A quick and easy one-pan dinner made with smoky sausage, tender potato pierogies, sautéed onions, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce!
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s filling, affordable, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Skillet is about to become a family favorite!
Smoky sausage and golden potato pierogies are tossed with tender onions in a creamy garlic cheddar sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and the best part? Everything comes together in one skillet in about 25 minutes!
I love recipes like this because they use simple ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Plus, frozen pierogies make this dinner incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan dinner: Less cleanup and fewer dishes!
- Ready in 25 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients like smoked sausage and frozen pierogies.
- Family-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors.
- Easy to customize: Add broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Smoked sausage: Adds a delicious smoky flavor and makes the dish hearty.
- Frozen potato pierogies: The star of the recipe! Potato and cheddar pierogies work especially well.
- Yellow onion: Adds flavor and a little sweetness.
- Cheddar cheese: Creates that creamy, cheesy finish.
- Heavy cream: Helps make the cheese sauce rich and smooth.
- Butter: Used to sauté the onions and brown the pierogies.
- Garlic powder: Adds extra flavor without requiring fresh garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add butter to the same skillet, followed by the diced onion.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Pierogies
Add the frozen pierogies and water to the skillet.
Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the pierogies are tender and heated through.
Remove the lid and allow the remaining water to evaporate.
Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the pierogies are lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Gently stir to coat the pierogies.
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Sausage & Pierogi Skillet
Use a large skillet. A 12-inch skillet gives the pierogies enough room to brown without overcrowding.
Don’t skip browning the sausage. It adds extra flavor to the entire dish.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese. This prevents the sauce from becoming grainy or separating.
Use freshly shredded cheese when possible. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Add vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers are easy additions if you want to stretch the meal further.
What to Serve With Sausage & Pierogies
Since this dinner is already hearty, I like pairing it with something simple!
Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a side salad are all great options.
You can also serve it on its own for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the cheese sauce.
Freezing: I recommend enjoying this recipe fresh because the creamy cheese sauce can change texture after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh or refrigerated pierogies will work. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, turkey smoked sausage, or chicken sausage all work well.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, although the sauce may be thinner. Keep the heat low when adding the cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Skillet is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a delicious family dinner!
With smoky sausage, tender pierogies, and a creamy cheddar sauce, it’s an easy comfort-food meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and let me know how your family liked it. 🩷
Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Skillet
Description
This Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Skillet is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food! Golden potato pierogies, smoky sausage, and sautéed onions are tossed in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 25 minutes, it's an easy, filling dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
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Melt butter in the same skillet. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Add frozen pierogies and water. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and tender, adding more water if necessary.
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Remove the lid and allow remaining water to evaporate. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly golden.
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Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently.
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Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
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Return sausage to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt if needed and serve warm.
