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Home » Dietary » Vegetarian » Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies)

Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies)

March 23, 2020 by Faith 44 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies) has all the flavor of a delicious perogy, but with a quick, easy, and healthier spin!

Dish of Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies) on Table with White Tablecloth

Once the crisp chill of autumn settles in, my mom eases back into her routine of making big traditional comfort meals for our Sunday suppers, instead of casual dinners cooked on the grill.

A few years back she started making a dish that she calls Lazy Perogies that she learned from an old friend of the family. (Growing up in Buffalo, New York, this is actually a fairly popular recipe!)

I was recently craving this dish, and as my mom was reading me the recipe over the phone I saw my next project materialize. Her Lazy Perogies needed a little bit of a healthy makeover.

Close Up Front View of Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sour Cream on Top

In This Article

  • Mom’s Lazy Pierogi Casserole Recipe (aka Lazy Perogies Casserole or Lazy Perogy Casserole)
  • Healthy Casserole Makeover – How to Make a Casserole Healthier
  • Cabbage Pierogi Casserole with Apple
  • What is a Pierogi?
  • More Casserole Recipes to Try:
  • Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies)

Mom’s Lazy Pierogi Casserole Recipe (aka Lazy Perogies Casserole or Lazy Perogy Casserole)

For the same number of servings, my mom’s Lazy Pierogi Casserole recipe has more noodles than my version. And if you can believe it, her version has a lot more butter too (up to 1 1/2 sticks or 12 tablespoons!). I’m all about the butter, but that’s excessive to the point of being ridiculous.

And this dish typically has 1/2 to 3/4 cup of brown sugar. She said she wasn’t exactly sure because she always eyeballs it and then adds a touch more. Wow…there is no need for dessert when dinner has that much sugar, lol!

Plus my mom usually serves her perogy casserole along with a generous portion of chicken kielbasa. It’s delicious, but of course it increases the amount of both fat and salt in the dish.

Health-wise, my mom’s delicious and indulgent Lazy Perogies needed a little tweaking in more ways than one.

Close Up Overhead View of Lazy Perogy Casserole in White Gratin Dish

Healthy Casserole Makeover – How to Make a Casserole Healthier

I wanted to keep the flavor profile of the dish while lightening it up a bit. So I did the following:

  • I used less noodles, and then to bulk the dish up with minimal calories, I added fresh cabbage.
  • Also because I used fresh cabbage, I used less sauerkraut (the original recipe calls for 2 pounds of sauerkraut and I reduced it to 1 pound, which is still a generous amount). I have to say, sauerkraut is a very healthy ingredient! The only reason I wanted to decrease it a bit was to lower the overall sodium content of the dish. To reduce the salt, I not only rinsed the kraut before adding it to the dish, but I also cut the amount of kraut in half; since I added lemon juice, vinegar, and fresh cabbage, none of the flavor was sacrificed.
  • I used much less butter in my Lazy Pierogi recipe. It is still enough butter to add to the flavor of the dish, but not so much that it’s just silly how much excess is in there.
  • I took out the brown sugar (the amount that the original recipe calls for is outrageous). To provide a much more balanced subtle amount of sweetness, I used a lot less sweetener (I chose maple syrup instead of brown sugar), along with an apple.
  • To make this a vegetarian meal, I took out the chicken kielbasa that my mom usually serves with Lazy Pierogis. (Because this dish is pretty filling without any meat!) However, if you want to include meat while keeping the added fat and salt to a minimum, you could use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Thinly slice it and cook it up right before you cook the mushrooms, removing it from the pot before cooking the ‘shrooms. And then stir it into the cabbage mixture along with the mushrooms and cooked noodles.

It might be hard to believe, but this dish was every bit as delicious as the original version. And my mom actually asked me for the recipe!

Perogy Casserole with Description

Cabbage Pierogi Casserole with Apple

The addition of cabbage and apple in this recipe are my own twist. Using fresh cabbage means we can use less sauerkraut, which is delicious, but high in sodium. And apple not only adds nutrients, but also lends a slight sweetness so we can use less sweetener!

What is a Pierogi?

Also sometimes spelled perogy, perogi, and pierogy, this Eastern European dish is dumplings!

