YT Recipe

One Skillet Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with Mustard Sauce

One Skillet Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with Mustard Sauce is a easy German recipe that serves 4. 470 calories per serving. Recipe by Sparkle Markets on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $6.78 total, $1.70 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Kobasi Sausage (cut lengthwise then into 2‑3 inch bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 large Onion (sliced into half‑moon rings)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
  • 3 cups Sauerkraut (drained well before adding)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (optional for extra sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kobasi

    Trim the kobasi links, cut them lengthwise, then slice into 2‑3 inch bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brown the Sausage

    Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the kobasi pieces in a single layer and brown 3‑4 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  3. Set Sausage Aside

    Transfer the browned kobasi to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Melt Butter

    Add 2 Tbsp unsalted butter to the hot pan and let it melt completely.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Caramelize Onions

    Stir in the sliced onion and 1 Tbsp sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden and sweet‑fruity, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Add Sauerkraut

    Drain the sauerkraut well, then add it to the pan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and the edges begin to caramelize.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Re‑heat the Sausage

    Return the browned kobasi to the skillet, mix with the sauerkraut‑onion mixture, and cook another 5 minutes until the sausage is warmed through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Prepare Mustard Sauce

    In a small bowl combine Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Finish the Dish

    Drizzle the mustard sauce over the skillet contents, give one final stir to coat everything evenly, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Serve

    Transfer to a serving platter or serve directly from the skillet. Enjoy hot as part of your New Year celebration.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
470
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Gluten‑free (if sausage has no fillers), Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy, Mustard

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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One Skillet Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with Mustard Sauce

Recipe by Sparkle Markets

A festive German-inspired dish featuring browned kobasi sausage, caramelized onions, tangy sauerkraut, and a sweet‑tangy mustard sauce. Perfect for New Year's Eve or Day celebrations and believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

EasyGermanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.78
Total cost
$1.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Brown the kobasi until golden and crisp.
  • • Caramelize the onions with butter and sugar.
  • • Drain and add sauerkraut to avoid excess liquid.
  • • Prepare the mustard sauce separately.
  • • Drizzle sauce over the finished dish and stir gently.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Butter can splatter; keep a lid nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce in German New Year celebrations?

A

In many German regions, pork sausage paired with sauerkraut is a traditional New Year's dish believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year. The addition of a sweet‑tangy mustard sauce is a modern twist that adds flavor while keeping the classic symbolism.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce in German cuisine?

A

In northern Germany, the sausage is often served with a simple mustard dip, while in the south, a richer mustard‑cream sauce is common. Some regions add apples or caraway seeds to the sauerkraut for extra sweetness and aroma.

cultural
Q

How is Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce traditionally served in Germany during New Year's Eve?

A

It is typically served hot on a large platter alongside boiled potatoes, rye bread, or pretzels. Families gather around the table, and the dish is eaten as part of a larger feast that includes lentils and pork knuckles for luck.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce traditionally associated with in German culture?

A

Besides New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the dish appears at winter festivals, family gatherings, and Oktoberfest‑style celebrations where hearty pork and fermented cabbage are prized.

cultural
Q

How does Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce fit into the broader German cuisine tradition?

A

German cuisine emphasizes robust, meat‑centric dishes balanced by acidic fermented vegetables. This recipe embodies that balance, combining smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and a sweet‑sharp mustard glaze.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include smoked kobasi or kielbasa, plain sauerkraut, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Substitutes can be bratwurst for the sausage, fermented cabbage or kimchi for the sauerkraut, and yellow mustard or maple syrup for the sauce components.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which prevents browning; adding the sauerkraut without draining, leading to a soggy dish; and burning the onions by using too high heat. Follow the steps for proper browning and low‑and‑slow caramelization.

technical
Q

Why does this Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce recipe use butter and sugar for caramelizing onions instead of oil?

A

Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the smoky sausage, while the sugar accelerates caramelization, giving the onions a deep, sweet color without the bitterness that can develop with oil alone.

technical
Q

Can I make Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Brown the sausage and prepare the mustard sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the sausage, onions, and sauerkraut together, then drizzle the pre‑made sauce before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sparkle Markets specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sparkle Markets focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials that highlight seasonal ingredients, holiday traditions, and quick, flavorful meals for everyday cooks.

channel
More like this:German RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Sparkle Markets

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