Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Hoagies
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If you’re looking for the ultimate game day food, these Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Hoagies are it! Juicy smoked kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar all come together in a cast-iron skillet. Whether you’re grilling at the tailgate, cooking over the fire pit, or whipping them up in your kitchen for a watch party, this recipe is hearty, easy, and made for sharing. Thanks to my friends at Frank’s Kraut, these sandwiches bring big flavor to every bite.
Colleges are going back, and for many, that means college football! We have had season tickets to our beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers for years, and we love to throw a good tailgate! Every year, I am blessed to work with Frank’s Kraut to develop a new recipe that makes our tailgate (and yours!) stand out among the rest. Today, I’ve got a great sandwich to kick off Fall sports. It’s easy to make and easy to eat, too, no matter where you are.
This recipe post is sponsored by Frank’s Kraut, but the lifelong love I have for their products and my opinions here are all my own.
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Hoagie Sandwiches
There’s something about game day food that hits different. Maybe it’s the excitement of the crowd, maybe it’s the crisp fall air around a tailgate, or maybe it’s the smell of something sizzling in a cast-iron skillet on the grill. These Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Hoagies check all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, and easy to pull together, whether you’re grilling outside or hanging out at home for a watch party. Smoky sausage, tangy kraut, and a touch of sweetness all tucked into a toasted hoagie bun? That’s a win no matter what team you’re rooting for.
Sauerkraut & Kielbasa Hoagie Sandwiches
These hoagies aren’t just made for the tailgate, they’re just as perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together. The sausage and kraut mixture comes together in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. Serve them with simple sides like potato chips, cole slaw, or even baked beans, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s filling without being fussy.
If you love these Kielbasa & sauerkraut Hoagies, you are sure to love these Twisted Meatball Subs, this Pastrami Burger with Kraut, and these BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches with Kraut, too!
Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
Did you know sauerkraut isn’t just delicious, it’s good for you, too? Since it’s naturally fermented, sauerkraut is packed with probiotics that support gut health and digestion. It’s also a good source of vitamins C and K, plus minerals like iron and potassium. Pairing it with hearty proteins like kielbasa makes for a meal that’s not only satisfying but also sneaks in some extra nutrients and beneficial bacteria to keep your system running strong.
Read More about Sauerkraut in this informative post.
Ingredients For These Kielbasa Hoagies
For complete ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
- Kielbasa sausage – Smoked kielbasa is rich and savory, with just enough fat to crisp up beautifully in a skillet or on your Blackstone grill. You could also use bratwurst or another smoked sausage if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Frank’s Kraut – The star of the show. It adds tang, crunch, and depth. Drain it well so it doesn’t sog out the buns.
- Red onion – A little sweetness and bite to balance the sauerkraut. Yellow onion works too if that’s what’s in your pantry.
- Brown sugar – Just enough to mellow the kraut’s tang and give everything a caramelized edge. Honey would also do the trick.
- Butter – For richness and to help brown the kielbasa. Olive oil works in a pinch, but butter brings more flavor.
- Spicy brown mustard – A sharp, zippy kick that ties it all together. Swap in Dijon or even yellow mustard if you prefer.
- Hoagie buns – Toasted so they hold up to the juicy filling. Brioche buns or crusty rolls would be delicious alternatives.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, but it gives a fresh pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Hoagies
Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Lay the kielbasa slices in a single layer so they can really get that golden-brown sear. Give them a couple of minutes on each side, then scoop them out and set them aside. You’ll want to leave all those tasty drippings in the pan; they are liquid gold for flavor.
To that same skillet, toss in the sauerkraut, onions, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir things around until the onions soften and the kraut warms through. This is where the magic happens: the sugar caramelizes a bit, the mustard sharpens everything up, and the kraut soaks in all that buttery goodness.
Add the kielbasa back to the skillet and stir it all together so the sausage gets coated in that tangy-sweet kraut mixture. Let it mingle for a couple of minutes to heat through.
Toast your hoagie buns (either on the grill, Blackstone, in the oven, or even in the skillet if you want fewer dishes). Spoon the sausage and kraut mixture right into the buns, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you’re ready to dig in.
Storing Leftover Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Hoagies
If you happen to have any hoagie filling left over, it keeps well for later. Transfer the kielbasa and sauerkraut mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat so it doesn’t dry out, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
This kielbasa and sauerkraut mixture freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for busy nights or lunches. Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Toast the buns just before serving for the best texture. This way, you can prep a big batch in advance and have a quick, flavorful meal ready whenever the craving hits.
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Tips & Tricks
- Make-ahead friendly: Cook the sausage and kraut mixture at home, then reheat in your cast-iron skillet at the tailgate. It comes together fast and saves you from juggling too many ingredients at the event.
- Keep it warm: If you’re serving buffet-style, keep the skillet over low heat on the grill or transfer everything to a slow cooker to stay warm.
- Switch up the buns: Hoagies are classic, but brat buns or pretzel rolls add a fun twist.
- Add some cheese: A slice of provolone or Swiss melted over the top before serving makes these even more indulgent.
- Extra toppings: For spice lovers, a drizzle of hot mustard or a few pickled jalapeños brings the heat.
More Recipes that Use Frank’s Kraut
A big thank you to my friends at Frank’s Kraut for making this recipe so easy and flavorful. Their sauerkraut is tangy, perfectly crisp, and takes these hoagies to the next level. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab a jar for your next tailgate, weeknight dinner, or anytime you want to add a little extra punch to your skillet meals!
My recipe for Smoked Polish Sausage & Sauerkraut (pictured above) is what brought Frank’s Kraut and me together over a decade ago. Ever since then, we have been creating delicious recipes together. I even have a recipe that works on the grill, perfect for tailgating, too! These Bratwurst Sliders, my Reuben Pizza, Smoked Hot Dogs and Kraut, and of course this Reuben Burger, all make excellent tailgating grub! You can find all of my tailgating recipes here and my entire selection of sauerkraut recipes here.
More Sauerkraut Recipes to Love
Follow along with Frank’s Kraut on their social media to get delicious recipes all year long. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all things sauerkraut! Grab some kraut for yourself on their website!
Be sure to check out the new Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut and their Mustard Kraut with Dill Pickle Relish.
These Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Hoagies are simple, hearty, and built for sharing. The kind of food that brings people to the table (or the tailgate) without any fuss. Whether you’re cheering in the stadium parking lot or settling in for a watch party at home, this skillet recipe will keep everyone fed and happy. Grab some Frank’s Kraut, fire up your cast iron, and let the good times roll.
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Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Hoagies
Ingredients
- 16 ounces smoked Kielbasa sausage sliced into ½” thick rounds
- 1 pound Frank’s Kraut drained
- ½ medium red onion sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 6 hoagie buns toasted
- Fresh parsley for garnishing optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the kielbasa in a single layer and cook until browned on the bottom, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned, another 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the kielbasa to a bowl or plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- To the same skillet, add the sauerkraut, red onion, brown sugar, and mustard. Cook, stirring often, until the sauerkraut is warmed through and the onion has softened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Taste and season with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Return the kielbasa to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Serve in toasted hoagie buns and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
