Cozy Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I whip up this creamy sausage, potato, and sauerkraut skillet that combines hearty comfort with unexpected flavors.

Polish-inspired dishes often surprise people with their robust combinations of ingredients.

Juicy sausage links mingle perfectly with tender potato chunks and tangy sauerkraut in this one-pan marvel.

Rich cream brings everything together, creating a texture that feels both familiar and innovative.

Each bite tells a story of rustic European cooking traditions blended with modern culinary creativity.

Scattered herbs add a fresh brightness that cuts through the deep, savory notes of the dish.

This skillet promises a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.

Why Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet Feels So Hearty

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: This one-skillet wonder saves precious time by combining proteins, vegetables, and creamy sauce in a single pan, reducing cleanup and preparation hassle.
• Comfort Food Champion: The hearty combination of sausage, potatoes, and sauerkraut delivers a warming, satisfying meal that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.
• Flavor Explosion in Minutes: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe transforms basic components into a rich, tangy, and creamy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to serve over noodles, with crusty bread, or as a standalone skillet, this recipe works perfectly for casual family dinners or quick weekend lunches.

Ingredients For Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet

• Sausage: Hearty, flavorful meat that provides the main protein and rich taste for the dish. Consider using Polish or smoked sausage for authentic flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the skillet, helping to cook and flavor the ingredients.

• Baby Potatoes, Onion: Starchy and aromatic vegetables that create a robust base for the skillet. Choose waxy potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that brings a signature zesty flavor and traditional Eastern European character.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic punch and enhances overall dish complexity.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that binds all ingredients together. Full-fat cream recommended for best texture.
• Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy note that complements the sausage and cuts through the cream's richness.
• Caraway Seeds: Optional but traditional spice that provides a subtle, earthy undertone.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and mild herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

How To Make Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet

Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Sauerkraut Skillet

• Sizzle the Sausage

Grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in sliced sausage and cook until each piece has a beautiful golden-brown crust. This should take around 5 minutes. Scoop out the sausage and set it aside on a plate.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), drop in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and see-through. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, releasing its magical aroma.

• Potato Transformation

Add baby potatoes to the party. Let them cook, giving an occasional stir, until they develop a gorgeous golden exterior (about 5-7 minutes).

• Bring on the Tangy Twist

• Sauerkraut
• Caraway seeds (optional but recommended)
• Browned sausage

Pour in chicken broth and let everything start bubbling.

• Gentle Simmer

Lower the heat to a gentle whisper. Cover the skillet and let everything mingle and soften for about 15 minutes. The potatoes should become perfectly tender.

• Create the Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Mustard

Let it cook uncovered for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and become irresistibly rich. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

• Serve with Love

Shower the dish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it piping hot alongside crusty bread or nestled over egg noodles. Dinner is served!

Pro Tips For A Flavor-Packed Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet

• Slice Sausage Strategically: Cut sausage into even diagonal pieces to ensure uniform browning and maximize crispy edges for better texture and flavor distribution.
• Potato Perfection Technique: Par-boil baby potatoes briefly before adding to skillet to reduce overall cooking time and guarantee soft, creamy interiors with golden exteriors.
• Sauerkraut Selection Secrets: Choose high-quality, unpasteurized sauerkraut for more complex, tangy flavor and probiotic benefits that enhance the dish's nutritional profile.
• Cream Consistency Hack: Temper heavy cream by gradually adding hot liquid to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, silky sauce that coats ingredients beautifully.
• Dietary Modification Method: Swap traditional pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option, and use dairy-free cream alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

How To Store Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet For Later

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the skillet meal for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its delicious flavors intact.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes and sausage tough.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, noting that the cream might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and give the dish a good stir to recombine the ingredients.

What To Serve With Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet

• Pair with German Beer: Complement the hearty, tangy flavors of the skillet with a crisp German-style pilsner or a malty hefeweizen. The beer's refreshing qualities will balance the richness of the sausage and cream sauce.
• Match with Riesling Wine: Choose a slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling to cut through the dish's robust flavors. The wine's acidity will enhance the sauerkraut's tanginess and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture.
• Serve with Rustic Crusty Bread: Grab a thick slice of sourdough or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior make the perfect accompaniment to this hearty skillet meal.
• Add a Fresh Salad Side: Create a light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich and creamy main dish. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon-herb dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the skillet's intense flavors.

Tasty Twists On Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet

• German-Style Comfort: Transform the dish by adding sliced bell peppers and replacing chicken broth with dark beer for an authentic German flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap sauerkraut for roasted corn, and use spicy chorizo instead of traditional sausage to create a zesty southwestern-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace sauerkraut with chopped artichoke hearts, add crumbled feta cheese, and season with oregano and lemon zest for a Mediterranean-inspired skillet experience.
• Lean Protein Makeover: Substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken, use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes, and add spinach for a healthier, nutrient-packed version of the original recipe.

FAQs For Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet Fans

• What makes this skillet dish special?

This skillet combines hearty sausage, crispy potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and a rich creamy sauce, creating a comforting one-pan meal with incredible flavor layers.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Polish kielbasa, bratwurst, or Italian sausage work great. Just choose a sausage with good flavor that complements the sauerkraut.

• Is this dish considered German-inspired?

Yes! The combination of sausage, sauerkraut, and caraway seeds reflects traditional German culinary influences, especially from regions like Bavaria and Eastern Germany.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, use lean sausage, and increase the proportion of potatoes and sauerkraut to reduce overall calories.

Creamy Sausage, Potato, And Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty German-inspired “Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Sauerkraut Skillet” delivers comfort in one pan, blending rustic flavors with rich, tangy notes. Savory sausages and tender potatoes mingle with zesty sauerkraut, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (0.45 kg) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (0.45 kg) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

Liquids, Seasonings, and Garnish:

• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or whole-grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by searing sliced sausage in a generously sized skillet with olive oil over medium flame. Rotate pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a temporary holding plate.
2. Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavors, introduce chopped onions and gently coax them into a soft, translucent state. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking environment for roughly 60 seconds.
3. Carefully deposit baby potatoes into the fragrant mixture. Encourage caramelization by periodically shifting them across the skillet’s surface, developing a crisp exterior for 6-7 minutes.
4. Integrate sauerkraut and caraway seeds, reuniting the previously seared sausage with the vegetable medley. Pour chicken broth to create a simmering liquid foundation.
5. Reduce thermal intensity, cover the skillet, and allow ingredients to meld and potatoes to tenderize over 12-15 minutes.
6. Elevate the dish’s luxuriousness by whisking heavy cream and tangy mustard into the bubbling composition. Permit the sauce to gently thicken during an uncovered 4-5 minute reduction.
7. Finalize the preparation by sprinkling fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or atop pillowy egg noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• Select high-quality sausages with robust flavors like kielbasa or bratwurst for maximum taste impact.
• Choose baby potatoes with thin skins to ensure quicker cooking and better absorption of skillet flavors.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery and diluting the rich sauce.
• Use full-fat heavy cream for a luxurious, velvety texture that creates a more indulgent dining experience.
• Consider swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter liquid base that complements the tangy sauerkraut.
• Experiment with different mustards like whole grain or Dijon to add unexpected depth and complexity to the sauce.
• For a low-carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips while maintaining the dish’s hearty character.
• Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that elevates the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg