If you’ve ever wished for the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods, then this Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe is your dream come true. Imagine tender, cheesy pierogies mingling with spicy Italian sausage and savory spaghetti sauce, all crowned with melty mozzarella and classic pepperoni. This dish is a warm, satisfying hug on a plate, bringing together the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you’re craving a crowd-pleaser for a casual night in or a potluck masterpiece, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe, and you’ll love how each element brings its own unique touch. From the rich, spicy sausage to the gooey cheese and fresh pizza toppings, every component is essential to creating that irresistible flavor and comforting texture.
- Frozen Four Cheese Medley Pierogies (2 packages, thawed): These tender pockets melt and soak up flavors beautifully, making them the star base of the casserole.
- Hot Italian Sausage (1 lb): Adds juicy, spicy depth that takes the dish to the next level.
- Spaghetti Sauce (1 26-oz jar): Brings saucy tang and a hint of herbaceous sweetness, perfect for coating every bite.
- Pepperoni slices (40 to 50 slices): The classic pizza favorite that crisps up on top for a little savory crunch.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts into a stretchy, bubbly delight that ties all the flavors together.
- Assorted pizza toppings (olives, mushrooms, green peppers, etc.): Fresh veggies add color and an extra punch of flavor to customize your casserole.
How to Make Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. While waiting, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick—that crispy bottom is a must-have.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, cook the hot Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink inside. This step releases the sausage’s delicious oils and deepens the flavor. Once cooked, drain off the excess fat to keep things just right.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Sausage, and Pierogies
In a large bowl, mix together your browned sausage and jarred spaghetti sauce. Toss the thawed pierogies into this sauce mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated with that rich, spicy goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Pour the saucy pierogies evenly into your prepared pan. Then scatter half of your pepperoni slices over the top—this creates a tasty foundation for the cheesy layer that’s coming next.
Step 5: Add Cheese, Pepperoni, and Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the pepperoni, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking. On top of the cheese, add the remaining pepperoni and your preferred pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers for bursts of color and flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Bake your casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown, while the pepperoni crisps up delightfully. Once ready, it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this comfort dish to something special. Try sprinkling chopped fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a final layer of flavor that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the casserole with crisp, fresh side dishes. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly. These sides bring freshness and a nice textural contrast to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins makes for charming presentation at dinner parties. For more casual gatherings, consider a family-style approach, placing the casserole platter front and center so everyone can help themselves. Add small bowls of extra toppings like hot sauce or fresh herbs to personalize each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors continue melding beautifully, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps maintain that wonderful crispy top and texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pierogies for this casserole?
Absolutely! While the four-cheese medley pierogies are fantastic for a cheesy experience, you can try potato and cheddar or even jalapeño-infused pierogies for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the Italian sausage and replace it with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like grilled zucchini, eggplant, or sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What pizza toppings work best for the casserole?
Traditional toppings like olives, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions work beautifully. Feel free to add jalapeños if you like a spicy kick or fresh basil after baking for brightness.
Can I prepare this casserole without pepperoni?
Definitely! Pepperoni adds a nice crispy texture and classic flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with cooked bacon, ham, or even sausage slices if you prefer.
How long does the casserole keep in the fridge?
Stored properly, your Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for easy leftovers or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe is the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and creativity. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, it promises hearty satisfaction from the very first bite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how this cozy casserole quickly becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Pizza Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pizza Pierogi Casserole combines the best of two beloved comfort foods—pierogies and pizza—into a hearty, baked dish perfect for family dinners. Tender four cheese pierogies are tossed with spicy Italian sausage and rich spaghetti sauce, layered with pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection with your favorite pizza toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (16-oz) packages frozen Four Cheese Medley Pierogies, thawed
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 40 to 50 slices pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pizza toppings of your choice (sliced olives, mushrooms, green peppers, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the hot Italian sausage until fully browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Mix Pierogies and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and the jar of spaghetti sauce. Add the thawed pierogies and gently toss everything together so the pierogies are fully coated with the sauce and sausage mixture.
- Layer in Baking Pan: Pour the pierogi mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, layer half of the pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni layer. Then add the remaining pepperoni slices followed by your preferred pizza toppings such as olives, mushrooms, and green peppers.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the uncovered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Be sure to thaw the pierogies before mixing to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your favorite pizza ingredients.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
