Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes Recipe

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Hearty, rustic, and packed with Old World flavor, this Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes recipe is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Juicy smoked kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, and buttery-soft potatoes come together in one skillet or slow cooker, making it a satisfying meal for cozy weeknights or family gatherings.

This dish delivers that perfect balance of smoky, sour, and savory with minimal effort. It’s comfort food that doesn’t cut corners on flavor, and the ingredients are easy to keep on hand. Whether you’re craving something warm during the cold months or just love traditional Eastern European fare, this is a go-to dinner worth mastering.

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Why You’ll Love This Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes Recipe

This one-pan wonder is pure comfort. Everything cooks down into a tangle of rich flavor, and the aroma while it simmers is unbeatable. You’ll love how the sauerkraut mellows as it cooks, the potatoes soak up every bit of savory goodness, and the sausage stays juicy and flavorful.

It’s a budget-friendly, family-approved meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Plus, it’s flexible: you can make it stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even bake it in the oven.

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What Type of Sauerkraut Should I Use?

Use a high-quality refrigerated sauerkraut if you can—it has a fresher flavor and better texture than canned or jarred versions. If you like a milder sauerkraut, give it a quick rinse before adding it to the dish. Prefer bold and briny? Add it straight from the jar, juice and all.

Look for varieties that have only cabbage, salt, and water on the ingredients list for the most authentic taste.

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Ingredients for the Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe brings warmth and depth, making it more than just a basic sausage dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Smoked Polish Sausage (Kielbasa) – The star of the dish. Its smoky, garlicky flavor infuses everything it touches.
• Sauerkraut – Provides tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
• Yellow Potatoes – Creamy and tender, they absorb the savory juices while holding their shape.
• Onion – Adds natural sweetness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Garlic – Brings aromatic warmth to balance the tang of the kraut.
• Caraway Seeds (optional) – A traditional Polish touch that adds earthy, nutty undertones.
• Chicken Broth – Helps everything simmer together while layering in more flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky finish.
• Black Pepper – Balances the acidity and deepens the savory bite.

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How To Make the Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes Recipe

Whether you’re using a skillet, oven, or slow cooker, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Slice the kielbasa into thick rounds. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, sear the sausage until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Add sliced potatoes over the onion-garlic mixture. Then add the sauerkraut (drained or undrained depending on your flavor preference). Sprinkle with black pepper and caraway seeds if using.

Step 4: Add the Sausage and Broth

Place the browned kielbasa on top of the mixture. Pour chicken broth over everything to ensure moisture during cooking.

Step 5: Simmer or Bake

Cover and simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes covered with foil.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with mustard or rye bread on the side.

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How to Serve and Store Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes

This dish is a full meal on its own, but it also plays well with a few classic additions. Serve it straight from the skillet or Dutch oven while it’s piping hot. It feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes.

For serving, you can add a dollop of grainy mustard, a spoonful of sour cream, or a side of rye bread to round out the plate. Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers (minus potatoes, if preferred, as they can become grainy). Freeze for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut?

While this dish stands tall on its own, the right side pairings can take it to a whole new level.

1. Rye or Pumpernickel Bread

A hearty slice is perfect for soaking up all those savory juices.

2. Grainy or Dijon Mustard

Adds a zippy contrast and brightness to the dish.

3. Sour Cream

A creamy and cool complement to balance the sauerkraut’s tang.

4. Roasted Carrots

Their sweetness pairs well with the salty, sour elements of the main dish.

5. Cucumber Dill Salad

A refreshing, crunchy side that lightens the meal.

6. Beer or Cider

Whether it’s a malty lager or a crisp apple cider, a drink pairing makes it even more comforting.

7. Applesauce

A traditional, slightly sweet side that plays beautifully with sausage and kraut.

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Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes recipe, you’ll want to dive into more comforting and flavorful meals that bring people together:

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy – Creamy, tender, and perfect over mashed potatoes.
• Beef and Noodles with Sour Cream – Hearty noodles smothered in a tangy beef gravy.
• Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup – All the flavors of cabbage rolls in an easy soup form.
• Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Cabbage – Another easy sausage favorite with roasted edges and bold flavor.
• Bacon Cabbage Fried Potatoes – A crispy skillet side that can easily become the main event.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for cozy dinners or hearty skillet meals.

Did you make any twists? Add apples, smoked paprika, or extra garlic? Share your version in the comments!

I love hearing your takes on traditional meals. Let’s keep the comfort food inspiration going.

For more rustic recipes and cold-weather favorites, follow NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest.

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