Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe with you because it’s one of those hands-off meals that somehow turns out creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor every single time. If you love cozy, cheesy dishes that practically make themselves while you’re out living your life, you’re going to adore this recipe. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to slow cooker meal especially for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in the simple ingredients that pack a punch together. The classic cheddar pierogies melt into creamy comfort food, and the kielbasa adds just the right smoky, meaty bite. When you shop, look for quality kielbasa—it really makes a difference—and you can’t go wrong with Mrs. T’s frozen pierogies, my trusted favorite for this dish.

• Frozen classic cheddar pierogies: I usually grab two 16-ounce bags; the frozen kind hold up perfectly and cook evenly in the slow cooker.
• Kielbasa: Choose a flavorful, smoked kielbasa and slice it for even cooking and great texture.
• Cream cheese: Cubed, this melts into a velvety sauce that ties everything together.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for that extra cheesy punch.
• Freshly ground pepper: Just enough to brighten and balance the richness.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve tried it with all kinds of pierogi flavors and switched up the proteins depending on what I have on hand. You can really make it your own.

• Meat-free option: Skip the kielbasa and add extra veggies like mushrooms or sautéed onions for a vegetarian-friendly version that still feels hearty.
• Different pierogi flavors: I’ve done this with sauerkraut or potato and onion pierogies and loved how each brought its own twist to the dish.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the broth to warm things up a bit when you’re craving some heat.
• Extra creamy: Stir in a bit of sour cream at the end if you want that traditional tangy finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Start by placing your frozen pierogies in the bottom of the slow cooker—no need to thaw! Then add the sliced kielbasa evenly on top. Scatter the cubed cream cheese and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over everything. This layering helps the cheeses melt beautifully into the broth later without clumping.

Step 2: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth slowly over your layered ingredients. This keeps everything moist during cooking and helps create a rich, flavorful sauce. Don’t skip the fresh black pepper here—it adds a subtle brightness that lifts the entire dish.

Step 3: Cook on Low for 4 Hours

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for about 4 hours. Here’s a tip: don’t cook it longer because the pierogies can start to fall apart, and you want to keep those tender dumpling bites intact. During cooking, resist the urge to stir—that can cause breakage too.

Step 4: Gently Stir and Serve

When the time’s up, give the pot a gentle stir to blend all those gooey cheeses and flavors together. You’ll see how the broth and the cream cheese come together to create this deliciously creamy sauce coating each pierogi and slice of kielbasa. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions because it adds a vibrant pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream gives it that classic Eastern European touch that my family really loves.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe shines with a simple side salad to balance the creaminess—think crisp cucumbers or a tangy vinegar slaw. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the hearty flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I like to plate this in a shallow serving dish and garnish with extra cheese and fresh herbs before bringing it out for friends. It makes it feel more special than just a weekday dinner — perfect for a cozy weekend gathering or casual potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I usually let the dish cool completely before transferring it to keep it tasting fresh. This also allows the flavors to meld even more overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with great results. After cooking, just let it cool, then freeze in portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Microwave works fine too—just heat in shorter intervals to avoid drying out the pierogies.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pierogies with Kielbasa Recipe has truly become a comfort food staple for me and my family. It’s so simple, yet packed with flavor and creamy goodness, perfect when you want something satisfying without fuss. I honestly enjoy making it because it feels like wrapping myself in a warm, cheesy blanket after a busy day. Give it a try—I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am, and your family will be asking for seconds too. Happy cooking!

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