Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours on High or about 4–6 hours on Low
- Servings: 6–8
- Cuisine: American/Polish-inspired comfort food
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2½–3 lb frozen potato & cheese pierogies
- 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp dried parsley
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Extra shredded cheddar, optional
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Kielbasa
Slice the smoked kielbasa into bite-sized rounds.
For extra flavor, melt the butter in a skillet and lightly brown the sausage and sliced onion for 4–6 minutes. This step is optional, but browning adds a deeper savory flavor.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Cream cheese
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Whisk until mostly smooth.
3. Layer the Crockpot
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add a layer of frozen pierogies, followed by some kielbasa and onions. Repeat with the remaining pierogies, sausage, and onions.
Do not thaw the pierogies first. Frozen pierogies work well in this type of slow-cooker casserole.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the creamy broth mixture evenly over the pierogies and sausage.
Cover the Crockpot with the lid.
5. Slow Cook
Cook on:
- HIGH: about 3–4 hours
or - LOW: about 4–6 hours
Cooking time can vary by slow cooker, so check that the pierogies are tender but still holding their shape.
6. Add the Cheese
About 20–30 minutes before serving, gently stir in about half of the cheddar and mozzarella.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and allow it to melt completely.
7. Finish & Serve
Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.
Serve hot while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Keep pierogies frozen when adding them to the slow cooker.
- Don’t add too much liquid; the pierogies release some moisture as they cook.
- For a richer casserole, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Turkey or chicken kielbasa can be substituted for pork kielbasa.
- For a little heat, add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Add the cheese toward the end rather than cooking it for the entire time for a smoother, cheesier finish.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of warm chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is already hearty, so I like serving it with something fresh and light:
- Green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Cucumber-tomato salad
- Pickled vegetables
A simple green salad or vegetables work particularly well with the rich, creamy casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Keep in mind that pierogies can become softer after refrigeration and reheating.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per serving, assuming 8 servings:
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650–750 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60–70 g |
| Fat | 35–42 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16–20 g |
| Fiber | 4–5 g |
| Sugar | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | 1,200–1,500 mg |
| Calcium | 350–450 mg |
| Iron | 2–3 mg |
Nutrition is an estimate and varies considerably depending on the pierogi, kielbasa, cheese, broth, and cream brands used. Similar published versions range widely in calories and sodium because of ingredient differences.
FAQs
1. Do I need to boil the pierogies first?
No. For this slow-cooker method, frozen pierogies can go directly into the Crockpot.
2. Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Smoked turkey kielbasa, chicken sausage, or another fully cooked smoked sausage can be used.
3. Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Sour cream gives the casserole a slightly tangier flavor. Add it toward the end of cooking to help maintain a smooth texture.
4. Can I make this without kielbasa?
Absolutely. Leave out the sausage and add mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or another favorite vegetable.
5. Why are my pierogies falling apart?
They may have been cooked too long or stirred too aggressively. Cook just until tender and gently fold the casserole when mixing.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can, but the texture of the pierogies may become softer after freezing and reheating.