I absolutely love sharing this Pierogi Casserole Recipe because it’s the kind of cozy, comforting dish that just hits the spot—especially when you want something hearty without a ton of fuss. When I first tried this casserole, right out of the oven with that golden, crispy cheese on top, I was hooked! It’s perfect for weeknights, casual family dinners, or anytime you want to transform those frozen pierogi into something fresh and exciting.
You’ll find that this Pierogi Casserole Recipe pairs the classic flavors of pierogi with creamy cheese, spinach, and smoky sausage for a balance that’s truly scrumptious. Plus, it’s easy to customize and only takes about an hour from start to finish, which means you can have a satisfying meal on the table without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It transforms simple pierogi into a rich, layered casserole that’s warming and satisfying.
- Easy to Assemble: Using frozen pierogi means minimal prep, so it’s hassle-free after a busy day.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can swap ingredients like the cheese or sausage to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s perfect for potlucks or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The mix of pierogi, cheeses, spinach, and smoked kielbasa sausage packs this Pierogi Casserole Recipe with flavor and texture—plus, it balances creamy and savory beautifully. When shopping, picking good-quality pierogi and fresh spinach really lifts the dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use it for greasing the dish and a little drizzle on top to help develop that perfect crust.
- Potato pierogi (or favorite frozen flavor): These are the star! I like potato, but cheese or sauerkraut versions work great too.
- Cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup): Adds creamy body and flavor; the soup acts like a binder here.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that gorgeous melty top and cheesy goodness throughout.
- Farmer’s cheese or ricotta: Gives a lovely creamy tang and richness that balances the smoky sausage.
- Fresh or frozen spinach: Make sure it’s well-thawed and drained to avoid watery casserole layers.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped or thinly sliced to add a mild sweetness and texture.
- Smoked kielbasa sausage: Thin slices bring smoky, meaty flavor that complements the cheese and pierogi perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Season layers as you go to build flavor.
- Thinly sliced scallions: Fresh green garnish for brightness and a bit of crunch at the end.
Variations
I like to play around with this Pierogi Casserole Recipe depending on what we have on hand or dietary needs. It’s a flexible recipe that invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to swap or add your favorite veggies or swap meats.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the kielbasa and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or more spinach—this keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Cheese swaps: I’ve used mozzarella or gouda instead of cheddar for a milder, creamier flavor that my kids love.
- Spicy kick: Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the sausage layer for a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
- Different pierogi: Sauerkraut or mushroom pierogi can add an earthier note if you want to experiment.
How to Make Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Pierogi
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a 13 x 9-inch (or similar) baking dish and grease it really well with a tablespoon of olive oil. Then, arrange about 12 pierogi in a single layer to cover the bottom—don’t worry if they overlap slightly; this forms the casserole base. I find greasing well prevents sticking and helps get that golden crust on the pierogi edges.
Step 2: Layer the Savory Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the cheddar cheese soup with three-quarters of the shredded cheddar. This mixture is your creamy glue! Pour half over the pierogi layer, then crumble half the farmer’s cheese on top. Sprinkle half the spinach, half the finely chopped onion, and half the sliced kielbasa over everything. Don’t forget to season lightly with kosher salt. This layering is key because it helps balance creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Repeat and Finish
Now, repeat that layering with the remaining pierogi and the rest of your soup-cheese mixture, farmer’s cheese, spinach, onion, and sausage. Top the entire casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and another light sprinkle of salt. Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the top to encourage browning and a bit of crispness.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake your casserole for about 45 minutes, until everything is bubbly and heated through. I’m always so tempted to peek in early, but trust me—patience really pays off here. Once baked, switch your oven to broil and watch closely as the top crisps up in 2-3 minutes. That gorgeous golden-brown cheese topping is the best part!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering thinly sliced scallions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. I like this bit of brightness because the casserole itself is so rich and rich, the scallions cut through perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Drain Your Spinach Well: I’ve learned that squeezing out excess water from thawed spinach prevents the casserole from getting watery.
