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    Home Ā» Recipes Ā» Entree

    Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

    Published: Jun 26, 2025 by Fox Valley Foodie Ā· This post may contain affiliate links

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    Kielbasa and Sauerkraut.

    This exceptionally easy kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe can be ready to eat in only 20 quick minutes!

    This easy recipe is loaded with sauteed onions, seared kielbasa sausage, and piles of tangy sauerkraut. Best of all, it requires minimal prep work, cooks quickly, and uses very inexpensive ingredients. If you are a fan of sauerkraut, your whole family will love this sauerkraut dinner!

    Kielbasa and Sauerkraut.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Butter - Olive oil or any vegetable oil can be substituted, but butter will add much more flavor.
    • Medium Onion - Yellow onion, or sweet onions, are best. Red onion can be used if you want a stronger onion flavor.
    • Polish KielbasaĀ sausage - You can substitute any Polish sausage at the grocery store, or a smoked sausage can be used as well.
    • Sauerkraut - Homemade sauerkraut would be fantastic, but any store-bought sauerkraut is great to use.
    • Brown sugar - This can be left out if needed.
    • Brown mustard - You can use regular or spicy brown mustard, or substitute Dijon mustard.

    Note: You can add up to a teaspoon of caraway seeds for extra flavor if desired. Other additions include bell peppers or sweet apples, such as Granny Smith apples, to bring out the natural sweetness of the dish.

    Ingredients needed for kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe.

    How to make it

    To make this sauerkraut and kielbasa recipe you will need a large skillet or saute pan. Set the skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, place your onions in the pan and saute until tender and beginning to turn golden brown, then add the sausage to the skillet in an even layer as well. Continue to cook the sausage and onion mixture until the kielbasa has browned and cooked through.

    The last step is to add the sauerkraut to the sausage mixture, along with the brown sugar and mustard. Stir the sauerkraut mixture together and let cook until the liquid has mostly cooked out. Approximately five minutes. Serve with rye bread and a fresh salad.

    Note: You can slice kielbasa thinly, as I have done in the photos. Or you can leave them an inch or two long if you prefer meatier pieces.

    Stovetop kielbasa and sauerkraut served with rye bread.

    Can Kielbasa and Sauerkraut be made in a slow cooker?

    The great thing about this simple recipe is that you can also make your kielbasa and sauerkraut in the crock pot, which is even easier. I have previously published a separate, simple recipe for crockpot sauerkraut and sausage, asĀ the process is a bit different.

    To make this in the slow cooker, you can leave out the butter since you won't be able to saute the onions. Instead, just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and set it on high for 4 hours. It is done when everything is heated through. Since most crock pots are larger, I recommend making a double batch. This is an easy way to serve a large crowd.

    Storing leftovers

    Any leftover kielbasa and sauerkraut should be stored in an airtight container or your entire refrigerator will smell like sauerkraut. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. It is best to enjoy them within five days.

    Kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe.

    Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

    This exceptionally easy kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe can be ready to eat in only 20 quick minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights!
    4.83 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Polish
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 472kcal
    Author: Fox Valley Foodie

    Equipment

    • Saute pan

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • ½ medium onion chopped
    • 1 pound kielbasa sliced
    • 16 ounces sauerkraut with juice
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon brown mustard

    Instructions

    • Add butter to a saute pan set over medium heat. Once melted add the chopped onion and saute until beginning to turn golden brown, then add sliced kielbasa. Cook until sausage is seared and heated through.
    • Add sauerkraut to the kielbasa mixture, along with brown sugar and mustard. Stir to combine.
    • Cook for 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid has cooked out. Then serve immediately.

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1838mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @FoxValleyFoodie or tag #foxvalleyfoodie!

    This recipe was originally published on February 24, 2022.

    More Sauerkraut Recipes

    • Deep fried sauerkraut balls recipe
      Sauerkraut Balls
    • Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut recipe
      Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
    • Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Dumplings with Beer Braised Kielbasa
      Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Dumplings with Beer Braised Kielbasa
    • Sauerkraut and Dumplings with Kielbasa
      Sauerkraut and Dumplings with Kielbasa

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. William Quisenberry

      April 05, 2025 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      We have been cooking this for years. We do not use any sugar
      or mustard, we add 12 Oz of beer or wine a dash of salt and pepper.

      Reply
    2. D copeland

      July 23, 2023 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      First time cooking this and my client said it was great. He asked for the instructions for when he can get back to cooking himself.

      Reply
    3. Lisa

      April 09, 2023 at 6:46 pm

      3 stars
      Husband liked it a lot. Personally I felt it was too sweet. If I were to make it again I’d reduce the brown sugar. Super easy recipe.

      Reply
    4. Lorinda

      November 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner today. It was a hit with my husband.šŸ‘

      Reply
    5. BertaAnne

      February 24, 2022 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      Hello, this is the recipe I have used for years, even the mustard, never a complaint! Once in awhile I may add a leftover piece of finally chopped granny Smith apple to the skillet, just to...kick it up a notch. Makes a slight yet enjoyable difference. If you use store bought sausage you may want to find a meat store/butcher near you, up grading can make a huge difference!! Oh, I never use canned, only jar or bag kraut, you will taste the difference here!!raf
      Pray for the People in Ukraine!!!!!

      Reply
      • Allan

        April 08, 2023 at 7:00 pm

        4 stars
        We like this recipe idea page

        Reply
    4.83 from 17 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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