Pierogi are dumplings filled with things like sauerkraut, potato, or cheese. What makes this casserole recipe a quick version (or “lazy”, as the name says) is that it has all the flavors going on without having to make and fill each dumpling individually.

According to Wikipedia, “Pierogi are small enough to be served several or many at a time, so the plural form of the word is usually used when referring to this dish. In Polish pierogi is actually the plural, pieróg being singular.”

Front View of Lazy Pierogies with Water Pitcher in Background

More Casserole Recipes to Try:

  • Old Bay-Spiced Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Buttered Toast Topping
  • Taco Casserole
  • Moussaka (Greek Beef Eggplant Casserole)
  • Homemade Three Cheese Manicotti
  • Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Casserole

Front View of Perogy Casserole in White Dish on White Plate
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

Dish of Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies) on Table with White Tablecloth

Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies)

By: Faith Gorsky
Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies) has all the flavor of a delicious perogy, but with a quick, easy, and healthier spin!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Polish
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350.1 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided, plus more to grease the dish
  • 1 pound button mushrooms sliced
  • 1 1/4 pounds green cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 1 pound fresh sauerkraut rinsed well and drained
  • 1 large semi-firm sweet-tart apple peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 8 tablespoons sour cream for serving
  • Minced fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions; drain and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 5-quart lidded pot over medium to medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
  • To the same pot over medium to medium-high heat, add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted, stir in the cabbage, onion, lemon juice, vinegar, maple syrup, water, bay leaf, thyme, salt, marjoram, black pepper, and cloves.
  • Cover the pot and cook until the veggies are softened about halfway, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes of cooking, add the sauerkraut and apple, and continue cooking until everything is tender, about 10 minutes more.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked, drained noodles and the browned mushrooms.
  • Preheat the oven to 375F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish or 8 individual-sized gratin dishes. Pour the casserole into the dish (or dishes) and bake until it starts to turn a little golden on top, about 20 minutes in a large dish or 10 minutes in individual dishes.
  • Top each serving with 1 tablespoon sour cream and minced fresh parsley. Serve.

Faith's Tips

  • My mom always serves this casserole along with chicken kielbasa!
  • If you want to include meat while keeping the added fat and salt to a minimum, you could use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Thinly slice it and cook it up right before you cook the mushrooms, removing it from the pot before cooking the ‘shrooms. And then stir it into the cabbage mixture along with the mushrooms and cooked noodles.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well! Thaw to room temperature before reheating. You can reheat this in the microwave or in a 350F oven covered with foil until warm throughout.
  • Instead of egg noodles, kluski noodles are also delicious here.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 350.1 Calories from Fat 119
% Daily Value*
Fat 13.2g20%
Saturated Fat 7.36g46%
Cholesterol 64.53mg22%
Sodium 777.37mg34%
Potassium 592.5mg17%
Carbohydrates 50.91g17%
Fiber 6.22g26%
Sugar 14.69g16%
Protein 9.8g20%
Vitamin A 473.28IU9%
Vitamin C 41.14mg50%
Calcium 94.61mg9%
Iron 2.38mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Lazy Perogies, Lazy Pierogi Casserole, Lazy Pierogies
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies) Pinnable Image

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on September 24, 2012. I updated it with more information on March 23, 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items. Thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

Filed Under: Vegetarian Tagged: Apples, Autumn Foods, Casseroles, Comfort Foods, Dinner, Fall Foods, Healthy Recipe Makeovers, Lazy Perogies, Lazy Pierogi Casserole, Lazy Pierogies, Perogy, Pierogi, Recipes, Vegetarian, Vegetarian Meals

Comments

  1. Tiffany says

    April 3, 2022 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    My great grandmother, who was Polish-Austrian, used to make a version of this when I was a child. I found your recipe to be the closest to her own. Adding apple cider vinegar is genius!! Thank you! I leave out the apple because I’m one of those people who isn’t fond of cooked fruits, but wow, this was delicious!

    Reply
  2. Sherry says

    August 24, 2021 at 11:27 am

    Buffaloian here.. let me tell you my Nana used 2 sticks of salted butter to saute the onion and kraut, full fat sausage, sometimes bacon.

