There’s nothing quite like a cozy casserole to bring everyone together, and this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory kielbasa and those pillowy pierogies—trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I discovered this casserole on a chilly weekend when I wanted something hearty but easy enough to whip up on a whim. What really won me over is how the flavors blend without much fuss, creating a layered dish that feels special but won’t keep you in the kitchen all day.
- Simple layering: You just toss kielbasa, frozen pierogies, and a creamy cheese sauce together for foolproof comfort food.
- Rich and cheesy: The mix of cheddar and mozzarella keeps the casserole gooey without being overwhelming.
- Perfect for weeknights or gatherings: Everyone’s happy around the table, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Customizable: Easy to add your favorite veggies or swap in different cheese blends to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe combines classic hearty elements with a luscious creamy sauce that brings it all together. Here’s why each ingredient plays a starring role in the Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe:
- Kielbasa sausage: Adds smoky, savory flavor and meaty texture that pairs perfectly with pierogies.
- Frozen pierogies: Convenient and comforting, they soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully during baking.
- Cream cheese: Makes the sauce ultra-smooth and tangy, balancing the richness.
- Sour cream: Adds extra creaminess with a slight tang that brightens the dish.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce so it’s not too thick but still flavorful.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: These spices deepen the savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and a classic cheesy flavor everyone loves.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that melty, stringy cheese pull that’s so satisfying.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild bite for contrast.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it a bit to match what’s in my fridge and my mood that day, and you should too!
- Variation: I like adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth—totally changes the texture and flavor in the best way.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap out the kielbasa for smoked tempeh or plant-based sausage to keep that smoky vibe without meat.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika if you want a little heat.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheesy personality that still melts perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and layering magic
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—it’s key to keep everything from sticking. Lay down the sliced kielbasa right in the dish, then pour in your frozen pierogies. Trust me, there’s no need to thaw the pierogies first; they’ll cook just right in the oven.
Step 2: Whip up the creamy sauce
Grab a bowl and whisk together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth—that’s going to be your base. Then, add in chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, plus half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mixing it well ensures every pierogi bites into creamy cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Combine and bake
Pour that luscious sauce over the kielbasa and pierogies. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss everything so it’s evenly coated—I like to fold rather than stir aggressively to keep the pierogies intact. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top, cover with foil, and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with bubbles and golden crust
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. That’s when the magic happens—the top turns beautifully bubbly and golden. Let it rest a few minutes before adding a handful of sliced green onions and serving. That fresh bite really lifts the whole dish.
Top Tip
Over the years baking this casserole, I learned a few things that make a big difference. These tips helped me avoid soggy pierogies and get that perfect gooey texture every time—hopefully, they’ll help you too.
- Don’t skip the foil: Covering the casserole for most of the bake retains moisture, ensuring pierogies cook through without drying out.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the sauce — no lumps here!
- Toss gently: When mixing sauce with pierogies and kielbasa before baking, fold carefully so pierogies keep their shape.
- Let it rest: A few minutes out of the oven helps the casserole thicken slightly, making serving less messy and much more satisfying.
How to Serve Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with sliced green onions—they add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the creamy richness. Sometimes I throw on a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits when I want that extra special touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Some roasted veggies like green beans or Brussels sprouts work wonderfully too.
Creative Ways to Present
When serving for a special occasion, I garnish with extra fresh herbs like dill or parsley and pop the casserole in a pretty ceramic dish. For a party, you can portion it into smaller oven-safe ramekins for individual servings—always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole stores great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better after a day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Freezing
I like to freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. When you want to enjoy it later, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The cheese might not be as melty as fresh, but the flavors hold up really well.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the pierogies tender and prevents the cheese from drying out. A quick zap in the microwave works too when you’re in a hurry, but the oven method is my go-to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies work great in this casserole and will likely reduce the baking time slightly. Just keep an eye on the dish and check doneness to avoid overcooking.
Covering the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes traps moisture and helps everything cook evenly. Then removing the foil for the last 10 minutes allows the cheese to brown and bubble beautifully without burning.
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Leftovers are stellar alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies. A simple pickle plate or sauerkraut on the side also complements the kielbasa’s smoky flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it hits every note I want in a comforting meal: easy, hearty, and full of flavor. I love how it brings people together, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Give it a try—it might just become one of your go-to recipes when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss.
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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: American
Description
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring sliced kielbasa sausage and frozen pierogies baked in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, combining savory sausage and tender pierogies with a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Kielbasa and Pierogies: Place the 14 ounces of sliced kielbasa and 32 ounces of frozen pierogies into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the softened 8-ounce block of cream cheese and ½ cup sour cream until smooth and creamy. Add the ½ cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Whisk everything until well combined.
- Combine Sauce with Pierogies and Kielbasa: Pour the creamy sauce over the pierogies and sausage in the baking dish. Gently mix to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook through and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Use any cheese blend you prefer or have on hand; pepper jack or a smoked cheese could add interesting flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese and sour cream with suitable dairy-free alternatives.
- Frozen pierogies do not need to be thawed before baking; they cook fully in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be reheated covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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