The discovery of pierogi was a delightful revelation in my culinary journey. It all began when a dear friend from Poland introduced me to these delectable dumplings. It was an entirely new experience for me, as I had never even heard of pierogi before. My friend’s family had passed down their treasured recipe through generations, and I was lucky enough to savor their homemade goodness.
Initially, the idea of making pierogi from scratch seemed daunting, but my friend shared a helpful tip—using frozen pierogi from the store could yield excellent results. This eased my nerves and allowed me to enjoy pierogi without the pressure of mastering the art of homemade preparation, at least for the time being.
Despite my initial struggles with pronouncing the name correctly, my love for these dumplings grew exponentially. I started experimenting with various pierogi dishes, and my family eagerly indulged in my culinary creations. But when I stumbled upon the recipe that included kielbasa, it became an instant hit at our dinner table.
The combination of tender pierogi with the rich flavors of kielbasa created a meal that was both heartwarming and satisfying. Every bite brought a sense of comfort and contentment, and it quickly earned the title of our new favorite pierogi dish. It’s amazing how a simple addition can elevate a meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.
While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the convenience of store-bought pierogi, I still have a burning desire to try my hand at making them from scratch. The thought of continuing the tradition of homemade pierogi, just like my friend’s family, fills me with excitement and anticipation. It’s a culinary adventure I’m eager to embark on.
In the end, pierogi has not only brought me joy through its scrumptious taste but also introduced me to a wonderful friend and a glimpse into a rich culinary heritage. As I look forward to making my own homemade pierogi in the future, I’ll cherish the memories created over our newfound favorite kielbasa-infused pierogi meal, a dish that symbolizes the beauty of culinary exploration and the warmth of togetherness around the table.
Ingredients
1 pound kielbasa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 8 oz. block cream cheese
3 (16 oz. each) boxes Cheddar Pierogi
4 cups chicken broth
salt & pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in your crockpot.
Cook on high 3-4 hours, or on low 6 hours.
Oven Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Grease a 13×9 baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine chicken broth and cream cheese. Heat until cream cheese is melted – stir occasionally to incorporate the melting cream cheese.
Begin with a layer of frozen pierogis in the bottom of the baking dish, then a layer of kielbasa, a layer of the cream cheese sauce, a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layering.
Bake for 30-45 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to look a golden brown.
Notes
• Mrs. T’s brand frozen pierogis are great, but I have only used these – other brands may work just as well.
• Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
• The mini pierogi are more bite sized but they do not hold up as well as the regular ones and tend to fall apart.
• There are other flavors of pierogi which you can try out for variation!
• The sauce for this crockpot pierogi and kielbasa casserole looks thin when it comes out of the slow cooker, but it will thicken nicely as it cools.
• Adding crispy fried onions as a garnish if you make this in a Crockpot, or added at the last five minutes of baking, add a nice crunch to the casserole.
• You can store in the fridge for up to 4 days, but it does not do well in the freezer. The dairy takes on an odd consistency, so I do not recommend freezing. That was a sad thing for me but thankfully it is not a difficult or time-consuming dish.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a true testament to the magic of comfort food. This delightful recipe combines the flavors of tender pierogi, savory kielbasa, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.
Cooking this dish in the crockpot adds an element of convenience to the preparation, making it a perfect choice for busy days when time is limited. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a mouthwatering symphony of taste that is sure to impress.
Each bite of this pierogi casserole takes you on a journey of culinary delight, evoking feelings of warmth and contentment. The combination of soft, pillowy pierogi, flavorful kielbasa, and a luscious sauce creates a harmonious balance that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Moreover, the versatility of this recipe allows for personalization and creativity. You can experiment with different types of pierogi, add your favorite vegetables, or incorporate unique spices to suit your taste preferences.
As the aroma of this comforting casserole fills your kitchen, it also brings people together. Sharing this dish with loved ones fosters a sense of togetherness and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or entertaining guests, the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its rustic charm and delectable flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion.
In summary, this recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the soul. It exemplifies the joy of home-cooked meals, making it a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Embrace the comfort and convenience of this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and discover the joy of sharing a truly heartwarming meal with those you love.