Name: Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2-4 weenies or Polish sausage, sliced into small pieces; 2 cups sauerkraut; Salt and pepper, to taste

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that tastes like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe. It’s one of those old-school Southern classics that’s as simple as it is delicious, combining tangy sauerkraut with savory little sausages for a dish that’s quick to whip up but big on flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s been a family favorite for generations!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at its Best: With just sauerkraut and weenies, you get a hearty meal in under 20 minutes.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for when you want something tasty without breaking the bank.
Flavor-Packed Comfort: The tangy kraut perfectly balances the smoky sausage, making every bite satisfying.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this easy dish – it brings back so many cozy memories.

A close-up of a gray pan filled with shredded pale yellow sauerkraut mixed with sliced pink sausages. The sausages are cut into small round pieces scattered evenly throughout the sauerkraut. A turquoise spatula is partially visible on the right side, resting on the food. The pan sits on a dark surface, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. The textures show the soft, wet sauerkraut clinging to the sausages, creating a simple, hearty dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients pair together so effortlessly. The preserved tang of sauerkraut and smoky goodness from the weenies create a simple yet bold flavor combination. When shopping, look for good-quality sausages with a nice snap and fresh sauerkraut without added preservatives for the best taste.

Weenies or Polish sausage: I like to use good quality Polish sausage here, but regular weenies work just fine too – slice them about bite-size for even cooking.
Sauerkraut: Drained sauerkraut works best, but I sometimes rinse mine briefly to mellow the tang if it feels too strong for my taste.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning brings the flavors together – don’t skip this step, but remember to taste as sauerkraut can be salty.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Here are a few ways I’ve made it mine over time, and I encourage you to play around too!

Add onions and garlic: When I caramelize some onions along with the sausages, it adds a beautiful sweetness that balances the tangy kraut perfectly.
Spicy version: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or swap regular sausages for spicy ones—my family loves the zing.
Make it a skillet meal: I sometimes add diced potatoes or apples for a heartier dish that’s like a cozy one-pan dinner.
Vegetarian twist: Try substituting weenies with plant-based sausages to make a vegetarian-friendly version without losing the flavor punch.

How to Make Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Sizzle the Sausages

I love starting off by slicing the weenies into bite-sized pieces—you want them small enough to get a nice sear but big enough to enjoy that juicy snap. Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add the sausages. Let them cook until they start browning slightly; this caramelization adds so much flavor. Patience here really pays off, so give them time to develop a nice crust without crowding the pan.

Step 2: Add the Sauerkraut and Cook Together

Once your sausages are beautifully browned, stir in the sauerkraut. This part always feels like magic because that tangy aroma fills the kitchen instantly. Cook everything together, stirring often, so the kraut picks up some of that sausage goodness and begins to brown a bit. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper carefully—you might be surprised how salty the kraut already is.

Step 3: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once everything is browned and aromatic, you’re ready to plate up. I love serving this dish nice and hot right off the skillet. It’s the kind of meal that’s satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with some simple sides (more on that below).

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Pro Tips for Making Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe

Brown the Sausages Well: That golden crust really boosts flavor, so don’t rush this step.
Balance the Salt: Since sauerkraut is salty, always season at the end and taste before adding more salt.
Use a Good Skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan helps get an even sear and prevents sticking.
Stir Often, But Gently: To get that slight brown on the kraut without breaking it down into mush.

How to Serve Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three food parts: a round cornered light brown bread roll at the back left, a heap of pale yellow shredded sauerkraut mixed with several slices of pink sausage with smooth skin in the front, and a pile of cooked brown beans on the back right. A silver fork, held by a woman's hand, takes a bite with a sausage slice and sauerkraut from the front pile. The scene is softly lit and close-up, showing textures clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on this dish just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to the rich flavors. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of spicy mustard on the side for dipping that gives a nice kick.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this dish are creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, which help soak up the flavorful juices. For a bit of freshness, a simple green salad or steamed green beans balances the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I sometimes serve this Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe in mini cast iron skillets for each guest—it makes the meal feel a little special and keeps everything warm longer. It’s also great on crusty rye bread as an open-faced sandwich for something casual and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating works best on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat—just add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. I’ve found microwaving sometimes dries it out.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable with this recipe. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to maintain texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet on low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring gently until warmed through. This keeps the kraut from drying out and preserves that lovely texture you want.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage in the Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional weenies or Polish sausages are classic, you can swap in bratwurst, kielbasa, or even spicy sausages to give the dish a new flavor twist. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked or fully cooked when you add them to the skillet.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut before cooking?

It depends on your taste preference and the sauerkraut’s saltiness. If you find it too tangy or salty, a quick rinse under cold water helps mellow the flavor. Pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe?

You can definitely make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausages or smoked tofu instead of meat sausages. The cooking method stays the same, and the smoky, tangy flavor combo still shines through beautifully.
How long does it take to make Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe?

This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes — 5 minutes prep and about 15 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the fuss.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sauerkraut and Weenies Recipe brings back those cozy, nostalgic feelings with almost no effort. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy simple comfort food. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s perfect for busy evenings yet special enough to share with family or friends. Once you taste that perfect combo of tangy kraut and savory sausages, you might just find it becoming a staple in your kitchen too.