Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Poland with our irresistible Polish Pasta Casserole recipe. Packed with hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this comforting dish is a celebration of traditional Polish cuisine. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress with its satisfying combination of pasta, smoked sausage, sauerkraut, and cheese. Join us as we explore the simple steps to creating this flavorful masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to Eastern Europe.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups uncooked short pasta, such as penne or fusilli
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (16 oz) jar sauerkraut, rinsed and well-drained
- 1 1/2 lbs smoked Polish sausage or kielbasa, sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 3 cups Swiss cheese, grated and divided
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sauerkraut, sausage slices, and Swiss cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour Sauce and Garnish:
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese on top and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Bake and Serve:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Crumb Topping: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian version of the casserole.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or thyme to the sauce for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: Substitute the pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream instead of milk and sour cream, and thicken the sauce with a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum. Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for the sauce.
- Low Carb Version: Follow the keto substitutions mentioned above and use a lower carb variety of sausage or kielbasa. Opt for a reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt to lower the carb content further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I Use Different Cheese? Yes, you can use other varieties of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I Make This Ahead of Time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking from cold.
- What Side Dishes Pair Well with Polish Pasta Casserole? This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Can I Freeze Leftover Casserole? Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I Use Fresh Sauerkraut Instead of Jarred? Absolutely! If using fresh sauerkraut, be sure to rinse it well and squeeze out any excess liquid before layering it in the casserole.
In conclusion, Polish Pasta Casserole is a culinary delight that combines the rich flavors of Eastern Europe with the comforting familiarity of a classic casserole. With its layers of pasta, sausage, sauerkraut, and cheese, this dish is a hearty and satisfying option for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or shared with friends at a gathering, this casserole is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and contentment with every bite. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavors of Polish cuisine in your own kitchen and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
