Kielbasa and pierogi skillet became a favorite of mine after a snowy weekend when I needed something quick filling and deeply comforting so I threw together a few ingredients I had on hand and let the skillet work its magic and once that smoky sausage started to crisp and the cheesy pierogies turned golden I knew I had found a winter dinner I’d be making again and again

Now I turn to this dish whenever I want to capture those cozy Eastern European vibes with minimal effort so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I need a low-fuss crowd-pleaser that still feels rich hearty and full of nostalgia from the very first bite

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Kielbasa sausage – Smoky savory and perfect for crisping in the skillet
Pierogies – Cheesy potato dumplings that brown beautifully and soak up flavor
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized
Garlic – Brings warmth and boosts the savory notes
Butter – Helps sauté everything and adds richness to the dish
Olive oil – Prevents the butter from burning while adding a light crisp
Paprika – Adds color and a subtle smoky warmth
Black pepper – Gives just enough spice to balance the richness
Parsley – Freshens up the dish with color and herby brightness
Cheese (optional) – A sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella adds a melty touch on top

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – Essential for cooking everything together in one pan
Spatula or wooden spoon – Helps gently toss and flip the ingredients without breaking the pierogies
Knife and cutting board – For slicing the kielbasa and chopping the onions and herbs
Lid – Helps steam the pierogies if you’re cooking them from frozen
Tongs – Great for turning the sausage slices evenly
Serving plates – To serve up this hearty skillet meal piping hot

Instructions

Step 1: Slice and Sauté the Kielbasa

I start by slicing the kielbasa into thick rounds and browning them in a bit of olive oil in a hot skillet until the edges get crispy and caramelized then I set them aside on a plate

Step 2: Cook the Pierogies

In the same pan I melt a little butter and add the pierogies straight in cooking them until golden brown on both sides and if they’re frozen I cover the skillet for a few minutes to steam them through

Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic

Next I toss in the sliced onions and let them soften and caramelize slightly before stirring in the garlic for just a minute until fragrant

Step 4: Bring It All Together

I return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet and gently mix everything together then I season with black pepper and paprika and let it cook for a few more minutes so the flavors can mingle

Step 5: Optional Cheese and Garnish

If I’m feeling indulgent I sprinkle a handful of cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a minute to melt it then I finish with chopped fresh parsley before serving

Tips

If your pierogies are homemade or fresh they’ll cook even faster so keep an eye on them

For more flavor I like to deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or beer before adding the sausage back

You can use turkey kielbasa for a lighter version or even swap in spicy sausage if you prefer more heat

To stretch the dish I sometimes stir in sautéed cabbage or spinach at the end

Ways to Serve

With a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy contrast

Paired with a simple cucumber salad or sauerkraut

As a party dish served straight from the skillet

Over mashed potatoes for an ultra-cozy combo

With crusty rye bread to soak up the buttery sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make kielbasa and pierogi skillet ahead of time?

Yes just reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter to keep everything moist

Do I need to boil pierogies before pan-frying for kielbasa and pierogi skillet?

Not if they’re pre-cooked or frozen I just pan-fry and steam them right in the skillet

What kind of pierogies work best for kielbasa and pierogi skillet?

I usually use cheddar and potato but onion or mushroom varieties also taste amazing

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this kielbasa and pierogi skillet soon! It’s one of my easiest and most satisfying meals and it always brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Don’t forget to share your own twist on it if you try something new—I’d love to hear about it!

Happy Cooking!