Back-to-school season is an especially busy time of year, especially when you’ve got kids who are, well, going back to school. During this time of year it’s truly marveling to watch Moms and Dads scramble to get everything done in time for the first day of school. I don’t know how they do it, but I have to give them kudos! They really are superheroes.
But, even superheroes need a break, and many times it’s needed after a long day of work. It’s those Moms and Dads who I was thinking of when I came up with the idea for this blog. I wanted to share an easy dinner recipe that everyone would love on those really busy days. (Yes, even the kids!) So, I searched through all of our quick & easy recipes, and found a real winner: Cheesy Bacon Pierogi Bake.
Not only is this recipe easy to throw together, but it’s full of comforting taste – perfect for enjoying with those you love most! Here’s how you make it:
Step One: Gather your ingredients: frozen pierogies, shredded Cheddar cheese, chicken broth, crumbled cooked bacon, scallions, black pepper, and cream cheese.
Step Two: Preheat your oven, while also putting your pierogies to boil on the stovetop. They only take about 5-7 minutes to cook. When they’re done, just drain out the water and set them aside. If you’re using raw bacon slices, like I did, then this is also the time to cook and crumble it. (Of course, you can also use the pre-cooked bacon crumbles too!)
Step Three: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and pepper, whisking it until it’s smooth.
Step Four: Once your sauce is creamy and smooth, add in your pierogies and stir them around so that they all get coated with some of the creamy sauce.
Step Five: Pour your creamy, cheesy pierogi mixture into a prepared 2-quart baking dish and put it into the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes. (This is a great time to help kids out with their homework or enjoy some quality family time!)
If you want to prepare this bake a day in advance, don’t stick in the oven just yet. Refrigerate or freeze your pierogi bake until you’re ready to have it for dinner.
Step Six: Remove your hot and bubbly pierogi bake from the oven, sprinkle with bacon and scallions, and call your family to the table!
Okay, now I know that mine looks a little different from the one on the MrFood.com site, but that’s just because we used a smaller baking dish in our professional shot to really show off the cheesy, bacon-y, goodness. We also topped it off with extra cheese when it came out of the oven, which you can do at home too!
This recipe makes enough to feed a family of 4 with hearty appetites!
Click here for exact recipe instructions and ingredient amounts.
As you can see, using a shortcut ingredient like frozen pierogies really helps make mealtime easier. Plus, with a recipe like this, you can have the kids help! They can help with crumbling bacon, sprinkling the toppings, or even stirring the cream sauce. Just be sure you’re always there to watch them!
For more quick and easy back-to-school ideas, download our FREE eCookbook, Cool Fuel for School: 30 Recipes for Kid-Friendly Meals, sponsored by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. You’ll find everything from kid’s breakfast and lunch ideas to great after-school snacks and sweet treats.
There’s also a great selection of tasty recipes available online at Easy Home Meals and in our “Back-to-School Ready” collection. Now Moms and Dads, you can be superheroes without even breaking a sweat (at least not in the kitchen!).
What’s your go-to busy day dinner?