Milk: Thins sauce to perfect consistency and adds subtle creaminess.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
Garlic: Introduces pungent, warm complexity to elevate entire dish.
Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp, tangy kick that cuts through richness.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and traditional seasoning depth.
Paprika: Introduces gentle warmth and beautiful reddish color.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into creamy, sharp topping that creates golden, crispy layer.
Tools to Prep Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Slow Cooker: Essential for creating this easy, hands-off casserole.
Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and seasonings.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
Spatula: Helps spread ingredients evenly and scrape bowl contents.
Cutting Board: For slicing sausage and dicing onions.
Chef’s Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
How to Assemble Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Prepare the Base Sprinkle cooking spray inside your crockpot to prevent sticking and create an easy cleanup.
Create First Layer Gently place a batch of frozen pierogies along the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even foundation for your casserole.
Add Protein Scatter sliced sausage pieces and chopped onions across the first pierogi layer, ensuring delicious flavor distribution.
Build Second Layer Repeat the process by adding another batch of pierogies over the first layer of sausage and onions.
Craft Creamy Sauce Whisk together mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and paprika in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
Cover and Meld Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layered pierogies and sausage, making sure all ingredients are generously coated.
Finish with Cheese Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top to create a golden, melty crust.
Slow Cook Let the crockpot work its magic, cooking on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the casserole is heated through and bubbling with deliciousness.
Flavor Enhancements for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Replace full-fat cream of mushroom soup and sour cream with low-fat versions to reduce calories. Choose turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish hearty.
Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu. Add mushrooms and bell peppers for additional texture and flavor depth. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based ingredients.
Select gluten-free pierogies and cream of mushroom soup. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination. Double-check packaging labels carefully.
Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives before serving to brighten the flavor profile.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Warm
Comfort Plate Companions: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
Veggie Balance Boost: Roast some fresh broccoli or asparagus with garlic and olive oil as a vibrant side that adds nutrition and color to the meal.
Bread Dipping Delight: Warm crusty french bread or garlic breadsticks make perfect partners for soaking up the delicious cheesy sauce from the casserole.
Wine & Dine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a crisp amber ale complements the savory sausage and creamy pierogi layers wonderfully.
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Storage Tips
Make two casseroles simultaneously and refrigerate one for later enjoyment, saving time and providing a quick meal option during busy weeks.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy reheating without compromising texture.
Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months, creating convenient grab-and-go meals for hectic schedules.
Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to maintain moisture and prevent edges from becoming too crispy.
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage, merging Polish culinary traditions with modern slow-cooking ease. Creamy layers of potato-filled pierogies and savory sausage meld together, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.
1 package (16 oz or 454 g) frozen pierogies (cheddar or potato-filled)
1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, diced
1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
½ cup (120 ml) milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation: Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layering Foundation: Create alternating layers of frozen pierogies, sliced sausage, and diced onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
Sauce Composition: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika into a smooth, well-integrated sauce.
Moisture Integration: Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the layered pierogies and sausage, allowing it to seep between the ingredients and provide complete coverage.
Cheese Crowning: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a melty, golden surface.
Slow Cooking Technique: Secure the crockpot lid and select cooking duration – LOW setting for 4-5 hours or HIGH setting for 2-3 hours, ensuring ingredients are thoroughly heated and sauce becomes bubbling and rich.
Serving Preparation: Once cooking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
Notes
Choose smoked or Polish kielbasa for authentic flavor, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Lightly brown sausage and onions before adding to crockpot to enhance depth of flavor and maintain ingredient integrity.
Add cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its creamy, smooth consistency.
For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pierogies and cream of mushroom soup, ensuring all ingredients meet dietary requirements.
Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.
William Hawkins
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.