Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, blending Polish-inspired flavors into a simple one-pot meal. Cheesy, savory layers of potato dumplings and smoky sausage create a satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 3 packages Mrs. Ts cheddar pierogies
- 4 cups chicken broth
Cheese Components:
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a harmonious base for this comforting pierogi casserole by selecting a spacious crockpot that can accommodate all ingredients generously.
- Layer frozen pierogies across the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even initial foundation for the dish.
- Slice kielbasa into uniform half-moon shapes, strategically distributing them throughout the pierogi layer to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
- Pour three-quarters of the chicken broth directly over the pierogies and kielbasa, allowing liquid to seep between ingredients and prevent potential sticking.
- Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese across the initial layer, creating a preliminary melting foundation that will enhance overall dish richness.
- Cover the crockpot and initiate cooking on high temperature, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complementary flavors for approximately three and a half hours.
- Thirty minutes before cooking completion, softly warm cream cheese with remaining chicken broth, whisking meticulously until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring carefully to integrate without disrupting the existing layer structure.
- Generously scatter remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious, molten topping.
- Continue cooking for an additional half-hour, permitting cheese to completely melt and flavors to harmonize.
- Once finished, garnish with finely chopped green onions, providing a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, hearty casserole.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing guests to experience the full depth of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Enhancing Flavor Depth: Use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste profile that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
- Dietary Modification: Substitute kielbasa with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains protein content.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations that suit personal preferences.
- Texture Optimization: If preferring firmer pierogies, partially thaw them before adding to the crockpot to prevent overcooking and maintain a pleasant texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg