Easy Crockpot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut recipe plus stovetop instructions! This is the perfect easy family meal that can be made with a few simple ingredients.
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Crock Pot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
This recipe for Crock Pot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut won rave reviews when I served it to John and his Mom. We had John's Mom over for lunch to try a few of the recipes I have been working on. It is always nice to have a 2nd taste tester in the house.
I love my Husband but some days he will eat just about anything. I like knowing that other people have tried the recipes before I share them with all of you 🙂
Plus as a bonus I can send home a ton of leftovers with John's Mom to make room for more things in the fridge.
We have been on a crock pot recipe spree lately and the fridge is a bit packed. I am loving being able to stock up the freezer with a ton of food John can easily heat up if I am not home.
This kielbasa recipe is so easy to make! It takes a few minutes of prep and then all the work is done. The hardest part is slicing the onion and Polish Kielbasa then your work is pretty much complete
I love a super easy amazingly yummy recipe!
Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make a Kielbasa and Sauerkraut! Specific measurements and step by step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Bacon - Bacon adds so much flavor to this dish! While it can be left off we feel like it ups the flavor big time.
Medium onion - We love the additional flavor the onion adds to this easy dinner recipe.
Sauerkraut - You can use bagged or jarred sauerkraut whichever is your favorite.
Light brown sugar - Brown sugar helps cut down the tartness of the sauerkraut.
Kielbasa - We use fully cooked kielbasa smoked sausage cut into small pieces. You can switch it up and try a jalapeno flavored sausage, turkey sausage, Polish sausage, or pork sausage.
Equipment Needed
Crockpot - We suggest using a crockpot that has a digital timer that automatically switches the slow cooker to warm after a set amount of time. This helps make sure your dinner cooks perfectly and you don't have to stress about what time it is going to be done.
How to make Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Slow Cooker - Cook bacon until crisp in a saucepan, remove and set to the side. Add onions and cook until transparent, remove and place on a paper towel. Cut kielbasa into 1-2 inch pieces. Brown in the saucepan.
Add sauerkraut, onion, bacon, and kielbasa sausage to the slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on low. Stir before serving.
Stovetop - Cut kielbasa to desired length. Brown in a skillet with olive oil or vegetable oil. Once brown remove and set to the side.
Add sauerkraut to the skillet and heat until warmed. Add kielbasa to the sauerkraut mixture and cook covered for 5-10 minutes over low heat.
Sheet Pan - Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Add sausage pieces and spread in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add drained sauerkraut to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Instant Pot - Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. One thing to know is this does change the consistency or the kielbasa and sauerkraut.
Preparation and Storage
Storage –Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to reheat – Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How to freeze sauerkraut and sausage - Allow the dish to cool completely and then divide leftovers into portions. Store in freezer bags labeled with the date and recipe name. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. One thing to know is freezing sauerkraut does damage some of the living probiotics in the kraut.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions - This can be made with smoked sausages or other sausages.
Drain the sauerkraut liquid and use apple juice, apple cider, or beer for a different flavor.
Additions - Add in bell peppers, garlic, potatoes, green beans, brown sugar, ground pepper, chopped apples, caraway seeds, dill, salt
Vegetarian Option - You can switch to vegetarian sausage and bacon
Vegan Option – Vegan sausages and bacon can be used
Smaller Serving Size – The recipe card below can be changed to smaller serving sizes.
Make it Spicy – Add in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Larger Group/More servings – This recipe can easily be doubled just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the additional portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sauerkraut Gluten Free?
Yes! Sauerkraut is naturally gluten free since it is mostly fermented cabbage.
Is Sauerkraut Keto?
Yes, It is naturally low-carb.
Does Sauerkraut go bad?
Yes, but it should stay fresh for at least a few months in the refrigerator once it is opened.
Signs Sauerkraut has gone bad?
Smell is the 1st sign that kraut has taken a turn. If it smells weird or moldy or is emitting a strong odor throw it away!
If the color or texture has changed throw it away. If there is mold throw it away.
How to sweeten Sauerkraut?
If sauerkraut is a little to much you an add in white sugar, brown sugar, rinse and drain the kraut, or brown it with onions or apples.
What to serve with Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
If you are wondering what goes with sauerkraut and sausage here are some of our favorite ideas.
Sauces/Garnish - Mustard, sour cream
Bread - Beer Bread, 7 up Biscuits, Sweet bread rolls, Knot Rolls
Side Dishes - Pierogies, Cracker Barrel Carrots, Green bean casserole, air fryer mixed vegetables, Broccoli, Potato Wedges, Asparagus, Broccoli salad, mashed potatoes, Funeral Potatoes, mashed cauliflower
Desserts - Apple Cobbler, Ambrosia Salad, Apple Pie dumplings, Apple Dump Cake, Fried Apples,
When to serve Pork and Sauerkraut
- New Year's Day - It is considered to bring good luck in the New Year
- Family dinner
- Oktoberfest
Great Recipes Everyone Will Love
Kielbasa Recipes - Check out all of our Kielbasa Recipes
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Dump Cake Recipes - Easy dump cakes for the oven and slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes - Epic meals and appetizers without meat.
Cake Mix Recipes - Grab a cake mix from the pantry and create something delicious!
Do you love recipes? Check out our copy cat recipes, dessert recipes, and our Crock Pot Recipes.
Crock Pot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 5 slices Bacon
- 1 Onion medium, sliced
- 2 pounds sauerkraut
- 2 Tablespoon Light Brown Sugar
- 1 pound Kielbasa cut into ¾ inch thick slices
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp, transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve drippings in the pan. Crumble bacon when cool
- Saute onions in the bacon drippings until transparent. Remove onions and drain on paper towels
- Combine sauerkraut, onion, bacon, brown sugar and kielbasa in crock pot
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe originally shared on November 26, 2014. Updated September 2020, January 2023.
Singsew
Yummy, Thanks for sharing.
Kathy
One of my all time favorites but I always add some potato! Takes me back to my childhood!
Theresa Kibler
Hi Tammi, do you have the nutritional facts in the kielbasa and sauerkraut dish?
Tammilee
Hi Theresa, I just updated the post so the nutritional facts should now show. Thank you so much for letting me know they were not showing. Tammilee
debby
I have never made this dish or cooked with sauerkraut. Is it better to buy bagged or canned sauerkraut and do I drain it before I put it in the crock pot? thank you!!!
Sauerkraut Billy
This looks so nostalgic! My grandpa used to serve us keilbasa and kraut straight from the crock for big family dinners back when I was young! Love seeing recipes like this. Can't wait to try this one at home! thanks for sharing!