If you have a soft spot for hearty, comforting meals that come together effortlessly, you are going to adore this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe. Imagine layers of tender, cheesy pierogies mingling with smoky sausage, all wrapped in a luscious cream cheese and sour cream sauce, then slow-cooked to melty perfection. This dish is the ultimate answer to cozy nights when you crave something warm, filling, and downright satisfying without standing at the stove for hours. Once you try it, this casserole will become a cherished staple in your dinner rotation, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that each play a key role in creating its irresistible flavor and creamy texture. From the comforting softness of frozen pierogies to the rich depth of smoked sausage, every component is essential and straightforward to find.
- Frozen pierogies (16 oz): These are the star of the dish—choose potato and cheese or your favorite kind for that soft, pillowy base.
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa (1 pound): Adds a savory, smoky contrast that balances the richness beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, cubed): Provides the velvety creaminess that ties the casserole together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts on top to give a golden, cheesy crust with sharp flavor.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings tang and silkiness to the sauce.
- Chopped small onion (1): Adds subtle sweetness and texture throughout.
- Chicken broth or water (1/2 cup): Helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce that keeps everything moist.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of spice to balance flavors.
- Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot and Ingredients
Start by giving your slow cooker a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This simple step saves you time later. Now, grab your frozen pierogies and sliced smoked sausage—the heart and soul of this casserole.
Step 2: Layer the Pierogies and Sausage
Place the frozen pierogies evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. On top of that, scatter the sliced sausage pieces and then sprinkle the chopped onion over everything. Layering your ingredients like this helps them cook evenly and allows the flavors to mingle beautifully as everything slowly warms up.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cubed cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. This luscious sauce will meld all the layers together, turning the casserole into one creamy, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 4: Pour Sauce and Add Cheese
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot, making sure it spreads evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. This cheesy layer will melt down to create a slightly golden crust that’s totally irresistible.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, all the flavors will marry, the pierogies will soften perfectly, and the sauce will become creamy and luscious. If you can, gently stir halfway through to distribute the sauce, but it’s okay if you don’t get a chance.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley right before serving. These simple garnishes add a bright, herby note that contrasts beautifully with the rich creaminess of the casserole. Plus, they make your dish look extra inviting!
Side Dishes
This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. The contrast between fresh greens and the hearty casserole makes for a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve this casserole family-style straight from the crockpot, letting everyone dig in with hearty helpings. If you want to dress it up a bit, scoop portions onto individual plates and add a dollop of sour cream or a side of pickled vegetables for extra zest. Either way, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for easy next-day meals or lunches that feel like a treat rather than a reheat.
Freezing
If you want to keep this casserole on hand for a busy week, it freezes beautifully. Before freezing, cool completely and pack in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty plastic wrap and foil. It will maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then heat slowly to preserve the dish’s texture and luscious sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will work well in this casserole, but keep an eye on the cooking time since they may cook faster than frozen.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the sauce?
Sour cream adds tang and creaminess, but if you’re out, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or even cream cheese alone for a slightly different but still delicious texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the smoked sausage for vegetarian sausage or add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a satisfying meatless version.
What can I do to make this dish spicier?
Try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a gentle kick of heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble everything the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and start cooking in the crockpot the next day for ultimate convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe is exactly the kind of comforting, fuss-free meal that wins hearts and fills bellies with joy. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with smoky sausage, and utterly soul-satisfying. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this effortless slow cooker magic turning out perfect dinners every time.
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting, easy-to-make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole featuring layers of frozen pierogies, smoky sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty American main dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogies (potato and cheese or your preferred variety)
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Evenly layer the frozen pierogies and sliced sausage in the crockpot. Top with the chopped onion for added flavor.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Add Cheese: Pour the creamy mixture over the pierogies and sausage layers, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pierogies are heated through and the sauce is creamy. If possible, gently stir halfway through cooking to combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch and additional color.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
- Use a mix of cream cheese and pepper jack cheese for a spicier variation.
- Stir gently halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
