Cozy Kielbasa and Pierogi Bake with Cheesy Cream Sauce
Cozy Kielbasa and Pierogi Bake with Cheesy Cream Sauce
PrintKielbasa and Pierogi Bake Recipe
Kielbasa and Pierogi Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole combining smoky kielbasa sausage with creamy potato and cheese pierogies, layered in a tangy sour cream and cream cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar and caramelized onions. This dish blends the rich flavors of Eastern European staples into a modern, family-friendly bake perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Eastern European-American Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 1 (14 oz) kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Cook Kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet with the onions and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the kielbasa pieces develop a light brown sear, intensifying their smoky flavor. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, softened cream cheese, whole milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional paprika until smooth and well combined to create a rich, tangy sauce.
- Assemble Pierogies and Sauce: Arrange the frozen pierogies evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce over the pierogies, gently tossing to coat them evenly without breaking their delicate edges.
- Add Kielbasa and Onions: Distribute the cooked onions and kielbasa slices on top of the coated pierogies, mixing slightly to spread ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire dish for a creamy, golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the pieorgies to cook thoroughly and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute kielbasa with meat-free sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli to increase vegetable content and fiber.
- To make the top crispier, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes after removing foil in the final baking stage.
- Use reduced-fat dairy products and low-sodium kielbasa for a lighter, healthier variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days and freeze well in airtight containers for longer storage.
- Adjust baking times slightly if using different sized baking dishes or scaling the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: kielbasa pierogi bake, kielbasa casserole, pierogi casserole, comfort food, Eastern European recipes, easy weekday dinner, family meal