Baked Pierogi Casserole

Broccoli cheese patties are a delicious and healthy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying the comforting flavors of cheese and crispy, golden-brown patties. These savory patties are made with a combination of fresh broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then pan-fried to perfection. They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish to complement any meal. You can even serve them as a light main course with a side salad for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the preparation of broccoli cheese patties with clear steps, ingredient details, and helpful tips. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a party, these patties are sure to be a hit.

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Ingredients:

• For the Patties:
  • 3 cups (about 250g) fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated sharp cheddar cheese (you can use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60g) grated onion (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish and added freshness)
• For Frying:
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying

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Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Pot for steaming or boiling broccoli
• Fork or potato masher (for mashing the broccoli)
• Frying pan or skillet (non-stick or cast iron recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Optional: Baking sheet (if finishing in the oven for a crispier texture)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Steam or Boil the Broccoli: Begin by cutting the broccoli into small florets. If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or boil the florets until they are tender but still bright green, about 5-7 minutes. You can steam them in a steamer basket or place them directly in boiling water. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and drain off any excess water before proceeding.
2. Mash the Broccoli: Once the broccoli is cooked, drain any excess water and let it cool slightly. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the broccoli into small pieces. It doesn’t need to be completely smooth, but you want to break up the florets into smaller bits to help them hold together in the patties. If you like a chunkier texture, you can leave some larger pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Patty Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed broccoli, grated cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan (if using), breadcrumbs, eggs, grated onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and hold together when formed into patties. If it feels too wet or loose, you can add more breadcrumbs until the mixture holds its shape.
2. Taste Test: You can taste the mixture to ensure the seasoning is to your liking. You can cook a small spoonful in a frying pan to check the flavor before forming the patties.

Step 3: Form the Patties

1. Shape the Patties: Take about 2 tablespoons of the broccoli cheese mixture and shape it into a small, round patty about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used. Depending on the size of the patties, this recipe should yield around 8-10 patties.

Step 4: Fry the Patties

1. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan but not to deep-fry the patties.
2. Cook the Patties: Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to fry the patties in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them gently to avoid breaking the patties.
3. Drain the Patties: Once the patties are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the patties are fried, serve them immediately while they are warm and crispy. You can garnish them with a little fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

These broccoli cheese patties pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as:

• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Ketchup
• Hot sauce
• Tzatziki sauce (for a Mediterranean twist)

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Notes and Tips:

• Broccoli Texture: If you prefer your broccoli in smaller pieces, you can also pulse the cooked broccoli in a food processor to break it down into finer bits. However, make sure not to over-process it, or the mixture will become too mushy.
• Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar cheese is commonly used in these patties, you can experiment with other cheese varieties such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. The type of cheese you use will influence the flavor and meltiness of the patties.
• Breadcrumb Substitutes: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also make your own breadcrumbs by toasting and crushing gluten-free bread.
• Freezing the Patties: These patties freeze well. After frying, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy, or reheat in a skillet for a few minutes on each side.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version with less oil, you can bake the patties instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
• Vegan Version: To make these patties vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) or another egg substitute. Use dairy-free cheese in place of the regular cheeses.

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Variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can easily make these patties more nutritious by adding other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or corn to the mixture. Grated vegetables will add moisture and flavor to the patties.
• Spices and Herbs: For a flavor boost, feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also be mixed into the batter for an extra pop of flavor.
• Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, try adding finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.

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Final Thoughts:

Broccoli cheese patties are a great way to enjoy a vegetable-packed snack or meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. The combination of crispy exteriors with a cheesy, savory filling makes them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Enjoy these easy-to-make, customizable patties as part of a healthy meal or as a fun and tasty addition to your regular dinner rotation!

Baked Pierogi Casserole

A baked pierogi casserole is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by the traditional Polish pierogi, which are dumplings typically filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheese, meat, or sauerkraut. This casserole version combines all the delicious flavors of pierogi in a one-pan meal, making it easier and faster to prepare while maintaining that rich, satisfying taste. The layers of tender dumplings, creamy filling, and melted cheese are baked together until golden and bubbling, making it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.

In this recipe, we’ll break down the ingredients, preparation, cooking time, and temperatures to help you create a delicious baked pierogi casserole that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients:

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 package (about 16 oz or 450g) frozen pierogi (cheese and potato filling works well, but you can also use other varieties like sauerkraut and mushroom, meat, or spinach and cheese)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• For the Topping:
  • 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for drizzling over the top)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) additional shredded cheese (optional, for a cheesy crust)

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Equipment:

• Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar size)
• Skillet for sautéing onions
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven-safe dish for baking the casserole

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pierogi and Sauté the Onions

1. Cook the Pierogi: Since the frozen pierogi are typically pre-cooked, you don’t need to fully cook them before assembling the casserole, but it’s helpful to thaw them for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature or run them under cold water. This will help them layer better and cook evenly in the casserole.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to bake the casserole and melt the cheese evenly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream (or milk), 2 cups of shredded cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. This creamy sauce will coat the pierogi and make the casserole rich and flavorful.
3. Layer the Pierogi: In your greased baking dish (9×13 inches works well), place a layer of the thawed pierogi. Try to arrange them in a single layer, but some overlap is fine. If using multiple layers, alternate the pierogi layers with the sautéed onions and drizzle with a little bit of the creamy sauce to keep things moist.
4. Add the Creamy Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the pierogi layers. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread it and ensure that the sauce coats all of the pierogi.
5. Top with Cheese and Onions: After adding the sauce, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top. This will help create a melty, golden crust as the casserole bakes. Optionally, you can also sprinkle the sautéed onions evenly on top for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake

1. Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. This mixture will create a crunchy, golden topping for the casserole. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the breadcrumbs are crispy. If you like the top extra crispy, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to cut and serve.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once your baked pierogi casserole is ready, serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Notes and Tips:

• Pierogi Choices: Frozen pierogi are the most convenient option for this casserole, but you can use homemade pierogi if you have them on hand. Cheese and potato pierogi work particularly well in this casserole, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like meat, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time. Simply prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that the pierogi you choose are gluten-free. Some stores carry gluten-free pierogi, or you can make your own.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar and Parmesan work well, you can experiment with different cheeses depending on your preference. Mozzarella will give the casserole a nice stretchiness, and a sharp white cheddar or Gruyère will add a more intense, nutty flavor.
• Adding Protein: If you want to make the casserole more filling, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage. Simply layer the cooked protein between the pierogi layers for added flavor and texture.

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Variations:

• Vegetable Version: Add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Layer them between the pierogi to incorporate more veggies into the casserole.
• Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the creamy sauce for a spicy kick. This will balance well with the rich, cheesy flavor.
• Herb Infusion: For a fresh herbal flavor, stir in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill into the sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking.

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Final Thoughts:

This baked pierogi casserole is an easy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of pierogi with the convenience of a casserole. The creamy, cheesy layers and crispy breadcrumbs on top make it an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

By adapting the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, you can make this dish truly your own. Enjoy this hearty casserole as a main dish, or serve it as a delicious side to complement your favorite proteins.