There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, cheesy layers of a good casserole, and this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe hits all those cozy notes. With juicy kielbasa, tender pierogies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count, and every time it disappears within minutes. It’s a brilliant blend of Polish-inspired flavors with an easy, hands-off approach — perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
- Effortless Layering: You just toss sliced kielbasa and frozen pierogies into the dish — no boiling or frying ahead.
- Creamy Cheesy Sauce: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and two kinds of shredded cheese creates a dreamy texture that coats every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It cooks in under an hour and can be prepped in advance — lifesaver for busy days.
- Family Favorite: Great for all ages and tastes, this dish brings hearty comfort with just the right kick from the kielbasa.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly smoky. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Kielbasa sausage: Adds a smoky, meaty punch and a little spice that pairs wonderfully with creamy textures.
- Frozen pierogies: These are the star carbohydrate — starchy, soft, and filling. Using them frozen keeps things easy and saves prep time.
- Cream cheese: Gives the sauce a rich creaminess and helps bind everything together silky smooth.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and keeps the flavors bright.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough so it’s creamy but not heavy or gluey.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Simple, pantry staples that deepen the savory flavor without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the ingredients’ tastes.
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese: A duo that brings gooey meltiness and sharp bite — the cheddar adds punch and mozzarella the stretch.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a bit of crunch, lifting the casserole with freshness.
Make It Your Way
I often tweak this recipe based on what I have on hand or who I'm cooking for. It’s super adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. You can switch up the cheese or add veggies for extra color and nutrition.
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the sauce before baking — it adds surprisingly wonderful depth.
- Dietary switch: For a lighter version, swap out half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese, but keep the flavor balance in mind.
- Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you like a little heat that complements the kielbasa.
- Extra veggies: Frozen peas or chopped bell peppers mixed with the pierogies make this meal even more colorful and satisfying.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Base with Kielbasa and Pierogies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray — trust me, it’s one less sticky mess to worry about. Lay down the sliced kielbasa and frozen pierogies right into the baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Skipping the extra boiling means less fuss, and the oven will do the work to warm and cook everything perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
Grab a bowl and use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth — no lumps allowed! Add in chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Whisk thoroughly until you have a creamy, velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the creamy sauce over your kielbasa and pierogies, then stir gently to coat everything without smashing the pierogies. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes so you get a bubbly, golden cheesy crust that’s oh-so-tempting.
Step 4: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can set up a bit and cool down—this also helps the sauce thicken slightly. Then, top with a handful of freshly sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and a pop of color before serving.
Top Tip
Making this Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe for the first time, I learned several tricks that really improved the outcome — and I want you to have the same success right away!
- Don’t skip the foil cover: It traps steam and melts the cheese gently without drying out the pierogies.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: It mixes easier, giving you a smoother sauce without lumps.
- Even slices of kielbasa: About ¼-inch thick pieces cook evenly and distribute flavor throughout the casserole.
- Let it rest: Cutting in too soon means the sauce will run all over the place — patience pays off with perfect plated servings.
How to Serve Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always go with freshly sliced green onions because their mild sharpness contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole. Some days, I add a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess and tang — it’s a game-changer!
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for a fresh burst. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad also balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For the holidays or special dinners, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives — it feels special and keeps portions tidy. You could even add some crispy bacon bits on top for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I usually use the oven or toaster oven to keep that delicious crust crispy rather than soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. When freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Bake from frozen, adding extra time. For baked leftovers, let cool completely, then freeze in portions. It thaws and reheats nicely without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To keep that cheesy topping beautiful, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a rush, as it can make the pierogies a bit rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You certainly can! Fresh pierogies may cook faster, so I recommend reducing the initial covered baking time by about 5-10 minutes to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on the golden cheese topping.
I prefer smoked kielbasa for this recipe because the smokiness adds depth, but feel free to use mild or spicy kielbasa based on your flavor preference. Just slice it evenly for best results.
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pierogies (which some specialty stores offer) or even swap in gluten-free gnocchi for a similar starchy base. Just be sure to check other ingredients for gluten content.
Yes, this casserole freezes very well both before and after baking. Be sure to cool it completely if freezing baked leftovers. When baking from frozen, add 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time and cover with foil to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe is a go-to for me when I want a meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to pull together. It never fails to impress friends and family alike, delivering that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. I hope you find it just as comforting and effortless to make as I do — probably will be a favorite in your rotation before long!
Print
Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining sliced kielbasa, tender pierogies, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to a bubbly golden perfection. Topped with sliced green onions, it's perfect for a satisfying family meal or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces sliced kielbasa sausage, ¼-inch thick
- 32 ounces frozen pierogies
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) block softened cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Kielbasa and Pierogies: Place the sliced kielbasa sausage and frozen pierogies evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Then add the chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Whisk until everything is well combined into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Ingredients: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pierogies and kielbasa in the baking dish, and gently mix to ensure all pieces are well coated.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or another favorite sausage for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, use vegetarian pierogies and omit the kielbasa, adding extra vegetables instead.
- Feel free to swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- To make the casserole spicier, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.
- Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg

Leave a Reply