I Can’t Stop Making This Loaded Pierogi Casserole

published Nov 28, 2021
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A pierogi casserole in a round white baking dish with plateware and utensils to the right side
Credit: Photo: Eric Kleinberg; Food Stylist: Kristina Vanni

If you are seeking out a new and innovative idea for dinner, look no further than a bag of frozen pierogi.

Serves6

Prep10 minutes

Cook45 minutes to 55 minutes

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Pierogi Casserole with a portion scooped out onto a rust colored plate next to it, with a fork on the plate. There is also a rust colored glass and turquoise plate.
Credit: Photo: Eric Kleinberg; Food Stylist: Kristina Vanni

When you’re looking for mealtime shortcuts, there are many convenience items you can find in the grocer’s freezer. And if you’re seeking out a new and innovative idea for dinner, look no further than a bag of frozen pierogi. These Eastern European filled dumplings are available pre-cooked and frozen in a wide variety of filling flavors. They can be heated and served as a side dish or, as it is here, transformed into an effortless casserole that the whole family will love.

Since pierogi are traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream and sometimes a sprinkling of crisp bacon, I looked to these flavors when coming up with a sauce to bring the casserole together. Softened cream cheese is whisked with sour cream and chicken broth to create a rich and creamy sauce to pour over the pierogi before baking. A sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese makes the dish bubbly and delicious from the oven, and crisped bacon and sliced green onion add a final flourish.

How Are Pierogi Traditionally Served?

Traditionally, pierogi are served with melted butter, fried onions, crisped bacon, or sour cream.

What to Serve with Pierogi Casserole

Pierogi casserole is wonderful when served alongside grilled meats or sausages. You can also offer a vegetable side dish or salad as well to round out the meal.

What Sauce Is Best with Pierogi Casserole?

Pierogi casserole is great when served with a rich and velvety sour cream-based sauce. This mimics the traditional sour cream topping often served with pierogi.

Credit: Photo: Eric Kleinberg; Food Stylist: Kristina Vanni

Pierogi Casserole Recipe

If you are seeking out a new and innovative idea for dinner, look no further than a bag of frozen pierogi.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 45 minutes to 55 minutes

Serves 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces

    cream cheese

  • Cooking spray

  • 8 slices

    bacon (about 8 ounces)

  • 2

    medium scallions

  • 4 ounces

    shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup), divided

  • 2 pounds

    frozen pierogies (any variety)

  • 1 tablespoon

    water

  • 1/2 cup

    sour cream

  • 1/2 cup

    low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

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  1. Let 4 ounces cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened. Meanwhile, cook the bacon and heat the oven.

  2. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 375° F. Coat an 8x8-inch or other 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

  3. Place 8 slices bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and let cool slightly. Coarsely chop and reserve 2 tablespoons for topping. Thinly slice 2 medium scallions (about 2 tablespoons). Shred 4 ounces cheddar cheese on the large holes of a box grater (1 cup).

  4. Place 2 pounds frozen pierogi and 1 tablespoon water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir, re-cover, and microwave until the pierogi are just thawed, about 2 minutes more. Drain the pierogi.

  5. Arrange half of the pierogi in an even layer in the baking dish. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon for garnish, then sprinkle the remaining bacon over the pierogi. Arrange the remaining pierogi over the bacon.

  6. Place the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until combined. Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine. Pour evenly over the pierogi. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

  7. Bake until the center is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, 25 to 35 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Garnish with the reserved bacon and scallions before serving.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store leftover pierogi casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This post originally ran on Kitchn. See it there: Loaded Pierogi Casserole