Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut And Potatoes

There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that brings together smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes—all simmered together in one pot. This Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes recipe is humble, hearty, and full of old-world flavor. It’s the kind of dish that sticks to your ribs, warms your soul, and makes your kitchen smell like grandma’s house on a chilly day.

Whether you have Polish heritage or simply love rustic Eastern European flavors, this recipe is a delicious nod to traditional home cooking. It’s perfect for fall and winter meals, simple enough for busy weeknights, and satisfying enough for Sunday supper. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot or slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.

🥘 Why This Recipe Works

Polish cuisine is all about bold flavors and humble ingredients, and this dish is a perfect example. Here’s why it’s a favorite in so many homes:

One-pot wonder: Minimal dishes and fuss—just layer, simmer, and serve.

Flavor-packed: Smoked sausage adds richness, sauerkraut gives zing, and the potatoes soak up every bit of flavor.

Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and stretches to feed a crowd.

Versatile: Make it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this rustic dish shine—just a few classic ingredients and a little time.

📌 Main Ingredients:

1 pound smoked Polish sausage (kielbasa) – sliced into thick rounds

3–4 cups sauerkraut – drained (but not rinsed unless you prefer a milder flavor)

4–5 medium potatoes – peeled and cut into large chunks (Yukon Gold or Russets work well)

1 medium onion – sliced

2 cloves garlic – minced

1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional but traditional)

1/2 cup chicken broth or water – adds moisture

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

👩‍🍳 How To Make It – Step-by-Step

You can make this on the stovetop, in the oven, or toss it all in a slow cooker. Here’s the stovetop method for a quick and hearty meal.

🔥 Stovetop Directions:

Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and brown it for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add sliced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Layer in Potatoes and Sauerkraut
Add the chunked potatoes to the pot. Top with sauerkraut and sprinkle with caraway seeds (if using). Pour in the broth or water.

Add Sausage Back In
Nestle the browned sausage back into the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Simmer
Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 40–45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and flavors have melded together.

Serve Hot
Scoop into bowls and serve piping hot with crusty rye bread or a smear of mustard on the side.

🐢 Slow Cooker Instructions:

Layer all ingredients in the slow cooker in the same order as above.

Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender and sausage is fully heated through.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is so hearty it can stand alone—but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

Crusty bread or buttered rye toast to soak up the juices

A scoop of grainy mustard or horseradish on the side

Braised red cabbage or buttered green beans for a splash of color

A crisp apple slaw for a bit of freshness and crunch

Finish with a Polish dessert like paczki or apple cake for the full experience

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

This meal actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.

🔁 Variations & Add-Ins

Make this dish your own! Here are a few fun twists:

Add apples: Toss in a chopped green apple for a hint of sweetness that plays well with sauerkraut.

Use sweet potatoes: For a sweet-savory combo that’s perfect in the fall.

Add cabbage: Mix in shredded green cabbage for more veggie bulk.

Try different sausages: Bratwurst, turkey kielbasa, or even vegan sausage can work here.

Top with cheese: A handful of shredded Swiss or cheddar can take it to comfort-food heaven.

🇵🇱 A Taste of Polish Tradition

In Poland, sausage and sauerkraut (or “kapusta”) are staples of country-style cooking. They’re often served at family gatherings, holiday meals, and even weddings. This recipe brings a slice of that tradition into your kitchen in a fuss-free, weeknight-friendly way.

The smoked kielbasa is the star—it adds a deep, savory backbone that ties everything together. The sauerkraut, known for its probiotics and tang, brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness. And the potatoes? They’re the comfort glue that holds it all together.

Whether you’re celebrating your roots or simply craving something warm and rustic, this meal checks every box.

💬 Final Thoughts

Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition that feeds both the body and the soul. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you can create a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations.

It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it’s guaranteed to bring everyone back to the table for seconds.

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