    Reply
  3. Barb says

    November 4, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    This recipe is the bomb my whole family loves it.

    Reply
  4. Bond Perry says

    October 18, 2019 at 6:09 pm

    I don’t see where the noodles get added to the casserole. The first directions are to boil and drain the noodles and set aside….I dont see them added back into all the other ingredients. It could be me….but I have read and re read the recipe and I just don’t see it.

    Reply
    • Faith says

      October 24, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Bond, Thanks so much for leaving a comment! You’re right, that was an oversight – sorry about that! I fixed the recipe below.

      Reply
  5. Burma says

    September 23, 2017 at 1:48 am

    Where do the noodles and mushrooms come in? You say to pour the cabbage mix part of the casserole into dishes, but there’s no mention of what to do with the noodles and mushrooms. Are the noodles just added loosely into the cabbage mixture before putting it into the dishes, or are they used to layer the casserole? Are the mushrooms for garnish, or do you add them into the mix at some time? Also- have you tried using caraway seeds with this casserole? They’re great with sauerkraut and cabbage. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Faith says

      October 24, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      Burma, Thanks so much for leaving a comment! You’re right, that was an oversight – sorry about that! I fixed the recipe below.

      Yes, you’re right, caraway seeds are lovely with cabbage and kraut! If you want to add them to this recipe, I would add about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon because I find that a little goes a long way.

      Reply
  6. Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says

    January 8, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    What a wonderful meatless meal idea. I love everything about this dish!

    Reply
  7. Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says

    December 21, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    Loved this! A great lighter version of some comforting favorites.

    Reply
  8. Joan says

    December 2, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I tried this recipe over the weekend and we loved it !! My daughter put kielbasa in hers and her husband loved it !!

    Reply
  9. Joan says

    November 30, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Am I reading this right. You use the noodles instead of the pierogis?

    Reply
    • Faith says

      December 2, 2013 at 7:51 am

      Joan, Yes, in this recipe, egg noodles are used instead of pierogis. Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!

      Reply
  10. Trix says

    October 1, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I love your tweaks here!! Man, I love butter too but you’re not kidding, that sounds like a bit too much in the original! (Don’t tell your mom I said that.) And it’s anything but lazy!!

    Reply
  11. deana says

    September 29, 2012 at 8:19 am

    I have vowed to clean up my act this fall and eat a little lighter. Things like dumplings and pierogis are problematic because of the filling/dough proportions. You have to eat a whole lot of dough before eating a tiny bit of filling. I try to make pasta with lots of vegetables, a little meat and not too much pasta. This dish fits my plan beautifully ( and I love maple syrup!!!). Lovely work, Faith!

    Reply
  12. FreeSpiritEater says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    Wow! This looks amazing. Love the food styling too!

    Reply
  13. Lori Lynn says

    September 28, 2012 at 11:28 am

    Awesome make-over Faith!
    Adore the “lazy” idea.
    LL

    Reply
  14. janet @ the taste space says

    September 26, 2012 at 8:45 am

    I love how you made this healthier! I wonder what this would be like without any noodles and even more fresh cabbage.. sounds right up my alley!! :)

    Reply
  15. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says

    September 25, 2012 at 6:24 pm

    I love this makeover Faith! I grew up eating those Mrs.T’s Pierogi’s boiled with sour cream and it’s such a comfort food memory. This is a much better option!

    Reply
  16. Diane says

    September 25, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    We love Sauerkraut so this would go down well in our house :-) Take care Diane

    Reply
  17. Jessie says

    September 25, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    I love that you have the word “Lazy” in the title of your recipe ;) Also, your summary of the things that needed “tweaking” in the recipe is hilarious! I think you did a fantastic job making this recipe lighter and less salty, and your 5-star contribution is perfect!

    Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    September 25, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    What a revamp you did in this recipe. All great choices in lowering the extras yet keeping the flavor. This is perfect for the apple 5 star month!

    Reply
  19. Girlnpurpledres says

    September 25, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    What an interesting recipe, I’m sure that it is absolutely delicious. The cabbage was an excellent decision for reducing the overall sodium content of the meal. Love maple syrup, must have been fun making this.

