Imagine a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, where every bite is a delicious combination of comforting flavors. This Slow Cooker Pierogi Bake is inspired by Eastern European family meals, blending the cozy, familiar taste of pierogies with turkey sausage for a lighter twist. With the help of a crockpot, this recipe makes it easy to get a meal on the table that feels special but requires very little effort. It’s a family favorite in the making, perfect for busy weeknights or low-key weekends when you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just load up the crockpot, set the time, and go about your day.
Ultimate Comfort Food: The tender pierogies cook up soft and flavorful, absorbing all the rich, cheesy goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a hearty main course, or bring it to a potluck. This dish has universal appeal!
Customizable: Whether you’re adjusting for dietary preferences or adding extra veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this crowd-pleaser:

Frozen Cheddar Pierogies: Use three packages of your favorite frozen pierogies. They’re quick to prep and come in a variety of flavors, but cheddar works best for that classic cheesy taste.
Turkey Sausage: A leaner alternative to pork sausage, turkey sausage provides a smoky, savory flavor that complements the cheese without adding heaviness.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and moisture. The pierogies cook directly in the broth, making them tender and flavorful.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is stirred in toward the end, creating a luscious, creamy base.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is both layered within the casserole and sprinkled on top for a gooey, melty finish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings bring out all the flavors without overpowering.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pierogi Bake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Layer the Base: Start by pouring about 3 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of your crockpot. This broth will ensure that the pierogies cook to a tender texture and stay moist throughout.
Add the Pierogies: Place the frozen pierogies in an even layer in the crockpot. Don’t worry if they’re overlapping a bit, as they’ll all cook down nicely.
Incorporate the Turkey Sausage: Scatter the slices of turkey sausage over the pierogies. This helps infuse the entire dish with the sausage’s savory flavor.
Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese: Layer a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the pierogies and sausage. This first layer of cheese will melt beautifully into the casserole, creating a creamy consistency.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to ensure that everything is cooking evenly, but remember to keep the lid on as much as possible to retain moisture.
Cream Cheese Mixture: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the remaining cup of chicken broth with the softened cream cheese. Pour this mixture over the casserole and gently stir to distribute the cream cheese evenly. This step will thicken and enrich the dish.
Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle any remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes. The cheese will melt perfectly, creating a bubbly golden layer on top.

Cooking Tips

Use Frozen Pierogies: No need to thaw them, as they’ll cook through perfectly in the crockpot.
Control the Salt: Since both the sausage and cheese contain salt, taste before adding extra.
Mixing the Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese beforehand and warm it with the broth for easier incorporation. This prevents any clumping in the final dish.

Helpful Tips

Adding Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach. They’ll cook down nicely and add extra nutrition.
Trying Different Sausages: While turkey sausage keeps it light, you can experiment with chicken sausage or even a vegetarian alternative.
Layer Wisely: Place the pierogies and sausage as evenly as possible. This ensures all ingredients absorb the cheese and flavors uniformly.

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 460
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 850mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it as directed, then store it in the fridge. When ready, reheat on low in the crockpot for about an hour, or until warmed through.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free pierogies if available, or look for a gluten-free dough to make your own. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have turkey sausage?

Feel free to substitute with a smoked chicken sausage or a vegetarian sausage option if you prefer. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning if your substitute is less flavorful.

How can I make it spicier?

If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce, some crushed red pepper flakes, or use a spicy cheese.

Storage Instructions

This pierogi bake stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you loved this recipe, here are some other comfort food ideas to try:

Creamy Steak Alfredo Pasta

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Pierogi Bake with Turkey Sausage is the perfect balance of hearty flavors and easy preparation. Each bite is packed with tender pierogies, savory turkey sausage, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe is sure to become a household favorite, whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or sharing it with friends at a gathering. So, gather up these ingredients, set your crockpot, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Pierogi Bake

Author: Charlotte

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Frozen Cheddar Pierogies: Use three packages of your favorite frozen pierogies. They’re quick to prep and come in a variety of flavors, but cheddar works best for that classic cheesy taste.
Turkey Sausage: A leaner alternative to pork sausage, turkey sausage provides a smoky, savory flavor that complements the cheese without adding heaviness.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and moisture. The pierogies cook directly in the broth, making them tender and flavorful.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is stirred in toward the end, creating a luscious, creamy base.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is both layered within the casserole and sprinkled on top for a gooey, melty finish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings bring out all the flavors without overpowering.

Instructions

Layer the Base: Start by pouring about 3 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of your crockpot. This broth will ensure that the pierogies cook to a tender texture and stay moist throughout.
Add the Pierogies: Place the frozen pierogies in an even layer in the crockpot. Don’t worry if they’re overlapping a bit, as they’ll all cook down nicely.
Incorporate the Turkey Sausage: Scatter the slices of turkey sausage over the pierogies. This helps infuse the entire dish with the sausage’s savory flavor.
Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese: Layer a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the pierogies and sausage. This first layer of cheese will melt beautifully into the casserole, creating a creamy consistency.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to ensure that everything is cooking evenly, but remember to keep the lid on as much as possible to retain moisture.
Cream Cheese Mixture: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the remaining cup of chicken broth with the softened cream cheese. Pour this mixture over the casserole and gently stir to distribute the cream cheese evenly. This step will thicken and enrich the dish.
Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle any remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes. The cheese will melt perfectly, creating a bubbly golden layer on top.

Notes

ngredient Substitutions: The turkey sausage provides a lighter, flavorful alternative to traditional pork or kielbasa. Feel free to try other low-fat sausages or even a plant-based option to make it vegetarian.
Consistency: Adding the cream cheese mixture toward the end prevents the cheese from curdling and keeps the dish creamy.