Kielbasa Sausage and Sauerkraut Pierogi Bake

There’s something deeply comforting about Eastern European flavors—especially when you toss buttery pierogi, smoky kielbasa, and tangy sauerkraut together in one bubbling, golden casserole.

I came up with this recipe on a chilly night when I was craving the pierogi-and-kielbasa combo I grew up with, but wanted something easier to throw together in a single dish.

This recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, smoky, tangy, and satisfying. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make—just a quick sauté, toss it all together and let the oven do the rest.

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Recipe Highlights

This Kielbasa Sausage & Sauerkraut Pierogi Bake is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

It combines store-bought pierogi with caramelized onions, smoky sausage, and tangy sauerkraut, baked together with a melty cheese topping until golden and bubbly.

It’s comfort food with a punch of flavor.

Highlights:

• Cheesy, bubbling one-pan meal
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• Classic Eastern European flavor combo
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• Uses store-bought pierogi for ease
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• Sweet onions balance the tangy kraut
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• Great for make-ahead or potlucks
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• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients That Shine

At the heart of this dish are simple yet flavorful ingredients.

The combination of thinly sliced onion sautéed in unsalted butter creates a sweet and aromatic foundation.

When mixed with creamy sour cream and softened cream cheese, the dish achieves a delightful richness that complements the other components beautifully.

• Kielbasa Sausage: The smoky, savory centerpiece. Slicing it into half-moons lets it brown up nicely and distribute throughout the dish. Use pork, beef, or turkey kielbasa.
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• Pierogi: Frozen potato and cheese pierogi work beautifully here. No need to boil first—just thaw and bake.
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• Sauerkraut: Rinse and drain to mellow the tang, or leave as-is if you love the bold flavor.
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• Onion: Sautéed until golden and sweet, balancing the sauerkraut’s tartness.
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• Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions.
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• Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: Stirred into the mixture for a creamy, decadent base.
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• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping—cheddar or mozzarella works great.

Layering for Flavor

Creating this bake involves layering the ingredients thoughtfully.

Start with half of the potato and cheese pierogi, followed by a generous portion of sliced kielbasa and sauerkraut.

The sautéed onions add a touch of sweetness, while the creamy mixture ties everything together, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Baking to Perfection

Once assembled, the dish is covered and baked to allow the flavors to meld.

The initial baking time ensures the pierogi are heated through, while the final minutes without foil allow the cheddar cheese to melt and bubble to a golden finish.

This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible cheesy crust that everyone loves.

How to Make My Kielbasa Sausage & Sauerkraut Pierogi Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2. Sauté the kielbasa: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sliced kielbasa until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the pan.
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3. Caramelize onions: In the same pan, melt butter and cook onions until soft and golden, 8–10 minutes.
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4. Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed kielbasa, caramelized onions, sauerkraut, thawed pierogi, sour cream, cream cheese, and half the shredded cheese. Gently fold them together.
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5. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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6. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Garnishing for Presentation

After removing the bake from the oven, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh touch.

This vibrant garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

Serve it warm, and watch as it becomes the star of your dinner table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Kielbasa Sausage and Sauerkraut Pierogi Bake is versatile enough for various occasions.

Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, it satisfies and delights.

With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

• Serve with a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
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• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans
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• Offer with mustard or horseradish on the side
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• Great with a crisp lager or light white wine

Tips for the Best Kielbasa Sausage & Sauerkraut Pierogi Bake

Make sure to brown the kielbasa for added depth of flavor and texture. Don’t skip caramelizing the onions—they bring the sweetness that balances the tang of the sauerkraut.

If using very sour kraut, rinse it thoroughly. Thawed frozen pierogi hold their shape best, and adding sour cream and cream cheese gives the bake that creamy, cheesy comfort food feel.