This Perogies and Sausage Skillet is the perfect fusion of crispy golden perogies, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The flavors of the pan-fried sausage and creamy sauce perfectly complement the cheesy potato-filled perogies, creating a mouthwatering combination. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite sausage, add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a cozy, comforting meal, this skillet dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Serve it as is or pair it with a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen potato and cheese perogies
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 fully cooked smoked sausages (turkey or any variety), sliced
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- ½-1 cup heavy whipping cream (adjust to preferred sauce consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add frozen perogies and cook until they float to the top (about 5 minutes), then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausages to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on each side, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the drained perogies into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a slight crisp.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring gently to coat everything. Let simmer on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 209 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
What Are Perogies?
Perogies (also spelled pierogi) are traditional dumplings that originated in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. They are made with a simple dough of flour, eggs, and water, and are stuffed with various fillings such as potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, meat, or even sweet ingredients like berries.
In North America, perogies are especially popular in areas with strong Polish, Ukrainian, or Eastern European communities, such as Canada and the Midwestern United States. They are often sold frozen in grocery stores, making them a convenient meal option for many households.
Traditionally, perogies are boiled and then pan-fried in butter or oil until they develop a crispy golden exterior while maintaining their soft, pillowy inside. They are often served with sour cream, caramelized onions, bacon, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
The Perogies and Sausage Skillet combines all the best elements of perogies with the smoky richness of sausage and the indulgence of a creamy sauce. Here’s why this dish is such a winner:
- Easy and Quick – The entire meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to wash means less cleanup, which is always a bonus!
- Perfect Balance of Flavors – The crispy, cheesy perogies contrast beautifully with the smoky, savory sausage and the richness of the cream sauce.
- Customizable – This dish can be easily adapted with different sausage varieties, additional vegetables, or extra seasonings.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Best Sausages to Use for This Recipe
Sausage plays a major role in this dish, contributing to its overall flavor and heartiness. There are many types of sausages you can use depending on your taste preference:
- Smoked Turkey Sausage – A leaner option that still provides a great smoky taste.
- Kielbasa – A Polish sausage with a garlicky, mildly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with perogies.
- Andouille Sausage – Adds a bit of spice and Cajun-style heat to the dish.
- Bratwurst – A mild, juicy sausage that works well with the creamy sauce.
- Chorizo – If you prefer a spicy kick, this Spanish sausage adds a bold and robust flavor.
You can also use plant-based sausages if you want a vegetarian option while still maintaining the smokiness and heartiness.
Variations of Perogies and Sausage Skillet
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking with a few simple changes. Here are some popular variations:
1. Spicy Perogies and Sausage
If you love a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onion and garlic. A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.
2. Loaded Perogies and Sausage Skillet
Take it up a notch by adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. Serve with sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra indulgent touch.
3. Veggie-Loaded Version
To make this meal more balanced, toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. The extra vegetables add nutrients and enhance the flavor profile.
4. Tomato-Based Sauce Instead of Cream
If you prefer a lighter alternative to the creamy sauce, swap the heavy whipping cream for crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. This gives the dish a tangier, more robust taste that complements the smoky sausage.
5. Cheese Lover’s Delight
For extra cheesiness, stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese before serving. The melted cheese will make the dish even more comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Although this dish is hearty enough on its own, you can pair it with a few sides to complete the meal:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the richness of the dish.
- Simple Side Salad – A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the creamy elements.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pickles or Sauerkraut – Adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the dish, which is a traditional pairing in Eastern European cuisine.
Nutritional Benefits and Considerations
While Perogies and Sausage Skillet is a comfort meal, it can be made healthier with a few adjustments:
- Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage to reduce fat and calories.
- Choose whole wheat or cauliflower perogies if available, for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add vegetables to increase vitamins and minerals in the dish.
- Use a lighter cream alternative, such as half-and-half or Greek yogurt, to reduce fat content while still keeping the sauce creamy.
Per serving, this dish provides a good amount of protein from the sausage and perogies, along with carbohydrates for energy. However, because it contains cream and sausage, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion:
The Perogies and Sausage Skillet is a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that brings together rich, comforting flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you prefer it as a classic creamy skillet meal or want to experiment with different ingredients, this recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion.
From busy weeknights to family gatherings, this meal is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its combination of crispy pan-fried perogies, smoky sausage, and velvety sauce makes it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and experience the ultimate comfort food in just 25 minutes!