    Reply
  20. Asiya @ Chocolate and Chillies says

    September 25, 2012 at 11:50 am

    Love how you healthified this! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  21. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    September 25, 2012 at 11:46 am

    This looks right up my alley!

    Reply
  22. Mary @ mary mary quite contrary says

    September 25, 2012 at 8:46 am

    Had to share this wonderful recipe !! What an amazing combination of ingredients !! Mary <3

    Reply
  23. Katerina says

    September 25, 2012 at 7:23 am

    This dish screams autumn Faith! I always try to reduce calories in old family recipes. Time has changed and we do nto live the way our grandparents did. I love your more healthified tweakening!

    Reply
  24. Erica says

    September 25, 2012 at 6:48 am

    It looks amazing,Faith! I love these theme….I saw Natasha’s and Joan’s and they look delicious! Great job!

    Reply
  25. [email protected] says

    September 24, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    We are thinking alike. I’ve been making deconstructed stuffed cabbage (lazy) and using ground beef, apples, rice. I even thought of perogies. I know I would love this dish, especially slimmed down.

    Reply
  26. 5 Star Foodie says

    September 24, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    What a terrific casserole, this will be a hit at my house for sure!

    Reply
  27. Lisa says

    September 24, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    This looks great! I love sauerkraut…and I love the lazy part too!

    Reply
  28. Laz says

    September 24, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    Fantastic makeover. This is truly a dish to kick back and savor. All the while, enjoying the reduced calories. My dish certainly is not lacking in calories.

    Great photography as well.

    Reply
  29. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    September 24, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    I grew up on saukerkraut, pierogies, casseroles…this looks like something straight outta my polish & russian grandmother’s kitchen – except much more photogenic :) It looks fabulous, Faith!

    Reply
  30. emiglia says

    September 24, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Looks delicious! I’m constantly doing the same thing — making over favorites of mine from when my mom made them and trying to get them healthy enough to enjoy on a regular basis. Hats off to your makeover… looks like you got it down pat!

    Reply
  31. Kristina says

    September 24, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    ooooh, this sounds fantastic! bookmarking, I will make this when we get the really cold weather this winter…

    Reply
  32. Shannon says

    September 24, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    ooh, this definitely is getting tried soon!! LOVE this healthier and easier version :) i only make them once a year (around thanksgiving, make a ton for the holidays) and can’t stray too much from the recipe. this would definitely be a great excuse to enjoy them year-round! fabulous :)

    Reply
  33. Jeanette says

    September 24, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    I love this lazier and healthier version of Pierogi!

    Reply
  34. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    September 24, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    What a delicious casserole, I love the way you lightened this up without compromising the flavors!

    Reply
  35. [email protected] says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:16 am

    This looks a.ma.zing. I have a tin of proper German sauerkraut just begging to be opened and used in this fabulous deconstructed dish. Healthy comfort food. Roll on autumn! PS Tell your mother thank you from me!

    Reply
  36. Sanjeeta kk says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:13 am

    Perfect for the fast approaching winters season! Lovely clicks Faith.

    Reply
  37. Norma-Platanos, Mangoes and Me! says

    September 24, 2012 at 8:32 am

    I like your spin on this dish and I too want some…

    Reply
  38. Joan Nova says

    September 24, 2012 at 8:15 am

    Very smart makeover. I totally agree with the steps you took and the end result looks mighty tasty.

    Reply
  39. Victoria says

    September 24, 2012 at 8:09 am

    I love pierogis and I love noodles with cabbage so this lazy pierogi dish is right up my ally. You are absolutely right, there is no need to add all those unhealthy ingredients to this dish, and I definitely think I’d prefer your makeover version to the original. Now I suddenly have an overpowering craving for pierogis. Thanks, a lot, Faith :-D lol

    Reply
  40. Erica says

    September 24, 2012 at 8:02 am

    so I’ve never had kraut! Its always made me nervous- I need to just give it a go. The casserole is such a fun take on a traditional recipe

    Reply
  41. Rosa says

    September 24, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Wonderful! It is exactly the kind of dish I love eating during the cold season.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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