Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Pierogi casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that takes your favorite frozen pierogi to a whole new level. Layered with cheese, spinach, sausage, and a creamy soup base, this baked casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
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 and three-quarters of the shredded cheddar. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the pierogi layer.
- Step 3: Crumble half of the farmer’s cheese over the pierogi. Sprinkle with half of the spinach, half of the onion, and half of the kielbasa sausage. Season with kosher salt to taste.
- Step 4: Repeat the layering with the remaining pierogi, the rest of the soup mixture, the remaining farmer’s cheese, spinach, onion, and sausage. Top with the remaining one-quarter of shredded cheddar and season with salt. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
- Step 5: Bake the casserole in the oven until heated through and bubbling, about 45 minutes.
- Step 6: Switch the oven to broil. Broil the casserole, watching closely, until the top is crispy and golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with sliced scallions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try using different pierogi fillings like sauerkraut or cheese for a new twist on the casserole.
- You can substitute smoked kielbasa with cooked bacon or sausage links for a different flavor.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter taste and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
Storage
Store leftover pierogi casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid reheating under the broiler to prevent burning.
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 recipe. Just be mindful that they might cook a bit faster, so check the casserole for doneness a few minutes earlier.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baked cold from the fridge.
Print
Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Pierogi Casserole layers tender potato pierogi with a creamy cheddar cheese soup mixture, farmer’s cheese, fresh spinach, sautéed onions, and smoky kielbasa sausage. Baked to bubbling perfection and finished with a broiled crispy top, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 lb. potato pierogi (or your favorite frozen pierogi flavor), divided
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Cheese & Dairy
- 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 & Aromatics
- 1 (5-oz.) pkg. fresh or frozen spinach, thawed, drained, divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Thinly sliced scallions, for serving
Protein
- 1 (12-oz.) pkg. smoked kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Pierogi: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 13″ x 9″ or 11″ x 7″ baking dish with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange 12 pierogi around the bottom of the prepared dish in an even layer.
- Make Cheese Mixture and Layer Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup) with three-quarters of the shredded cheddar. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the arranged pierogi. Crumble half of the farmer’s cheese over the pierogi. Then, sprinkle half of the spinach, half of the chopped onion, and half of the sliced kielbasa sausage on top. Season lightly with kosher salt to taste.
- Repeat Layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, soup mixture, farmer’s cheese, spinach, onion, and sausage. Finally, evenly sprinkle the remaining one-quarter of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Season again lightly with salt, and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the entire casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until heated through and bubbling, about 45 minutes.
- Broil for Crispy Top and Serve: After baking, switch your oven to broil. Carefully broil the casserole for about 3 minutes, watching closely, until the top becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven, garnish with thinly sliced scallions, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap the cheddar cheese soup with cream of mushroom soup for a milder flavor.
- Make sure to thaw and drain spinach well to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the kielbasa and consider adding mushrooms or other vegetables.
- If you cannot find farmer’s cheese, ricotta is a suitable substitute.
- This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if cold from fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Keywords: pierogi casserole, potato pierogi, kielbasa, kielbasa casserole, cheesy pierogi bake, comfort food, Eastern European dinner
