Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pierogi Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're in the mood for comfort food with a twist, this Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pierogi Casserole is just what you need. It combines the hearty goodness of pierogies with a rich, velvety mushroom and spinach sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck hit, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just about 45 minutes.
  • A delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
  • Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
  • Vegetarian-friendly without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

1 lb frozen pierogies
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. While it's heating up, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they turn translucent and fragrant — it should take just a few minutes.

Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them down until they're soft and browned, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Now, pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme, and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. As it begins to thicken slightly, add the fresh spinach, stirring it into the sauce until it wilts down completely.

With your sauce ready, take a casserole dish and lay the frozen pierogies in a single layer at the bottom. Pour the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce over the top, making sure the pierogies are well-coated.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Once it's done, take the casserole out and let it cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to dish out.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, cook the mushrooms and make the sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and assemble when you're ready to bake.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce before simmering.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile — try adding some sharp cheddar or Gruyère.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup to start. For a more indulgent meal, add a side of garlic bread or warm rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly as fresh pierogies might cook quicker.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used in a pinch, but the sauce won't be as rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken or crumbled sausage would be great additions.

Ingredients Explained

Frozen pierogies provide a filling base, making this dish hearty and satisfying. Cremini mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Fresh spinach brings a pop of color and a dose of nutrients to the mix. Heavy cream contributes to the rich, indulgent texture of the sauce. Shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese melt into a golden, bubbly topping that no one can resist. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, enhancing every bite. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies and rounds out the flavors. Salt, black pepper, and dried thyme season the dish, bringing all the elements together.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add fresh spinach, stirring until wilted.
6. Layer frozen pierogies at the bottom of a casserole dish.
7. Pour the mushroom and spinach cream sauce over the pierogies.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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