I absolutely love how this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe comes together—it’s like a cozy hug in food form. When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how simple ingredients like frozen potato pierogi and spicy kielbasa sausage transformed into something extraordinary with just a creamy cheddar sauce baked to perfection. If you’re looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare but feels special, this casserole hits all the right notes.

You’ll find that this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe works wonderfully for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners when you want something warm, filling, and delicious with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that warms up beautifully as leftovers, making it a practical choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort Food Favorite: Combines classic pierogi and kielbasa flavors in one easy, cheesy casserole.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses store-bought pierogi and sausage to speed up prep time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it great for busy households.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s always requested at gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe are straightforward but work so well together—potato pierogi bring a hearty base, kielbasa adds that smoky bite, and the creamy cheddar sauce rounds it all out perfectly. When shopping, look for quality pierogi and kielbasa; both influence how rich and flavorful your casserole will be.

  • Frozen Potato Pierogi: Using frozen saves tons of time and cooks up wonderfully when baked in the sauce.
  • Kielbasa Sausage: Choose a smoked kielbasa for the best depth of flavor; you can slice it into rounds for even bites.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds subtle moisture and flavor to the creamy sauce without overpowering.
  • Sour Cream: Brings tang and richness to the sauce; full-fat works best.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the creamy elements.
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh bite and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers a nice flavor contrast to the creamy sauce.
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

I love to switch up this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to get creative here—personalizing it keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it.

  • Swap the Sausage: I’ve often used smoked turkey sausage instead of kielbasa for a leaner option, and it worked beautifully without losing any flavor.
  • Cheese Choices: Sometimes I mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or gouda for a creamier, less sharp profile—perfect if you’re serving picky eaters.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition; I did this once for a casual dinner, and it was a hit.
  • Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or stir in a diced jalapeño with the sauce mixture.

How to Make Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. I like to use an even layer of non-stick spray to ensure the bottom pierogi don’t catch or dry out during baking.

Step 2: Layer Your Main Ingredients

Place the frozen potato pierogis in the casserole dish first, spreading them out evenly. Next, add the sliced kielbasa sausage on top. Because the pierogi are frozen, they’ll cook through nicely in the oven, while the kielbasa will warm up and infuse the dish with smoky, savory goodness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, freshly ground black pepper, and half of your sliced green onions. Mixing these ingredients while the cream cheese is softened makes it much easier to get a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the pierogi and kielbasa evenly. Pour this sauce right over the top.

Step 4: Bake and Get Golden

Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This steaming step ensures the frozen pierogi thaw and soften without drying out. After 30 minutes, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This gives you that gooey, bubbly cheese topping that I absolutely love.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and lightly browned, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining green onions on top. They add a fresh crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy casserole. Serve it straight from the dish for an easy, homey meal your whole family will enjoy.

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Pro Tips for Making Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

  • Don’t Thaw Pierogi Ahead: I learned this the hard way—keeping them frozen before baking helps keep the casserole from turning mushy.
  • Softened Cream Cheese Is Key: Be sure to leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with the sour cream and broth.
  • Sharp Cheddar Packs Flavor: Using sharp cheddar cheese makes all the difference—it melts perfectly and brings that punch of tanginess I adore.
  • Cover to Prevent Dryness: Keeping the casserole covered for most of the bake time locks in moisture, so your pierogi remain tender and juicy.

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 top my casserole with the fresh green onions called for in the recipe to give a nice pop of color and a mild, oniony crunch. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream on each serving because the cool tang pairs so beautifully with the warm, cheesy casserole—plus it’s just so comforting.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts also complement the smoky kielbasa and cheesy flavors really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions of this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe in cute ramekins. It elevates the presentation and makes everyone feel like they’re getting a personal, homemade dish. I’ve also arranged it as a layered dish in a clear casserole so guests can see those beautiful layers of pierogi, sausage, and cheese melting together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftover pierogi casserole in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps really well for about 4 to 5 days. I like to portion it out so I can grab a quick meal without fuss—just reheat and enjoy, almost like it gets better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing this casserole before baking by prepping it fully, covering it tightly with foil, and wrapping with plastic wrap. When I’m ready to eat it, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if it’s still a bit chilled. This is great for meal prep or saving for a busy weeknight.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually microwave a portion for a couple of minutes until warmed through or reheat the whole casserole covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Covering with foil prevents the cheese from drying out while warming, keeping it deliciously creamy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen in this recipe?

    Yes, you can use fresh pierogi, but since they cook faster than frozen, you’ll want to reduce the baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking and mushiness. Keep an eye on the casserole and start checking for doneness a bit earlier if using fresh pierogi.

  2. What can I substitute for kielbasa in the Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe?

    If you don’t have kielbasa on hand, smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage work beautifully. Just make sure your substitute is fully cooked and sliced so it warms through evenly in the casserole.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    While this casserole relies on cheese and sour cream for creaminess, you can try using dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives along with a non-dairy cheese substitute. The texture and flavor will be different, but it can still make a tasty dish for those avoiding dairy.

  4. How spicy is this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe?

    The dish has a mild warmth from the black pepper and kielbasa’s smoky flavor but isn’t spicy unless you add extras like red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat to your preference by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe has become such a beloved comfort food in my home—and I’m excited for you to give it a try. It strikes the perfect balance between rich, cheesy indulgence and easy weeknight practicality. Whether you’re new to cooking with pierogi or a longtime fan, this one-pan casserole will bring cozy flavors and happy smiles to your table. So go ahead, treat yourself (and your family) to this hearty dish—you won’t regret it!

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Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheddar Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Description

This comforting Pierogi Casserole combines tender potato pierogis with flavorful kielbasa sausage in a creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, featuring a delicious blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar topped with fresh green onions for a burst of flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Primary Ingredients

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

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Assemble Pierogi and Sausage: Arrange the frozen potato pierogis and sliced kielbasa sausage evenly in the prepared casserole pan to ensure even cooking.
  3. Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the sliced green onions. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Add Sauce to Casserole: Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the pierogis and sausage in the casserole pan, coating them thoroughly.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pierogis to cook through.
  6. Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, top with the remaining sliced green onions for freshness, and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute the kielbasa sausage with other fully cooked smoked sausages, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage based on preference.
  • Shredding your own cheese from a block of sharp cheddar provides better melting and flavor. Mild cheddar or other cheese varieties can be used as alternatives.
  • Leftover Pierogi Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best consumed within 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (approx. 233g)
  • Calories: 513
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1106mg
  • Fat: 37g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 98mg

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