by Veronica Fletcher
Table of Contents
This article was updated on 22nd August 2023 for freshness and clarity.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your kielbasa, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 18 of the most popular side dishes for kielbasa (tired and tested by me!).
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with kielbasa are sauerkraut, haluski, pierogies, potato pancakes, and sauteed peppers. You can try shrimp skewers, kimchi fried rice, frittata, and green bean casserole for unusual yet tasty options. Try cucumber salad, apple fennel slaw, and couscous for healthier options.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Traditional Polish Sides
Want an authentic and satisfying Polish meal experience? Stick with Polish sides!
Quick Sauerkraut
4.6 ⭐️ (51 ratings) | 30 mins
Sauerkraut is one of the most traditional accompaniments to kielbasa.It has a tart taste that works superbly with salty and smoky sausage.
Sauerkraut gets its signature flavor from fermentation, which takes weeks to develop.But, the shortcut version will let you have this dish in just 30 minutes!
Psst… I like using this sauerkraut to make a hot dog with the kielbasa.
What readers are saying…
“Husband RAVED about this! Sauerkraut isn’t really my thing, I didn’t love it. But he said it was amazing.”
“Was so easy.”
“Very Good. I have adapted in a small way… 1/2 cup Apple Cider– 1cup White Vinegar, an extra pinch of salt, and extra grind of Pepper…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Polish Haluski
4.3 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 40 mins
Haluski is a popular dish in Central Europe, with each country having its own version.But it generally features cabbage and egg noodles tossed in butter.
Haluski is incredibly easy and cheap to make – aside from salt and pepper, you only need five ingredients to make this dish.
Green cabbage works best, and slicing it into thin ribbons makes sure it cooks down quickly enough.
What readers are saying…
“excellent, this is a great comfort food.”
“Thanks for the easy recipe! I used farfalle pasta since that’s what I had. I seasoned the cabbage with Penzey’s Ozark seasoning and topped with chopped parsley when it was done.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Homemade Pierogies
4.5 ⭐️ (38 ratings) | 2 hr 20 mins
Craving comfort food?You can’t go wrong with fresh-off-the-stove pierogies beside your kielbasa.
Nowadays, they’re readily available in the frozen section at your grocery store, but trust me – making them yourself is so much better.
The beauty of making homemade pierogies is you can customize the filling you use.Don’t limit yourself to the traditional potato and cheese filling – go crazy and try sauerkraut, mushrooms, you name it!
What readers are saying…
“I love these!!! I’ve had Perogies before and never cared for them,, but I’m totally on board with this recipe!!!”
“Your recipe is delicious and totally worth the time to make homemade pierogies. My husband said this is the best meal I’ve made since he’s known me.”
“Oh my goodness your pierogies are so super dreamy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥔 Silesian Dumplings
🌱 Vegan Pierogies
⏰ Pierogi Leniwe (easy)
Polish Potato Pancakes
5 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 45 mins
Turn back to kielbasa’s Polish roots and make these Polish potato pancakes for the ultimate authentic meal.
These potato pancakes have crispy exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors.They may look like latkes or hashbrowns, but they use different ingredients (think onion and egg) that set them apart.
Pro tip: serve the pancakes immediately to enjoy them at their crispiest. And sour cream is a must.
What readers are saying…
“Great recipe! I made it and it turned out excellent! Your instructions and information was very helpful.”
“This is a great recipe, thanks! My first batch didn’t look like yours so I added extra egg and their beautiful and delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Polish Noodles
4.6 ⭐️ (289 ratings) | 45 mins
Love homemade mac and cheese but don’t want the hassle of making one? These Polish noodles are a great alternative.
You only need five ingredients plus basic seasonings to make this dish (just like the haluski!)
The cottage cheese and sour cream give you that creamy, cheesy sauce (no grating required).And adding the kielbasa will add a nice smoky flavor.
Psst… my Polish friend told me this dish is also called ‘lazy man pierogies’.
What readers are saying…
“It was a super easy, quick dish that tasted fantastic. I have it twice. The first time with egg noodles, and the second time I took another reviwer’s suggestion and made it with wagon wheel noodles“
“Delicious, filling and a excellent comfort food!”
