The Best Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Sandwiches Recipe You’ll Love

Hearty kielbasa and sauerkraut sandwiches bring comfort and nostalgia to every bite.

This classic Polish-inspired sandwich combines smoky sausage with tangy sauerkraut in a mouthwatering meal.

Traditional flavors dance between soft bread, creating a rustic and satisfying experience.

The robust kielbasa melds perfectly with zesty fermented cabbage, offering a bold taste profile.

Each layer promises a delightful crunch and deep, rich notes that surprise and delight.

Crisp bread embraces these robust ingredients, transforming simple components into an extraordinary lunch.

Savor this unpretentious sandwich that celebrates simplicity and bold, unforgettable flavor.

What Makes Kielbasa Sandwiches Special

• Spice Up Your Sandwich Game: This recipe transforms an ordinary sandwich into a flavor explosion.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or spontaneous lunch cravings where you want maximum taste with minimal preparation effort.
• Customizable Comfort: The flexible recipe allows easy ingredient swaps or adjustments, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients in Kielbasa Sauerkraut Sandwiches

• Kielbasa: Smoky Polish sausage with a rich flavor.

• Crusty Rolls: Crispy exterior with a soft interior.

• Gruyere Cheese: Nutty Swiss cheese with excellent melting properties.

• Whole Grain Mustard, Jalapeño Jelly: Zesty spread with a spicy kick.

• Sweet Onions, Sauerkraut: Caramelized onions and tangy fermented cabbage.

Steps to Assemble These Sandwiches

Step 1: Create Zesty Spread

Whisk whole grain mustard and jalapeño jelly in a small bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a spicy and tangy condiment that will elevate the sandwich’s flavor profile.

Step 2: Sear Kielbasa

Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Cook kielbasa slices until edges turn golden brown and caramelized.

Transfer browned sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Sauerkraut

• Sweet onions
• Sauerkraut

Cook until onions soften, turn slightly golden, and most liquid evaporates, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Sandwich Base

Slice crusty rolls, optionally hollowing out center to create more space for fillings.

Step 5: Layer Sandwich Ingredients

On bottom roll halves, spread mustard-jalapeño mixture.

• Seared kielbasa rounds
• Caramelized onion and sauerkraut mixture
• Gruyere cheese slice

Step 6: Broil and Crisp

Preheat broiler.

• Cheese melts completely
• Bread edges turn crispy golden

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from broiler.

Spread additional mustard-jalapeño condiment on top roll halves.

Close sandwiches and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Juicy Kielbasa Sandwiches

• Cut the sausage into thin, even rounds to ensure consistent caramelization and perfect texture in every bite.
• Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms and maintain a crisp, tangy crunch.
• Select a sharp Gruyere or aged Swiss to complement the rich kielbasa and provide a creamy, melty layer that elevates the sandwich.
• Watch the sandwiches closely under the broiler, rotating the pan to achieve even browning and prevent burning the bread or cheese.
• Adjust the jalapeño jelly ratio to control spice levels, creating a customizable condiment that suits different heat preferences.

Save and Reheat Kielbasa Sandwiches

• Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap sandwiches and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Place sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent bread from becoming soggy. Limit microwave reheating to maintain crispy texture.
• Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Separate ingredients before storing to prevent bread from getting mushy.

What to Serve With Sauerkraut Sandwiches

• Pair with Bold German Pilsner: Crisp, hoppy beer cuts through the rich, fatty kielbasa and complements the tangy sauerkraut, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Serve with Spicy Pickled Vegetables: Zesty pickled carrots or cauliflower add extra crunch and acidic notes that enhance the sandwich's complex flavor profile.
• Match with Sharp Aged Cheddar: Crumble extra sharp cheddar alongside the sandwich to provide a complementary sharp, nutty counterpoint to the smoky kielbasa and spicy mustard spread.
• Recommend Robust Red Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais offers fruity undertones that beautifully balance the sandwich's savory and spicy elements.

Sandwich Filling Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Version: Replace kielbasa with grilled portobello mushroom slices or plant-based sausage, maintaining the same caramelization technique for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps instead of crusty bread, ensuring all condiments and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the bread entirely and serve the kielbasa, sauerkraut, and onion mixture over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Spice-Lover's Variation: Increase jalapeño jelly quantity or add sliced fresh jalapeños to the onion-sauerkraut mixture for extra heat and intensity.

FAQs

• What makes the mustard-jalapeño spread unique?

The combination of whole grain mustard and jalapeño jelly creates a zesty, sweet-spicy condiment that adds a bold, tangy kick to the sandwich, elevating the traditional flavor profile.

• Why use a cast iron skillet for this recipe?

Cast iron provides excellent heat distribution and helps caramelize the kielbasa and onions, developing a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Gruyere?

Absolutely! Swiss, provolone, or sharp cheddar would work well, each bringing its own unique flavor to complement the kielbasa and sauerkraut.

• How can I make the sandwich less spicy if I'm sensitive to heat?

Reduce or omit the jalapeño jelly in the spread, or replace it with a sweet fruit preserve to maintain the spread’s complexity without the intense heat.

Ultimate Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Sandwiches Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty kielbasa and sauerkraut sandwiches deliver Polish comfort food straight to your plate. Juicy kielbasa nestled with tangy sauerkraut between crusty bread creates a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 kielbasa sausages, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained (about 473 milliliters)
• 4 crusty rolls

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, sliced (about 113 grams / 4 ounces)

Condiments and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup whole grain mustard (about 118 milliliters)
• 1/4 cup jalapeno jelly (about 59 milliliters)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a fiery spread by whisking whole grain mustard with jalapeño jelly until thoroughly combined and glossy.
2. Warm a cast iron skillet over medium flame and sear kielbasa slices, creating golden-brown caramelized edges. Transfer browned sausage to a holding plate.
3. Ignite the broiler to high intensity for subsequent toasting.
4. Within the same skillet, sauté sweet onions until translucent and lightly caramelized. Introduce sauerkraut and allow ingredients to meld together, reducing liquid for approximately 8 minutes.
5. Carefully slice crusty rolls horizontally, optionally hollowing out inner bread to maximize filling capacity.
6. Generously smear mustard-jalapeño mixture across bottom roll sections. Arrange seared kielbasa rounds, followed by the fragrant onion-sauerkraut blend, then crown with a melting Gruyere cheese slice.
7. Position open-faced sandwiches under broiler alongside roll tops, facing upward. Monitor until cheese transforms into a bubbling golden layer and bread edges crisp elegantly.
8. Extract from broiler and enhance top roll sections with additional mustard-jalapeño condiment. Gently reunite sandwich halves and serve while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño jelly quantity for milder or spicier flavor preferences.
• Cast iron skillet creates perfect caramelization on kielbasa, adding rich deep flavor and appetizing browning.
• Scooping out roll centers creates more space for ingredients, preventing messy overflow during eating.
• Consider gluten-free rolls or low-carb lettuce wraps for alternative dietary needs while maintaining sandwich’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg