Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Pierogi casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that layers everyone’s favorite pierogi with cheese, sausage, and spinach for a delicious twist. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 lb. potato pierogi (or your favorite frozen pierogi flavor), divided
- 1 (10.5-oz.) can cheddar cheese soup or cream of mushroom soup
- 8 oz. cheddar, shredded, divided
- 15 oz. farmer’s cheese or ricotta, divided
- 1 (5-oz.) pkg. fresh or frozen spinach, thawed, drained, divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced, divided
- 1 (12-oz.) pkg. smoked kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced, divided
- Kosher salt
- Thinly sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 13″ x 9″ or 11″ x 7″ baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange 12 pierogi to cover the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup) with three-quarters of the shredded cheddar. Pour half of this soup mixture over the pierogi. Crumble half of the farmer’s cheese over the pierogi. Sprinkle with half of the spinach, half of the onion, and half of the sliced kielbasa. Season with kosher salt.
- Step 3: Repeat the layering with the remaining pierogi, soup mixture, farmer’s cheese, spinach, onion, and sausage. Top the casserole with the remaining one-quarter of the shredded cheddar. Season again with salt. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
- Step 4: Bake the casserole until it is heated through and bubbling, about 45 minutes.
- Step 5: Turn on the broiler and broil the casserole, watching closely, until the top is crispy and golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with thinly sliced scallions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute smoked kielbasa with cooked bacon or ham for a different smoky flavor.
- Use cream cheese or sour cream in place of farmer’s cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
Storage
Store leftover pierogi casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh pierogi work well in this casserole and may reduce baking time slightly. Be sure to adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are heated through.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate overnight and bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
PrintPierogi Casserole Recipe
This Pierogi Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring layers of potato pierogi, creamy cheese soups, cheddar, farmer’s cheese, spinach, onions, and smoked kielbasa sausage. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a crispy top, it’s perfect for an easy family meal with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 lb. potato pierogi (or your favorite frozen pierogi flavor), divided
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Cheese & Cream
- 1 (10.5-oz.) can cheddar cheese soup or cream of mushroom soup
- 8 oz. cheddar, shredded, divided
- 15 oz. farmer’s cheese or ricotta, divided
Vegetables & Sausage
- 1 (5-oz.) pkg. fresh or frozen spinach, thawed, drained, divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced, divided
- 1 (12-oz.) pkg. smoked kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced, divided
Seasoning & Garnish
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Thinly sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13″ x 9″ or 11″ x 7″ baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Then, arrange 12 pierogi in a single layer to completely cover the bottom of the dish.
- Mix Cheese Soup and Assemble First Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup) with three-quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the pierogi layer. Next, crumble half of the farmer’s cheese over the pierogi and sprinkle with half of the spinach, half of the chopped onion, and half of the sliced kielbasa sausage. Season with kosher salt to taste.
- Add Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, pour the remaining half of the soup mixture, crumble the rest of the farmer’s cheese, and scatter the remaining spinach, onion, and kielbasa evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining one-quarter of shredded cheddar cheese and season again with kosher salt. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the casserole is heated through, bubbling, and the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Broil for a Crispy Top and Serve: Switch your oven to the broiler setting. Broil the casserole, watching very closely, until the top becomes crispy and lightly browned, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from oven, garnish with thinly sliced scallions, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the potato pierogi with cheese or sauerkraut pierogi depending on your preference.
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, or frozen spinach to keep it budget-friendly and available year-round.
- Be sure to watch the casserole closely during broiling to avoid burning the top.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding extra smoked kielbasa or using spicy sausage can add more kick to the dish.
Keywords: pierogi casserole, baked pierogi, kielbasa casserole, comfort food, casserole recipe
