Kielbasa and sauerkraut make for an easy, tasty meal that’s full of flavor! The sweet and savory taste of Polish sausage is always a crowd-pleaser. This one-pan dish combines smoked sausage with seasoned sauerkraut, cooked until it’s hot and delicious. It’s an affordable meal that the whole family will enjoy and is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying.
Sauerkraut with Kielbasa Recipe
This dinner is one of my favorites, easy, comforting, and full of flavor. I cook smoky kielbasa with sauerkraut, sweet onions, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a bit of spicy mustard. Everything sizzles together in one pan, filling the kitchen with an amazing smell.
It’s perfect for busy nights: quick, affordable, and minimal cleanup. I love grabbing kielbasa from a local Polish grocery, but any smoked sausage will do just fine!
As the sausage browns, it gets that nice smoky flavor, which pairs perfectly with the sauerkraut’s tang. A pinch of freshly crushed black pepper adds a hint of heat, making it savory, sweet, and just a bit spicy.
This simple Polish-inspired dish is one you’ll want to try. Quick to cook, easy to love, and perfect for a cozy night in!
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⭐Why You'll Love This Kielbasa with Sauerkraut
- Quick & Easy: This simple recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients! It’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze, perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste.
- Versatile: The classic version is delicious, but you can adjust the sweetness with more or less brown sugar, or add spices like caraway seeds or garlic for extra flavor. Feel free to try different mustard or herbs!
- Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it perfect for meal prep or a tasty leftover lunch or dinner.
🧾Kielbasa with Sauerkraut Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Kielbasa with Sauerkraut:
- Kielbasa Sausage: I use Polish Kielbasa for its rich, smoky flavor and slightly fatty texture that balances the tangy sauerkraut.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its mild, fruity flavor, which helps sauté the vegetables and adds a silky texture.
- Red Onion: Red onion has a sweet, mild flavor that caramelizes beautifully, balancing the sourness of the sauerkraut. You can also use white onion if you prefer.
- Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to counteract the tanginess of the sauerkraut, with a mild molasses flavor that complements the caramelized onions. You can swap it for granulated sugar.
- Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut gives a tart, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the kielbasa and adds depth to the dish.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering it, balancing the sweetness and tang.
- Dijon Mustard: I use Dijon mustard for its sharp, tangy flavor, which adds complexity and complements the richness of the kielbasa.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish and offers a slight peppery bite.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Cook Kielbasa with Sauerkraut
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook sliced red onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Sprinkle with brown sugar, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Add sauerkraut to the skillet, season with black pepper and Dijon mustard, and stir. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
4. Place the cooked kielbasa back in the skillet with the caramelized onions, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
🍽 What to Serve with Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Kielbasa and sauerkraut is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. I like to serve it with ciabatta or garlic bread to soak up the juices. A creamy potato salad adds a tangy contrast, while sweet applesauce balances the savory flavors of the sausage. For drinks, I go with lemonade, and for dessert, apple pierogi is a perfect touch!
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Sear the Kielbasa Well: Brown the Kielbasa slices in a hot pan until they’re deeply caramelized on both sides. This adds rich smoky flavor and a nice texture to the dish.
Balance Sweetness and Tang: The brown sugar helps balance the sauerkraut’s sourness. Adjust to your taste, add more for sweetness or less for a tangier flavor. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tartness.
Don’t Overcook the Sauerkraut: Add the sauerkraut after the kielbasa and onions are cooked, just warming it through. Overcooking can make it mushy and too sour, so keep it brief!
Storage: Store leftover kielbasa and sauerkraut in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Kielbasa with Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 400 g Kielbasa Sausage
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Red Onion
- 2 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar
- 450 g Sauerkraut
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- Parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low-medium heat.
- Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, stirring occasionally, until the sausage starts to brown. Transfer the kielbasa to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to melt and the onions become even more caramelized. Transfer the onion to a small bowl and set aside.
- Add the sauerkraut to the skillet, season with black pepper and Dijon mustard, stirring well. Let it cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet and caramelized onion, mixing everything together so the flavors meld. Cook for another 1 minute until the mixture is heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This kielbasa and sauerkraut combo is a classic for a reason. The flavors are amazing!