We do Love Our Polish Sausage - How to Cook Delicious Kielbasa

We get asked the question a lot – How to cook Kielbasa. Once you buy that package of Kielbasa from the grocery store, what’s next? What’s the best way to cook that yummy kielbasa.

Kielbasa is a type of smoked sausage that originated in Poland and is packed with flavor. The word “kielbasa” comes from the Polish word “kielbasa,” which means “sausage.” Kielbasa can be made from beef, pork, or a mixture of both, and is seasoned with garlic, pepper, and lots of other spices. The sausage is often smoked and is available in a variety of forms, including fresh, dried, and precooked. It can be served as a main dish, as a component of other dishes such as stews and casseroles, or sliced and served as a cold cut.

You Can:

Fry Kielbasa
Boil Kielbasa
Grill Kielbasa
Bake Kielbasa

Most packages of Polish Style Kielbasa are precooked before packaging so no need to cook, just simply heat by your favorite cooking method and serve.

You can fry kielbasa, boil kielbasa, grill and even bake kielbasa with your favorite potatoes, vegetables or even sauerkraut. The beloved kielbasa is a pretty versatile sausage.

We love to fry Kielbasa with Onions – cut kielbasa into 2″ slices (like above) and chop your white onion into small pieces. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet and cook onion until almost soft. Add kielbasa to the skillet and cook stirring often with a spatula. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Serve Fried Kielbasa with Rice or Buttered Garlic Egg Noodles

Kielbasa with Brown Sugar – Awesome appetizer. Fry sliced kielbasa in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about 8 minutes. Mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Pour mixture over cooked kielbasa and continue cooking for about 2-3 more minutes, stirring constantly. Add a little water if necessary.

Kielbasa with Sauerkraut – cooked in the crockpot. We typically use a small pork roast or about 1-1/2 lbs. pork chops. Lightly salt and pepper pork and brown in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil. Place in the bottom of your crockpot. Add 1 or 2 cans of your favorite sauerkraut, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and dot with 1 tablespoon butter cut in small pieces. Cut the kielbasi into sections and lay on top of the sauerkraut. Cook on high for 1 hour and then cook on low for 5 hours.

We love the brand Snow Floss Sauerkraut. Classic, Bavarian (sweetened with sugar and caraway) and Polish Style (with caraway seeds).

How to Boil Kielbasa

Cut kielbasa into smaller 6″ pieces. Cut a slit in the top of the kielbasa using a sharp knife. Add about 1/2″ of water to a large skillet. Add sausage and bring water to a light boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Great served with French rolls or hoagie rolls.

How to Fry Kielbasa

Cut kielbasa into half lengthwise first. Then cut into smaller pieces or sections. Add oil to the skillet and fry your kielbasa pieces for about 10-12 minutes, turning often during cooking.

Add cooked potatoes along to the skillet with the sausage. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, cut into small pieces and add to the skillet with cooking sausage. Add a little butter, oil and salt & pepper as it cooks.

How to Cook Kielbasa on the Grill

Place your Polish style Kielbasa that has been precooked on the grill and cook over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally as it cooks.

Cut Kielbasa into 2″ pieces and lay on sheet of foil. Drizzle small amount of oil over meat and then fold edges of foil until edges are sealed. Cook on medium grill or about 15-18 minutes.

How to Bake Polish Kielbasa

Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Cut 1 package of polish sausage into smaller pieces. Cut about 2 lbs. baby red potatoes into small chucks and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sausage and potatoes to the casserole dish and lightly salt & pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray and place kielbasa in the casserole dish. Spoon a jar of sauerkraut over top of the sausage and sprinkle with a little brown sugar. And a few tablespoons of water; cover with foil and bake for one hour.

Kielbasa and Perogies! – One of our favorite Pittsburgh Polish recipes is definitely fried Kielbasa with pan fried perogies. Learn more about Pan Fried Pierogies

How About Some Kielbasa for Breakfast!

Here is a simple and delicious recipe for kielbasa and eggs:

Ingredients:

4 kielbasa sausages
8 eggs
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Cut the kielbasa sausages into 1/2-inch slices.
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Pour the egg mixture over the kielbasa and vegetables in the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set.
Serve the kielbasa and eggs hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Enjoy your tasty and satisfying breakfast!

What is Kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage usually made from combining lean meat like beef and fatty meat like bacon. This smoked sausage is one of the most traditional foods served during the holidays and at weddings in Poland. There are various recipes you can make with a kielbasa. You can enjoy this Polish staple as a pan-fried, boiled, roasted, or grilled meal.

Kielbasa is often served in the form of cut pieces and can be eaten cold as an appetizer at parties or hot as a main dish.

Kielbasa pairs well with most beer, depending on your drink of choice. Polish Kielbasa is often an addition to stews, bean dishes, and casseroles. You can eat your cooked sausage on a roll with a side of spicy mustard and serving of fresh coleslaw.

Try our Skillet Mac and Cheese Kielbasa Recipe