- Don’t Skip the Broil Step: Broiling the cheese topping briefly gives it that irresistible crispy finish that makes everyone rush to the table.
- Use Quality Pierogi: Fresh or frozen pierogi from a good brand or homemade if you can, will take this recipe from good to amazing.
- Season in Layers: Adding salt to each layer rather than just once at the end helps develop more complex, balanced flavors throughout the casserole.
How to Serve Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with fresh scallions or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions to add texture and a touch of sharpness to the rich casserole. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side makes it feel extra indulgent, too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad also add freshness and crunch that complement the warm, cheesy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve set this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty presentation at dinner parties. You could also layer it in a pretty glass casserole dish so guests see those beautiful layers through the sides—it always gets compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
This Pierogi Casserole Recipe freezes really well! I assemble it, but don’t bake, then tightly cover with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, I bake it from frozen, adding extra time to make sure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend the oven for best texture—cover loosely with foil and warm at 350°F until hot, about 20 minutes. You can finish with a quick broil if you want to crisp up the top again. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make it softer.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pierogi for this casserole?
Absolutely! Homemade pierogi work beautifully in this Pierogi Casserole Recipe and add a fresh, tender texture that you’ll definitely notice. Just be sure they are pre-cooked before layering to avoid any underdone dough in the casserole.
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What if I don’t like sausage—what can I substitute?
You can easily omit the kielbasa or replace it with cooked bacon, diced ham, or a plant-based sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, just add more vegetables like mushrooms or roasted peppers for a meaty texture and flavor.
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Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving trick, especially if you need a quick meal after a busy day.
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What if I don’t have cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup is a great substitute and works wonderfully in this casserole. You could also make a quick cheese sauce from scratch if you prefer a homemade touch.
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How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Draining your spinach thoroughly and not overcrowding the baking dish helps prevent excess moisture. Also, making sure your pierogi aren’t too frozen or icy when layered keeps the casserole from becoming watery.
Final Thoughts
This Pierogi Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I love how it’s a clever way to use frozen pierogi that ends up tasting like a homemade, special dinner. I hope you’ll give it a try—it’s perfect for family meals, leftovers, and whenever you crave something cheesy, comforting, and a little bit different. Trust me, once you make it, it might just become your go-to comfort food that everyone asks for again and again!
PrintPierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Description
This hearty Pierogi Casserole is a comforting layered bake combining tender potato pierogi with creamy cheddar cheese soup, farmer’s cheese, sautéed onions, spinach, and smoky kielbasa. Baked until bubbling and topped with scallions, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 lb. potato pierogi (or your favorite frozen pierogi flavor), 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
Meat
- 1 (12-oz.) pkg. smoked kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13″ x 9″ or 11″ x 7″ baking dish using 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Layer pierogi and cheese mixture: Arrange 12 pierogi to cover the bottom of the prepared dish evenly. In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup and three-quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese until well blended. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the pierogi.
- Add cheese, vegetables, and sausage: Crumble half of the farmer’s cheese over the pierogi and soup mixture. Sprinkle half of the drained spinach, half of the onion, and half of the thinly sliced smoked kielbasa sausage on top. Season lightly with kosher salt.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, the remaining half of the soup mixture, the rest of the farmer’s cheese, spinach, onion, and sausage. Top the casserole with the remaining one-quarter of shredded cheddar cheese and season again with salt. Finally, drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top for added richness and browning.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is heated through and bubbling, about 45 minutes.
- Broil for crispy top: Switch oven to broil. Carefully broil the casserole, watching closely, until the top becomes crispy and golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the thinly sliced scallions over the top for a fresh, bright garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Pierogi Casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach works well—just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly.
- Use your preferred pierogi flavor for variety; cheese or sauerkraut pierogi can also be delicious.
- Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning the top layer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg