Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss meal that hits all the right comfort-food notes, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker while delivering a creamy, cheesy flavor that warms the soul. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine beautifully to create big flavor. Choosing the right pierogies and kielbasa really makes the difference here, so I’ll share my go-to recommendations and tips on picking the best versions for easy shopping.

• Frozen classic cheddar pierogies: I love Mrs. T’s brand because the pierogies hold up well in the slow cooker and have a classic cheesy flavor everyone loves.
• Kielbasa: Sliced kielbasa adds smoky, savory depth; opt for a high-quality smoked Polish sausage for the best taste.
• Cream cheese: Cubed cream cheese melts smoothly, bringing a creamy richness to the dish.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to better control saltiness while enhancing savory flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and extra cheesiness; you can also experiment with smoked cheddar for a twist.
• Freshly ground pepper: Just a pinch lifted the flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.

Variations

I love how easy this Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe is to adjust based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. I often mix things up to keep dinner exciting.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth — the cream cheese and cheddar keep it rich and satisfying on their own.
• Different pierogi flavors: I’ve tried onion and sauerkraut pierogies too, which adds delicious tang and complexity.
• Spicy twist: Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you love a little heat.
• Extra veggies: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or sautéed onions before slow cooking for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker

Start by adding your frozen pierogies directly into the slow cooker — no need to thaw! Spread the sliced kielbasa over the pierogies, then evenly distribute the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layering helps the cheeses melt and blend perfectly with the kielbasa and pierogies as everything cooks.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Season

Pour the chicken broth gently over the layers, making sure pierogies are mostly submerged but not swimming. Sprinkle the freshly ground pepper over the top for a subtle kick. Using low-sodium broth here gives you control over the saltiness as everything cooks together.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let everything cook for 4 hours. Here’s the key: don’t cook it any longer, or the pierogies will start to fall apart — I learned this the hard way one time when I forgot about it and ended up with a mushy mess. The 4-hour mark is just right to have perfectly tender pierogies with that creamy, cheesy sauce coating every bite.

Step 4: Stir Gently and Serve

Once the timer goes off, give everything a gentle stir to distribute the melted cheeses and kielbasa throughout the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy! The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives — the cool tang and fresh onion flavor add just the right contrast to the rich sauce. Sometimes, a little crispy fried onion on top gives a satisfying crunch that my family adores.

Side Dishes

We often enjoy this slow cooker meal with simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp cabbage slaw to lighten things up. A fresh mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dish in shallow ceramic bowls, garnished with bright herbs and a swirl of sour cream, making it feel just a little more festive. You could even serve it with crusty bread on the side for sopping up all that cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When we have leftovers — which isn’t often because everyone loves it — I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this meal successfully by letting it cool completely, then portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, the texture holds up well, and the flavors are just as comforting. Just be careful when reheating not to overcook.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently warming them in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the pierogies from drying out and keeps that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite comfort meals because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. I love coming home to that inviting aroma after a long day and knowing that dinner is ready without any last-minute rush. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. I highly encourage you to try it out—you’ll thank me when you taste that creamy, cheesy goodness melting in your mouth!

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