There's something wonderfully comforting about layering flavors and textures in one dish, and this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe nails that cozy, hearty vibe perfectly. Imagine tender pierogies and flavorful kielbasa bathed in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling—it’s a total crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to pull together.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of those comfort food gems that I always keep in my back pocket when I want something filling and flavorful without fuss. It’s got all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave, plus the smoky kick of kielbasa, all in a casserole you can make in under an hour.
- Easy Weeknight Favorite: Throw everything into one dish and pop it in the oven—minimal prep, maximum comfort.
- Flavor-Packed: Smoky kielbasa with creamy cheese sauce creates layers of deliciousness in every bite.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike dig into this dish; it’s that comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses, add veggies, or adjust spices to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this casserole brings something special to the table—smoky kielbasa, creamy cheeses, and tender pierogies all balanced with just the right spices. When shopping, look for quality kielbasa with a good snap and pierogies that hold their shape well in the oven.
- Kielbasa: Adds smoky, savory flavor; pre-sliced for quick layering.
- Frozen pierogies: Convenient and hearty, they soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Cream cheese: Provides richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balance the savory notes.
- Chicken broth: Thins the sauce just enough for easy mixing and baking.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Essential seasonings to boost depth without chopping.
- Salt & pepper: Simple but necessary for rounding out flavors.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharpness and color, adding a classic cheesy appeal.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey top layer.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that cuts through the richness with a bit of bite.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. This casserole is a great blank canvas—try adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for an earthier vibe. You can also swap kielbasa for smoked sausage or even a spicy chorizo if you like it hot.
- Vegetarian Variation: Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage and add hearty mushrooms; it’s just as satisfying.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in some roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli for color and nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for a little kick, or use all mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the sauce for warmth without overpowering.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Base
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F and greasing my 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray—that non-stick step saves you from any messy cleanup later. Then, I evenly layer the sliced kielbasa and frozen pierogies right into the dish, no need to thaw the pierogies first. This helps keep the textures just right once baked.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Using a hand mixer, I beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream until it’s silky smooth—this step is crucial for a velvety sauce without lumps. Then I add chicken broth along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, plus half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Whisk it all until it’s well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
I pour the cheesy sauce over the kielbasa and pierogies, gently mixing so everything gets coated evenly. Then I sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella right on top for that golden, bubbly finish. Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, then unwrap and bake an additional 10 minutes to get a perfect crust on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, I let it cool just a few minutes because that molten cheese is piping hot! Then I finish it with a sprinkle of sliced green onions that add a fresh pop of color and subtle bite. Serve warm, and prepare for some serious compliments.
Top Tip
Over the years making this baked kielbasa pierogi casserole recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to great. The sauce texture makes a world of difference, and timing the bake just right is key to keeping pierogies tender but not mushy.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s room temperature so your sauce blends smoothly without lumps.
- Mixing the Sauce Well: Use a hand mixer if you have one to get that creamy consistency—it really helps.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole during the first half of baking keeps moisture in and stops pierogies from drying out.
- Rest Before Serving: Give it at least 5 minutes out of the oven so the sauce settles and it’s easier to serve.
How to Serve Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of using freshly sliced green onions because they brighten up the richness of the dish. Sometimes I toss on a dollop of sour cream or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for texture contrast. A little fresh parsley can be lovely too if you want some color variation.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a simple crisp green salad or steamed green beans gives some freshness to balance out the indulgence. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale adds a nice veggie boost and a little bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I love making individual servings in ramekins for a cute presentation. You can also top with caramelized onions or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-and-savory twist that guests always remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, so it’s a great make-ahead comfort meal for busy weeknights. Just scoop a portion into your bowl and go.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well before baking. I usually assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, just adding some extra bake time with foil covered.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I pop them into the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying, warming evenly for around 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too but the oven keeps that crispy cheese topping alive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you have homemade pierogies, they’ll give the casserole an extra-special touch. Just be mindful of their moisture content—if they’re very moist, consider reducing broth slightly to avoid a soggy casserole.
Definitely, feel free to swap kielbasa with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even chorizo depending on the flavor profile you want. Just slice the sausage similarly and adjust seasonings if your substitution is spicier.
No, you can use just one type of cheese if you prefer. The mix of cheddar and mozzarella brings both sharpness and meltiness, but using only mozzarella will give you a gooier casserole, while cheddar alone offers a stronger bite.
To lighten it up, try reducing the cream cheese and sour cream amounts, or substitute with Greek yogurt. You can also add more broth or a splash of milk to thin the sauce without losing flavor. Adding more veggies can balance richness as well.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes for its ease and unbeatable comfort. It feels like a warm hug on a plate every time I make it, and honestly, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends over a relaxed evening. I can’t wait for you to try it in your kitchen—you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again, just like I do.
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Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Description
A comforting baked casserole combining sliced kielbasa sausage and frozen pierogies in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and garnished with fresh green onions for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces sliced kielbasa sausage, ¼-inch thick
- 32 ounces frozen pierogies
Cheese 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Kielbasa and Pierogies: Place the sliced kielbasa sausage and frozen pierogies evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Sauce with Pierogies and Sausage: Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the pierogies and kielbasa in the baking dish. Gently mix or toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole for a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and ingredients to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, bright flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy kielbasa or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water with a bit of seasoning works as a substitute.
- You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with your favorite cheese blends or use all cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily into the sauce.
- Using foil to cover the casserole during the first part of baking helps keep the pierogies soft and ensures even cooking.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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