Description
Hearty Polish-inspired Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables across American kitchens. Cheese-laden layers of potato dumplings and smoky sausage meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Layer frozen pierogies, kielbasa slices, and half the cheddar cheese in a 4-6 quart crockpot, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
- Pour chicken broth over the layered ingredients, creating a moisture-rich environment for slow cooking.
- Set crockpot to high temperature and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively use low temperature for 6 hours, allowing ingredients to tenderize and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Approximately 30 minutes before cooking completion, soften cream cheese by warming it with remaining chicken broth, either using microwave or stovetop method.
- Whisk cream cheese and broth until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency without any lumps.
- Gently incorporate the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring carefully to prevent disrupting the existing layers.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Continue cooking on low temperature for an additional 30 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely and flavors to harmonize.
- Once finished, dish out steaming hot portions, optionally garnishing with freshly sliced green onions for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Swap frozen pierogies with fresh ones for a more homemade texture that elevates the entire dish.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting a lighter kielbasa variety to control salt intake.
- Customize the casserole by adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth and complexity of flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pierogies and verify all ingredient labels carefully to ensure compliance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg