Crock Pot Pierogi Kielbasa (Printable)

Tender pierogi, smoky kielbasa, and rich cheese sauce slow-cooked together for the ultimate comfort food

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Steps:

01 - Coat the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
02 - Arrange half the frozen pierogi in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
03 - Distribute half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the sliced onions over the pierogi layer.
04 - Repeat the layering with remaining pierogi, kielbasa, and onions.
05 - Whisk together sour cream, melted butter, cream cheese, garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl until completely smooth.
06 - Drizzle the creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
07 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly across the top.
08 - Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until pierogi are tender and casserole is bubbly throughout.
09 - Top with fresh chopped chives just before serving, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Five minutes of prep time yields a dinner that tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
  • The smoky kielbasa and tangy sour cream create a flavor combination that somehow improves overnight
  • Frozen pierogi become impossibly tender and creamy after slow cooking, like fresh dumplings from a European kitchen
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, every time you do you add 15 minutes to the cook time
  • The sauce will look thin at first but thickens beautifully as the pierogi release their starch
  • If your pierogi are stuck together in the freezer, bang the bag on the counter or run it under cold water briefly
03 -
  • Spray your slow cooker lid with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking as it bubbles up
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly and portions hold their shape better

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