Slow Cooker Lazy Pierogies

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## Slow Cooker “Lazy” Pierogies

Servings: 6–8 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 3–4 hours (Low)

### Ingredients

  • Frozen Pierogies: 2 bags (approx. 16 oz each), potato and cheese flavor.

  • Chicken Broth: 4 cups (or vegetable broth).

  • Cream Cheese: 1 block (8 oz), softened and cubed.

  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp cheddar works best).

  • Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage: 1 lb, sliced into rounds (optional, but highly recommended).

  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp.

  • Onion Powder: 1 tsp.

  • Black Pepper: ½ tsp.

  • Fresh Chives or Green Onions: For garnish.

### Instructions

  1. Layering: Place the frozen pierogies and sliced kielbasa into the slow cooker.

  2. Seasoning: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the top.

  3. The Liquid: Pour the broth over the pierogies until they are mostly submerged.

  4. The Creaminess: Place the cubed cream cheese evenly across the top.

  5. Cooking: Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours. Avoid cooking on High, as the pierogies can become too mushy.

  6. The Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, stir gently to incorporate the melted cream cheese. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, cover again, and cook until the cheddar is bubbly and melted.

  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

### Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Don’t Thaw: Keep the pierogies frozen! If you thaw them beforehand, they will disintegrate in the slow cooker.

  • Broth Levels: The pierogies don’t need to be completely drowned, but they should be mostly covered to ensure they cook evenly.

  • Browning: If you want extra flavor, sear the kielbasa rounds in a pan for 2 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot.

### Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal

  • Total Fat: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 42g

  • Protein: 18g

  • Sodium: 950mg (Note: Values are estimates based on standard brands. Using low-sodium broth or turkey sausage can reduce salt and fat content.)

### Benefits of This Dish

  1. Low Effort, High Reward: It’s a “set it and forget it” meal that tastes like it took all day.

  2. Crowd Pleaser: Kids love the cheesy potato vibe, and adults love the hearty comfort of the sausage.

  3. Versatility: It works as a heavy side dish for a potluck or a complete one-pot dinner.

### Q&A

Q: Can I use different flavors of pierogies?A: Absolutely. Jalapeño cheddar or sauerkraut-filled pierogies work great here.

Q: Why did my pierogies turn into mush?A: This usually happens if they are cooked too long or on the High setting. Every slow cooker runs at a different temperature; check them at the 3-hour mark.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?A: Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the kielbasa. You can add sliced mushrooms or sautéed onions for extra texture.

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