If you’re craving all the comforting, cozy flavors of pierogies but want something quicker and fuss-free, this Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe is your new best friend. It takes those classic potato and cheese pierogies and layers them with creamy ranch sauce, shredded chicken, melty cheddar, and the perfect crunch of crispy fried onions. Every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness, making this casserole an effortless weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this delightfully simple Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe? You’ll find that each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color — and the best part is, you probably already have most of them on hand.
- Frozen potato & cheese pierogi (16 oz): The heart of the dish, these offer that classic soft and savory pierogi base without any extra prep work.
- Cooked shredded chicken (1 ½ cups): Adds protein and a hearty, satisfying layer—chicken keeps it comforting yet fulfilling.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings creamy tanginess to the ranch sauce, making it luscious and smooth.
- Cream cheese, softened (½ cup): This adds richness and helps create that dreamy, thick sauce that coats every layer perfectly.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): Infuses the casserole with a savory punch of herbs and spices, bringing that beloved ranch flavor front and center.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, adding gooey cheesiness and a golden finish.
- Crispy fried onions (1 cup): These provide an irresistible crunch and a slight sweetness that contrasts the creamy layers.
- Chopped chives (2 tbsp, optional): For a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color on top.
How to Make Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later. This simple preparation sets the stage for creating those golden edges and melting all the layers together seamlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the secret to making the casserole irresistibly flavorful—it binds all the ingredients and adds a herby tang that lifts the whole dish.
Step 3: Build the Layers
Now for the fun part: layering. Begin by spreading half of the frozen pierogi evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. The pierogies don’t require pre-cooking, making this step wonderfully quick. Next, layer half of your shredded chicken on top, followed by a generous spoonful of the creamy ranch sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the same steps to create a satisfying double-decker effect—the layering locks in moisture and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Scatter the crispy fried onions evenly over the top layer. These little gems add a delightful texture contrast and a burst of savory crispness that makes the dish unforgettable. Make sure to evenly distribute so each slice gets some crispy goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown and the sauce will be bubbling happily underneath. This baking time ensures the pierogies are cooked through and all the flavors have had a chance to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped chives over the casserole for a fresh touch of color and mild onion flavor. Serve the Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe hot for that perfect melty, crunchy, creamy combination that everyone will adore.
How to Serve Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates this hearty dish from simple to stunning. Fresh chopped chives are classic, but you can also get creative with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of paprika for color, or even some finely chopped fresh parsley to brighten each serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for some freshness and crunch that complement the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a personalized touch. You can also transform leftovers into loaded pierogi skillet bowls topped with extra crispy onions and a drizzle of ranch for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the crispy onions from going soggy; you can add fresh ones before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Frozen casseroles stay good for up to 2 months and make for easy, comforting meals when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, adding fresh crispy onions on top to revive the crunch. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that delicious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies work well and may reduce baking time slightly since they don’t require thawing. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use ranch seasoning mix?
The ranch seasoning adds a distinctive herby tang that really makes this casserole pop, but if you prefer, you can substitute with your own mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken or replace it with cooked mushrooms, sautéed spinach, or another veggie to make it meat-free without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have crispy fried onions?
If you don’t have crispy fried onions on hand, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds can add a nice crunch. You can also crisp your own onions in a pan for a fresh homemade touch.
How spicy is this dish?
This Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe is mild and creamy, making it a great choice for those who prefer comfort food without heat. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you want a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe is pure comfort in a dish, blending creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and savory layers in a way that’s impossible not to love. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for sharing, so dive in and make it your go-to casserole that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Ranch and Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lazy Pierogi Casserole combines cheesy potato and cheese pierogi with shredded chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and crispy fried onions for an easy and comforting baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen potato & cheese pierogi
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (like French’s)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare it for layering.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, blend together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy ranch sauce.
- Assemble the casserole layers: Spread half of the frozen pierogi in the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with half of the shredded chicken, then spoon a portion of the creamy ranch sauce over that layer, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
- Add crispy topping: Scatter the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the final cheese layer to add texture and flavor.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped chives if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use frozen pierogi straight from the bag—no pre-boiling needed.
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch; try to use the classic French’s brand or similar for best results.
