Polish Sausage Sauerkraut And Potatoes Recipe

Tangy Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut and Potatoes Recipe for Dinner

Polish sausage sauerkraut and potatoes create a hearty, rustic dish that speaks to comfort and tradition.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly in this classic eastern european meal.

Tangy, savory ingredients combine to deliver a satisfying culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Imagine a plate filled with rich, smoky elements that transport you to countryside kitchens.

Ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of textures and robust tastes that dance on your palate.

Simple yet powerful, this recipe connects you to generations of home cooking wisdom.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic and deeply satisfying flavors.

You can want to savor every delicious moment of this incredible meal.

Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes for Cozy Meals

Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Potatoes for Cozy Meals
  • This one-pot Polish sausage dish delivers deep, satisfying flavors that warm your soul with traditional European comfort food.
  • The crockpot method means minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, letting busy home cooks enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Tender potatoes, juicy sausage slices, and tangy sauerkraut create a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures that dance together in every bite.
  • This recipe honors classic Polish cooking techniques, bringing authentic flavors and generations of cooking wisdom into your home with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes

Meat and Protein:
  • Polish Sausage: Classic Central European meat with rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture, perfect for one-pot meals.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the dish, helping to blend all flavors together.
Vegetables and Fermented Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy and filling base that absorbs surrounding flavors, choose waxy varieties for best texture.
  • Sauerkraut: Tangy, fermented cabbage that provides a sharp and acidic element, traditional in Eastern European cuisine.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Caraway Seeds: Earthy and slightly nutty spice common in Central European cooking, enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes and complexity to the dish, removed before serving.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Cooking Steps for Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes

Cooking Steps for Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Slice Polish sausage into bite-sized rounds
  • Chop potatoes into hearty chunks
  • Drain sauerkraut if you prefer less liquid
  • Gather caraway seeds
  • Select a bay leaf
  • Collect chicken broth
  • Have salt and pepper ready

Step 2: Layer Crockpot Delights

Spread sauerkraut across bottom of slow cooker as first layer

Arrange potato chunks evenly over sauerkraut

Distribute sausage slices across potato layer

Step 3: Create Flavor Mixture

In separate mixing bowl, combine:
  • Chicken broth
  • Caraway seeds
  • Bay leaf

Gently whisk ingredients together

Step 4: Season and Moisten

Pour broth mixture over layered ingredients

Sprinkle salt and pepper across top

Ensure even distribution of seasonings

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot

Set temperature to high

Cook for 4 hours

Wait until potatoes become tender

Sausage should be thoroughly heated

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaf

Softly stir ingredients to blend flavors

Transfer to serving dish

Enjoy piping hot comfort meal

Smart Tips for Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potato Recipes

Smart Tips for Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potato Recipes
  • Slice Strategically: Cut sausage and potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Layer Wisely: Place sauerkraut at the bottom for maximum flavor infusion and to prevent ingredients from sticking to the crockpot.
  • Boost Seasoning Balance: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely without overpowering the dish.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Test potato tenderness with a fork after 4 hours; if not soft enough, continue cooking in 15-minute increments to prevent overcooking.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Optional additions like fresh thyme or a splash of white wine can elevate the overall taste profile of this traditional comfort meal.

Keeping Leftovers of Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat: Warm the Polish sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Freeze: Pack cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers, where they'll stay good for up to 2 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal for later.

What to Serve with Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes

  • Pair with Robust Riesling: Complement the tangy sauerkraut and rich sausage with a crisp, slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the dish's savory notes.
  • Serve with Hearty Bread: Grab a crusty sourdough or German-style rye bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture to each bite.
  • Match with Spicy Mustard: Offer a side of grainy or traditional German mustard to enhance the sausage's flavor and provide a zesty kick that cuts through the dish's richness.
  • Enjoy with Cold Beer: Select a classic German pilsner or amber lager that refreshes the palate and stands up to the bold, hearty flavors of the Polish sausage and sauerkraut.

Flavor Twists for Your Polish Sausage and Potatoes

  • Smoky Mountain Brew Batch: Replace chicken broth with dark beer for a rich, malty undertone that complements the sausage's robust flavor. Add smoked paprika for extra depth and complexity.
  • Herb Garden Polish Fusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley into the broth mixture. Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter profile and added nutrition.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Mix in diced green chiles, add a dash of cumin, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty kick. Consider using andouille sausage instead of traditional Polish sausage to amplify the heat.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Edition: Introduce sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Use white wine instead of chicken broth to create a lighter, more elegant flavor combination.

FAQs About Cooking Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut Dishes

  • Can I use a different type of sausage instead of Polish sausage?

The recipe works best with Polish sausage, but you can substitute with kielbasa or smoked sausage for similar flavors.

  • How do I store leftovers of this dish?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

  • Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can prepare this in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 1-1.5 hours, or until potatoes are tender.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage and broth labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

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Polish Sausage Sauerkraut And Potatoes Recipe

Polish Sausage Sauerkraut And Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty polish sausage sauerkraut and potatoes bring classic comfort from Eastern European kitchens to dinner tables. Savory links nestled with tangy kraut and creamy potatoes promise a satisfying meal that connects culinary traditions with pure deliciousness you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) Polish sausage (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

  • 56 medium gold potatoes (cut into large chunks)
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) sauerkraut (for base layer)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth (for moisture and flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (for traditional flavor)
  • 1 bay leaf (for subtle herbal flavor)
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients by cutting Polish sausage into diagonal medallions and quartering potatoes into rustic chunks.
  2. Layer sauerkraut as the foundational base inside the slow cooker, creating an aromatic bed for remaining ingredients.
  3. Strategically arrange potato quarters atop the sauerkraut, creating an even distribution across the cooking surface.
  4. Distribute sausage medallions uniformly over the potato layer, ensuring balanced coverage.
  5. Create a flavor-enhancing liquid by whisking chicken broth with fragrant caraway seeds and a single bay leaf.
  6. Gently cascade the herbed broth mixture over the layered ingredients, allowing it to permeate through the dish.
  7. Delicately sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, being mindful of the inherent saltiness from sauerkraut and sausage.
  8. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to high temperature, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich flavors for approximately 4 hours.
  9. Verify potato tenderness and sausage temperature near cooking completion.
  10. Extract the bay leaf before serving, then gently fold ingredients to integrate their complementary tastes.
  11. Plate immediately while steaming hot, presenting a hearty, rustic Central European-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Authentic Central European comfort dish perfect for cold winter days.
  • Minimal preparation required, making it an ideal weeknight meal for busy families.
  • Sauerkraut provides tangy flavor and beneficial probiotics for gut health.
  • Slow cooking method ensures tender potatoes and deeply infused flavors throughout the dish.
  • Caraway seeds add a traditional earthy, aromatic depth to the classic Polish-style recipe.
  • Optional garnish with fresh parsley or crusty bread can elevate the meal’s presentation and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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