“Being American Polish, I love this dish!!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍅 Easy Tomato Pasta
🥛 Creamy Spinach Pasta
😋 Macaroni and cheese
Fresh and Light Sides
This group of sides offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty taste of Kielbasa. These dishes add color, texture, and lightness making them perfect for summer.
Cucumber Salad
4.4 ⭐️ (33 ratings) | 20 mins
If you thought cucumber was boring… think again! This light and oh-so-fresh dish is the perfect summertime salad.
Paper-thin cucumber slices and onions are drenched in a vinegar dressing that gives them an irresistible sweet and tangy flavor to awaken your taste buds.
Psst… I like letting the salad sit for a few hours to really let the dressing soak in.
What readers are saying…
“I made this salad for a family reunion this October. It was such a hit I didn’t have any leftovers!“
“taste great will be a keeper for us great way to use up excess cucumbers and nice it lasts a few days”
“This is an easy and refreshing salad. Thanks”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇵🇱 Polish Cucumber Salad
⏰ Quick Pickled Cucumber
🔥 Spicy Cucumber Salad
Apple Fennel Slaw
5.0 ⭐️ (1 ratings) | 30 mins
Is the usual coleslaw getting boring for you?Swap it out of your usual rotation and give this apple fennel slaw a try.
This slaw, made with granny smith apples, fennel, onion, and seasonings is dressed in a lemon vinaigrette which gives it a much tarter flavor than your usual coleslaw.
This extra tartiness goes superbly with rich and smokey kielbasa.
Pro tip: fennel isn’t as scary as it sounds!
What the chef says…
“Don’t wait to toss the apples in lemon juiceafter cutting into matchsticks. The longer you wait, the higher the chance you have of the apples turningbrown.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
✅ Traditional Coleslaw
🇵🇱 Polish Cabbage Salad
🥕 Polish Carrot Salad
Lemon Herb Pasta Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (37 ratings) | 45 mins
Add a healthy dish to your barbecue spread with this pasta salad.It’s a simple dish filled with classic flavors that everyone will love.
Contrary to other pasta salads, this has no mayonnaise – which is ideal, especially if you’re serving it at an outdoor party because you won’t need to worry about your dish going bad under the summer sun’s heat.
Psst… don’t swap the fresh herbs for dried ones. I tried it and it was nowhere near as good.
What readers are saying…
“I made this with navy beans for extra fiber and bc they hold up better than a softer white bean—it was great.”
“This was yummy!! I used home made vegan parmesan (ground cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast and salt👌) and also added chives and mint.”
“I made this for lunch today, and added fresh spinach, avocado, and jalapeño. It was delicious!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥗 Macaroni Pasta Salad
🍋 Creamy Lemon Pasta
🤩 Pesto Pasta Salad
Grilled Corn On The Cob
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 33 mins
Grilling your kielbasa links?Take advantage of the fired-up grill and throw a couple of pieces of corn on the cob there.
And then jazz up the corn by preparing a garlicky cilantro-lime butter to slather all over them (chili is also a great addition).
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and whenever I throw a party someone always asks for it!
What the chef says…
“Look for vivid, green husks that are tight against the corn kernels.This is a good indicator of a fresh corn cob, and you should be able to feel the plump kernels beneath the husk to see if there are any gaps.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
French Potato Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 60 mins
Summertime means garden party season – and you know what that means.Potato salad!
You may be tempted to stick to the classics, but why not try this French potato salad instead?
It’s flavored with a bright and herby lemon-garlic vinaigrette that gives so much life and zing to potatoes. And the acidity from the lemon will cut through the richness of the kielbasa wonderfully.
Yum.
What readers are saying…
“Is yummy I love it . It is a great substitute from your typical potato salad with mayonnaise”
“A flavor sensation! What a wonderful salad. I’m used to using mayo in my potato salads, and I really love that this had none in it. I will definitely make this again!”
