese (Softened): Gives richness and a velvety texture that coats every pierogi.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just enough to kick up the flavor without overpowering.
  • Green Onions (Sliced): Adds a fresh, slightly sharp finish and a pop of color on top.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for a bold, melty topping that ties everything together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your taste preferences. I often switch up ingredients to keep it fresh and suit everyone’s needs.

  • Try Different Sausages: I’ve substituted turkey sausage or chicken sausage before, and it still tastes fantastic—lighter but still flavorful.
  • Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a milder melt or a little spice kick.
  • Dairy-Free Variation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives to make it suitable for lactose intolerance.
  • Add Veggies: Throw in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Make Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. While the oven warms up, slice your kielbasa into bite-sized rounds and get your frozen pierogis ready. No need to thaw them—this dish works perfectly right from frozen, which makes it super convenient for weeknights!

Step 2: Layer the Pierogis and Kielbasa

Arrange the frozen pierogis evenly across your casserole dish, then scatter the sliced kielbasa over the top. I like to tuck the sausage pieces in between the pierogis a bit so you get a bit of kielbasa with each bite. This layering sets the stage for a perfectly balanced casserole.

Step 3: Make and Pour the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, freshly cracked black pepper, and half of your sliced green onions. This creamy sauce is the magic that keeps the pierogis tender and flavorful while baking. Pour it evenly over the pierogis and kielbasa, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Add Cheese

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. This gives the pierogis time to cook through and absorb all those rich flavors. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it uncovered to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly—this last step is where it really comes together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining green onions across the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Let it cool just a bit, then serve this comforting casserole warm—it’s truly irresistible this way!

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Pro Tips for Making Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

  • Use Sharp Cheddar: I learned that shredding cheese from a block (instead of pre-shredded) melts better and adds richer flavor.
  • No Need to Thaw Pierogis: Baking them from frozen keeps their texture perfect and saves prep time.
  • Don’t Skip the Foil Cover: Covering while baking traps steam and cooks the pierogis thoroughly without drying out the casserole.
  • Add Sauce Evenly: Pour the creamy mixture slowly and spread it so every pierogi is coated—this helps prevent dryness.

How to Serve Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

A close-up of a spoonful showing one layer of a dish with white creamy texture topped by melted orange-yellow cheese, garnished with small pieces of green onion and slices of brown sausage. The background shows more of the same dish with similar layers and toppings on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this casserole with extra sliced green onions for a burst of fresh crunch and a little pop of color. Sometimes, I like a dollop of sour cream on the side to add creaminess with each bite, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley when I want to fancy it up.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and hearty, I pair it with light, fresh sides like a simple green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli. A crisp cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works wonderfully to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in smaller ramekins as individual portions, which always impress guests. You can also layer it in a clear glass dish so the beautiful layers of pierogi, sausage, and cheese show through—makes for a pretty presentation on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this casserole, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In my experience, it stays moist and tasty for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe successfully by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It holds up well for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer using the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, heating for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For quick portions, the microwave works fine—just cover loosely and heat in 1-2 minute increments, stirring if possible to keep it creamy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade pierogis for this casserole?

    Absolutely! Homemade pierogis work beautifully in this casserole and can add an extra special touch. Just be sure they’re cooked or partially cooked before layering, as they won’t firm up like frozen ones in the oven.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have kielbasa?

    You can swap kielbasa with any fully cooked smoked sausage, chorizo, or even cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage also works well and adds great flavor.

  3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

    Yes! This Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe freezes nicely. Just wrap it tightly, freeze for up to two months, then thaw before reheating for best results.

  4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

    Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to cook since the ingredients will be cold.

  5. What cheese is best for this casserole?

    I recommend sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and adds bold flavor. However, feel free to experiment with mild cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoy making this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe whenever I want a no-fuss, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those recipes that keeps me coming back because it’s straightforward, customizable, and loved by everyone at the table. If you’re looking for comforting, hearty food that doesn’t require tons of time or ingredients, I highly encourage you to give this a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This comforting Pierogi Casserole combines tender potato pierogis, smoky kielbasa sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection. Topped with shredded sharp cheddar and fresh green onions, this hearty casserole is an easy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pierogi and Sausage

  • 16 ounces frozen potato pierogi
  • 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 green onions, sliced (divided)

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange Pierogis and Sausage: Place the frozen potato pierogis evenly into the casserole dish, then layer the sliced kielbasa sausage on top.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the sliced green onions until smooth and combined.
  4. Add Sauce and Cover: Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the pierogis and sausages in the casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the pierogis to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining green onions on top for freshness and color, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa sausage with other fully-cooked smoked sausages such as turkey or chicken sausage for variations.
  • Shredding cheese from a block gives better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties. Feel free to use mild cheddar or any preferred cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 513 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1106 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 98 mg

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