Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with Beer & Brown Sugar
This slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut is flavorful and made with just the addition of beer and brown sugar – easy, delicious and perfect for parties!
Two major disclaimers right off the bat:
#1: I have never been a fan of kielbasa.
#2: I am even less of a fan of sauerkraut.
Yet, I am hopelessly in love with this recipe. It doesn’t make logical sense. And yet, the stars somehow aligned. Could it be that beer and brown sugar make all the difference? (Spoiler alert: yes, yes it could.)
Years ago, my husband and I went to his friend’s house for a 4th of July cookout. He mentioned there was kielbasa and sauerkraut (which I typically pass right over), and as a footnote said that they were cooked in beer and brown sugar. My ears shot up faster than a dog who hears a bread bag being rustled (or a peanut butter jar open, or a banana being peeled, AHEM). I had to try it, even though I still kind of thought I wouldn’t really be crazy about it. Forget being crazy about it, or even liking it, I loved it. Afterward, I was sorry that I had filled up on so many side dishes because I was dying for another sandwich but was too full.
A few months later, we were STILL talking about that darn kielbasa and sauerkraut, and since it was now football season (perfect for crock pot meals), we got the recipe from his friend to make ourselves. We have since made it, seriously, COUNTLESS times. I’ve lost track.
This recipe honestly couldn’t be any easier to make – less than 10 minutes to get everything into your slow cooker, and then let it do the work. As with most things like this, the longer you let it cook the better it will taste. The kielbasa becomes so tender that it melts in your mouth, and the sauerkraut takes on a caramelized, sweet flavor – delicious! If you’re a kielbasa and/or sauerkraut-averse person, take it from one of your brethren – you NEED to give this a shot!
This is perfect for football game days, your upcoming Super Bowl party, New Year’s (your pork/sauerkraut is covered!), or any other gathering. Serve it with an easy crock pot mac and cheese on the side and enjoy!
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Four years ago: Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
Watch the Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Video:
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340.2 ml) beer
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
- 3 pounds (1.36 kg) polish kielbasa
- 32 ounces (907.19 g) sauerkraut, drained
Instructions
- Combine the beer and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and the mixture is slightly thickened; set aside.
- Cut the kielbasa into links and place in a slow cooker. Cover with the drained sauerkraut. Pour the beer and brown sugar mixture over top. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Serve on its own or on your favorite sandwich roll.
Notes
- The beer can be from a can or bottle, and you can use whatever you usually drink or keep on hand. I’ve made this with everything from Miller Lite to Lebatt, Guinness, Heineken, you name it! They all work just fine.
- The brown sugar can be light or dark.
- The sauerkraut can be from a can, jar or bag – just make sure you drain it well.
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
This recipe was originally published on October 14, 2011.
Make this every New Year’s Day! Have done with full cup of brown sugar and half cup and either way it’s perfect! Just depends if you would like it sweeter. Amazing recipe and will continue to make it!
Can use Bratwurst instead of kielbasa? If so, do I need cook Bratwurst first?
I’m planning on making this for the 4th this year, and hoping that someone can answer my question. Should I use fresh kielbasa, or smoked kielbasa?
Any help is appreciated!
Hi Kathryn, I use smoked (or otherwise fully cooked) kielbasa. I hope that helps!
Thought this was good, but next time I will cut back on the cooking time. Seemed it was over cooked
Hi, can the leftovers from this recipe be frozen?
Can this be made with Polish sausage links?
Yes, it can! Enjoy!
Did I read somewhere on the site you can cook it in a regular pot too. I am making it for an international festival and have tripled the recipe and don’t have that many crock pots, though I am sure I can find some to borrow
I would love to try this recipe. It’s only me, so if I scaled in down to 2 servings, would I still cook it the same amount of time? Would I maybe need to half the cooking time also?