Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and tender potatoes in a comforting, one-pot meal. The combination of smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and soft potatoes makes this dish a true comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.

In this recipe, layers of sauerkraut, chunky gold potatoes, and Polish sausage are placed in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together as they slow-cook. Chicken broth adds moisture, helping to cook the potatoes and infuse all the ingredients with flavor. Caraway seeds and a bay leaf give the dish traditional Eastern European flavors that enhance the sauerkraut’s natural tang.

After a few hours in the crockpot, the result is a savory, well-seasoned dish with tender potatoes that have absorbed all the delicious flavors. Serve it hot, making sure to include a bit of each component on every plate for a balanced, satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a mix of tangy, smoky, and earthy flavors in a simple, hands-off dish.

Why You’ll Love It:

Easy Crockpot Cooking: Just layer the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
Deeply Flavorful: The slow cooking allows the smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and earthy potatoes to meld perfectly.
Nutritious and Hearty: Potatoes provide fiber, while sauerkraut adds probiotics, making this a wholesome, gut-friendly meal.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors intensify after resting, making leftovers even more delicious.

Key Ingredients:

Gold Potatoes: Gold potatoes hold their shape well and absorb the sausage and sauerkraut flavors beautifully. If you don’t have gold potatoes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great alternatives.
Sauerkraut: Choose fresh sauerkraut from the refrigerated section, which is more flavorful and has a better texture than canned sauerkraut. For a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut briefly before using.
Polish Sausage: Smoked Polish sausage or kielbasa works best, adding a rich, savory taste. You could also substitute with other smoked sausages if desired.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, as the sausage and sauerkraut already add a salty element.
Caraway Seeds: These seeds enhance the sauerkraut with a slightly nutty, anise flavor. If you’re not a fan of caraway, you can omit it, but it’s a traditional touch that elevates the dish.
Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes. Be sure to remove it before serving, as bay leaves are not meant to be eaten.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Layering the Crockpot:

Base Layer: Start by placing the sauerkraut at the bottom of the crockpot. This lets the tangy flavors infuse throughout the dish as it cooks.
Add Potatoes and Sausage: Layer the potatoes on top of the sauerkraut, followed by the Polish sausage. Make sure to cut the potatoes into large chunks so they hold their shape during cooking.

Chicken Broth Mixture:

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth with caraway seeds and a bay leaf to add flavor and depth.
Pour Over Ingredients: Pour this broth mixture over the layered potatoes and sausage, ensuring everything is evenly moistened.

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Seasoning:

Add Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the sauerkraut and sausage already contain some salt.

Step 2: Cooking

Slow Cook:

Set Crockpot: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. This slow-cooking method melds the flavors, creating tender potatoes and allowing the sausage to impart its savory flavor throughout the dish.

Step 3: Final Touches

Stir and Serve:

Finish: Once done, remove the bay leaf and stir the dish to combine all the flavors.
Serve Hot: Plate each serving with a generous helping of sausage, potatoes, and sauerkraut for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or rye bread to soak up the savory juices.
Side Salad: A light salad with a vinegar-based dressing complements the richness of this dish.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the tang of the sauerkraut.
Fresh Dill or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley on top for a burst of color and a touch of herbal freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in an airtight container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the dish appears too dry, as the potatoes may absorb some liquid during storage.

Variations:

Add Apples: For a hint of sweetness, add a chopped apple (such as Granny Smith) to the sauerkraut layer before cooking.
Use Red Potatoes: Red potatoes add a different color and texture to the dish and hold up just as well during cooking.
Herbs and Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute smoked sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Bacon Addition: Crisp up some bacon pieces and add them to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking for an extra smoky flavor.

Conclusion:

Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes is a classic comfort food that’s simple to make but packed with flavor. With its savory sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes, this one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something warm and hearty. Each bite is infused with the rich flavors of Eastern European cuisine. Enjoy this easy, soul-warming meal with family or friends!