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Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes

Few meals are as comforting and satisfying as a hearty skillet of sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes. This rustic dish brings together savory sausage, tender golden potatoes, and tangy sauerkraut in one simple meal. The ingredients are inexpensive, easy to find, and require very little preparation, making this an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

As everything cooks together, the potatoes absorb the savory juices from the sausage while the sauerkraut adds a pleasant tang that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. A little onion, garlic, and seasoning round everything out without overpowering the main ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is all about simple ingredients and big comfort-food flavor. The sausage becomes beautifully browned, the potatoes develop crisp edges while remaining soft inside, and the sauerkraut mellows as it cooks.

It is also an adaptable recipe. You can use smoked sausage, kielbasa, bratwurst, or another fully cooked sausage you enjoy. For a richer dish, you can add a little butter. For extra sweetness, sautéed onions or a small amount of apple work particularly well with the sauerkraut.

Ingredients

1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
1 ½ pounds baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sauerkraut, drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
½ cup chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. If you are using baby potatoes, cut them in half. Larger potatoes should be cut into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.

There is no need to peel baby or thin-skinned potatoes. Keeping the skins on adds texture and saves preparation time.

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage

Slice the sausage into pieces about ½ inch thick.

If you are using smoked sausage or kielbasa that is already fully cooked, it only needs to be browned and heated through. If using raw sausage, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature according to the type of sausage you are using before serving.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm.

Add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the pieces develop a deep golden-brown color.

The browning is important because it creates flavorful bits in the bottom of the pan that will later season the potatoes and sauerkraut.

Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and leave the flavorful drippings in the skillet.