Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown Kielbasa: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add kielbasa slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to crockpot.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Cook onions for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Transfer to crockpot.
- Assemble: Add frozen pierogi, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sauerkraut (if using) to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until pierogi are tender and heated through.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese (if using) during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Mix until sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Spoon into a serving dish, garnish with chives or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Pierogi Type: Use frozen potato, cheese, or mushroom pierogi; fresh pierogi may overcook.
Sauce Consistency: Add 1–2 tbsp broth if sauce is too thick; for thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in at the end.
Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and pierogi are gluten-free; kielbasa is typically gluten-free but check labels.
Make-Ahead: Brown kielbasa and onions the night before; refrigerate and add to crockpot in the morning.
Storage: Store leftovers with sauce to keep pierogi moist.
