Crock Pot Pierogi Kielbasa (Printable Version)

Layers of potato dumplings, sausage, and three cheeses merge into a bubbly, golden slow-cooked masterpiece perfect for feeding a crowd.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Pasta

06 - 2 lbs frozen potato and cheese pierogi

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Directions:

01 - Coat the inside of the Crock Pot with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
02 - Arrange half the frozen pierogi in the bottom of the Crock Pot, then top with half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the sliced onions.
03 - Repeat with the remaining pierogi, kielbasa, and onions to create a second complete layer.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, melted butter, cream cheese, garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
05 - Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the Crock Pot, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
06 - Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the pierogi are tender and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
07 - Sprinkle fresh chives on top before serving, if desired.

# Quick Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot so you can actually relax while dinner happens
  • The pierogi become impossibly tender, almost like dumplings, instead of gummy
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day for lunch
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking because every time you do, you add 15 minutes to the cooking time
  • The sauce will look thin at first but it thickens beautifully as the starch releases from the pierogi
  • If your pierogi are still frozen together in a solid block, break them up slightly before layering
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for the easiest cleanup imaginable
  • Use a slotted spoon to serve so you dont end up with too much liquid on each plate