Whenever my mom whips this out, it’s always the first thing to go!

– 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– Optional: Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Spread a thin layer of mashed potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
3. Place three lasagna noodles over the mashed potatoes.
4. Layer half of the cottage cheese on top of the noodles, followed by half of the remaining mashed potatoes, and then sprinkle with a third of the cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat step 4 with another layer of noodles, the remaining cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, and another third of the cheddar cheese.
6. Top with the final layer of noodles and the remaining cheddar cheese. Dot the surface with the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and begins to brown.
8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
9. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or green onions, if desired.
Variations & Tips
– For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, mix in some finely chopped cooked bacon or kielbasa sausage into the mashed potato layer. This will give your casserole an extra savory note and nods towards more traditional pierogi fillings.
– If you’re looking to decrease the fat content, you can use low-fat versions of the cheeses and replace butter with a butter substitute.
– Should you desire an even creamier texture, consider blending some sautéed onions into the mashed potatoes before layering.
– Feel free to mix in fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the potato mixture for an aromatic twist.
– When ready to serve, a dollop of sour cream on each portion lends authentic Eastern European flair and a tangy contrast to the rich layers.
– This dish can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and simply heated when needed, which makes it an excellent choice for those meal preps or when expecting company.