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
Prepare the Kobasi
Trim the kobasi links, cut them lengthwise, then slice into 2‑3 inch bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
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
Set Sausage Aside
Transfer the browned kobasi to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.
Time: PT1M
Melt Butter
Add 2 Tbsp unsalted butter to the hot pan and let it melt completely.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
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
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
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
Prepare Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl combine Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT3M
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kobasi Sausage: Kielbasa, Bratwurst, Smoked pork sausage
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup
- Instead of Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, Kimchi (different flavor)
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard, Whole grain mustard
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula or Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Bowl
- Stirring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium sauerkraut for better flavor balance.
- A splash of dry white wine added with the sauerkraut adds depth.
- For extra heat, stir in a pinch of caraway seeds with the sauerkraut.
Troubleshooting
Sausage pieces are soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the kobasi and avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Onions burn before caramelizing.
Reduce heat to medium‑low and add a splash of water if they start to stick.
Sauerkraut makes the dish watery.
Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly and press out excess liquid with a clean kitchen towel before adding.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stove.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brown the kobasi a day ahead and store in the fridge; reheat with the sauerkraut.
- The mustard sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce in German New Year celebrations?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce in German cuisine?
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.
How is Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce traditionally served in Germany during New Year's Eve?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce traditionally associated with in German culture?
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.
How does Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce fit into the broader German cuisine tradition?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce?
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.
Why does this Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce recipe use butter and sugar for caramelizing onions instead of oil?
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.
Can I make Kobasi with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Sparkle Markets specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sparkle Markets focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials that highlight seasonal ingredients, holiday traditions, and quick, flavorful meals for everyday cooks.
Last updated: September 3, 2026