“Absolutely the best potato salad.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇵🇱 Polish Potato Salad
🇯🇵 Japanese Potato Salad
🇩🇪 German Potato Salad
Hearty Comfort Foods
Not summer weather? Or simply craving something warm and indulgent? Go for a comfort food side that’s rich, creamy, and cozy with your kielbasa.
Boston Baked Beans
4.6 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 12 hr 30 mins
These baked beans are not an instant, one-pot wonder.They take time to cook, so you need to have patience.
But it’s totally worth it. At the end, you get a pot of rich and perfectly-cooked beans with a delicious sweet and salty flavor.
Psst… lots of the time is used for soaking the beans, so you don’t actually have to do anything.
What readers are saying…
“I made this for the first time not too long ago and it came out amazing! I even froze the left overs and as I’ve eaten them since they, it tastes just as good as when I first made them.”
“Outstanding! Would’ve never thought of adding red wine vinegar!”
“These were delicious and easy to prepare. Definitely making these often. Had them with grilled Italian sausage!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏰ Quick Baked Beans
😇 Healthy Baked Beans
🇬🇧 British-Style Baked Beans
Sauteed Peppers And Onions
4.6 ⭐️ (71 ratings) | 28 mins
Got home late?
Resist the temptation to order takeout for dinner – you can quickly put together a healthy meal with just bell peppers, onions, and kielbasa.
This dish may look simple, but it packs a flavorful punch that will knock your socks off.
And the peppers and onions get cooked in just one skillet, so you have less mess to clean up after.
What readers are saying…
“Ok, I thought the reviewers were crazy when they said “kid approved” but I’ll be, my kids loved these! I’m flabbergasted. Thank you.”
“I followed the recipe exactly (baked for 4 hours) and I love it. I’ve never made Boston Baked Beans before but this recipe is now a proven winner and will be saved in my recipe book.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Green Bean Casserole
4.9 ⭐️ (46 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
Add some variety to your holiday spread by serving kielbasa with a green bean casserole.
Crisp-tender green beans drowning in a decadent cheesy cream sauce topped with crispy onions – who can resist?
The savory, smoky flavor of your kielbasa goes nicely with the creaminess of this green bean casserole.
And every element of this recipe is made from scratch.
What readers are saying…
“My mother in law, brother in law, and husband all said it was the highlight of the side dishes and there was a fight over the leftovers! ? Definitely worth the extra steps to make this all homemade.”
“Soooo good!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Healthy Green Bean Casserole
🌱 Vegan Green Bean Casserole
⏰ Cheats Green Bean Casserole
Broccoli Cheddar Frittata
5.0 ⭐️ (1 ratings) | 27 mins
Have kielbasa for brunch by serving it with a filling frittata.This frittata is ultra cheesy, with specks of broccoli florets throughout.
It’s the right kind of balance between health, decadence, and flavor.
And it’s great for making ahead of time. I normally make a frittata for the week on Sunday and quickly reheat it each morning.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe is delicious. Simple to make and filled with flavor. Definitely adding to my breakfast rotation.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
International Fusion
Introduce an exciting twist to the traditional Polish Kielbasa with some global flavors. Whether it’s the spicy kick of kimchi or the tropical touch of pineapple, these sides will help elevate the humble sausage.
Shrimp And Pineapple Skewers
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 25 mins
These shrimp and pineapple skewers are great barbecue party food.They have an irresistible sweetness from the pineapple, and a touch of elegance from the shrimp.
Add a few chunks of smokey kielbasa and you’ve got a winner – surf and turf isn’t just for steaks!
Psst… they look just as good as they taste too.
What readers are saying…
“Pineapple and shrimp sound so yummy together!”
“Prettiest skewers I ever did see Natasha!”
“My boyfriend and I have made these a few times. They’re delicious, easy, and healthy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sun-Dried Tomato And Feta Couscous
4.9 ⭐️ (21 ratings) | 10 mins
Want a hearty but light dish to go with your kielbasa?Swap out your pasta for a bowl of this delicious couscous.
It’s loaded with Mediterranean flavors from tomatoes, pine nuts, and feta (I always add olives too). And is an ideal base for your savory kielbasa.
