🍲 Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes (Crockpot Style)
Serves 6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 4 hrs (high) or 8 hrs (low) | Total: ~4–8 hrs
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb (450g) smoked Polish kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
No kielbasa? Use smoked sausage, bratwurst, or vegan sausage
2 lbs (about 4 medium) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (~6 cups)
1 large onion, diced
1 (32 oz) bag or can sauerkraut, drained (rinsed if you prefer milder tang)
½ cup chicken broth or beer (beer adds depth — use lager or pilsner)
2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
1 tsp caraway seeds (essential for authentic flavor!)
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional: 1 bay leaf, pinch of marjoram, or minced garlic
🍺 Pro Tip: For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp sour cream before serving.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Layer in the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, layer in this order:
Onion (prevents sticking)
Potatoes
Sliced kielbasa
Sauerkraut (spread evenly)
Pour broth or beer over the top
2️⃣ Season & Mix Gently
Sprinkle with butter/oil, caraway seeds, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Add bay leaf if using.
Stir gently to distribute seasonings — don’t overmix!
3️⃣ Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook:
High heat: 4 hours
Low heat: 8 hours
🔥 Why low & slow? The long cook time melds flavors and makes potatoes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
4️⃣ Stir & Serve
Remove bay leaf.
Give it a gentle stir before serving — everything should be hot and fragrant.
Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe a little more salt or caraway?
5️⃣ Optional Finish
Stir in 2 tbsp sour cream for creamy richness.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With crusty bread or rye rolls
Alongside apple slaw or pickles
As a standalone meal — it’s that filling!
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Vegetarian/Vegan? Skip sausage, add mushrooms + lentils; use veggie broth
🥔 Skin-On Option: Leave skins on Yukon Golds for rustic texture & fiber
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Cool completely and refrigerate up to 4 days — reheat gently
❄️ Freeze It! Freeze in portions up to 3 months — thaw overnight, reheat on stove
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot smoked paprika
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Top with shredded farmer’s cheese or queso fresco
🧠 Why Caraway Seeds Are Non-Negotiable
Caraway has a warm, slightly licorice-like flavor that cuts through the sourness of sauerkraut and complements smoked meat perfectly. It’s the signature spice in Polish, German, and Czech cuisine — skip it, and you’ll miss the soul of the dish.
🌿 Fun Fact: Caraway also aids digestion — perfect for hearty meals!
❤️ Final Thought: More Than a Meal — It’s a Taste of Heritage
This crockpot version of Polish Sausage & Sauerkraut isn’t about fancy techniques — it’s about honoring tradition with simplicity.
It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family dinners, grandmothers stirring big pots, and the way food can bring people together across generations.
And now, with the slow cooker doing the work, you can savor that same deep, satisfying flavor — without the effort.
So turn on the crockpot, let the house fill with that cozy, smoky aroma… and know that dinner is not only coming…
It’s already taken care of. 💛