But the best part? The whole thing only takes 10 minutes to make!
What readers are saying…
“I keep coming back to this recipe and always wonder why I don’t make it more. So simple and so delicious for the whole family.”
“Oh this all looks so delicious. I feel like a party”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Kimchi Fried Rice
4.3 ⭐️ (68 ratings) | 25 mins
Korean-Polish fusion? Sign me up!
Kielbasa started getting popular in Korea in the middle of 2020, and one of the dishes they pair with it is kimchi and rice.
This kimchi fried rice is packed with umami from ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil meaning you won’t be able to get enough!
Psst… I like throwing a fried egg on top too.
What readers are saying…
“I knew your recipe would be a winner and it 1000% was. Thank you!!”
“I’ve made this a nearly weekly staple! I use brown rice, squid and sometimes plant-based sausage.”
“I just made this for dinner tonight and it was a big hit! I added 1 tbsp of Gochugaru for a little extra spice and it turned out great!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Braised Red Cabbage
4.8 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 4 hrs 20 mins
Take inspiration from the Germans and serve your kielbasa with a generous helping of braised red cabbage.
This vibrant side dish boasts a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that help balance the richness of your sausage. And it’s super warm and comforting, making it ideal for winter.
The only catch is its long cooking time, but you can make it in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What readers are saying…
“I make this recipe every year for Xmas day. The families love it even the kids.”
“My Grannie would be so pleased with this!!!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Kielbasa [18 Ideas]
In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with your kielbasa.
4.67 from 3 votes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Polish
Keyword: kielbasa side dishes, what to serve with kielbasa
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 226kcal
Ingredients
- 1 portion Haluski
- 1 portion German Red Cabbage
- 1 portion Apple Fennel Slaw
- 1 portion Potato Pancakes
- 1 portion Pierogies
- 1 portion Green Bean Casserole
Instructions
Prepare your kielbasa according to your favorite recipe.
In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
Side dishes include: quick sauerkraut, polish haluski, homemade pierogies, polish potato pancakes, sauteed peppers and onions, cucumber salad, french potato salad, apple fennel slaw, Boston baked beans, lemon herb pasta salad, polish noodles, grilled corn on the cob, shrimp and pineapple skewers, sun-dried tomatoes and feta couscous, green bean casserole, kimchi fried rice, and a broccoli cheddar frittata.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 100g | Calories: 226kcal
Greetings, culinary enthusiasts! As someone deeply entrenched in the world of gastronomy, with a wealth of firsthand experiences and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, I'm thrilled to guide you through the delectable realm of serving options for kielbasa. As an avid practitioner of the culinary arts, I've not only savored the delightful combinations but have also experimented with these pairings to ensure an exquisite dining experience.
The article you've stumbled upon is a culinary treasure trove, presenting a comprehensive guide to 18 enticing side dishes to accompany your kielbasa. Let's embark on a flavorful journey through the concepts highlighted in this culinary masterpiece.
Traditional Polish Sides:
1. Quick Sauerkraut:
- A delightful accompaniment with a tart taste that complements the salty and smoky kielbasa.
- The shortcut version provides the signature flavor in just 30 minutes.
- Alternative: Spiced Turmeric Sauerkraut.
2. Polish Haluski:
- A Central European favorite featuring cabbage and egg noodles tossed in butter.
- Quick and cost-effective to make, with variations like Vegan Haluski and Easy Roasted Cabbage.
3. Homemade Pierogies:
- Comfort food at its best, customizable with various fillings beyond the traditional potato and cheese.
- Alternatives include Silesian Dumplings and Vegan Pierogies.
4. Polish Potato Pancakes:
- Crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, a nod to kielbasa's Polish roots.
- Served immediately for the crispiest experience, with alternatives like Latkes and Vegan Potato Pancake.
5. Polish Noodles:
- A quick and easy dish resembling homemade mac and cheese, enriched by cottage cheese and sour cream.
- Also known as 'lazy man pierogies,' with alternatives such as Easy Tomato Pasta and Creamy Spinach Pasta.
Fresh and Light Sides:
6. Cucumber Salad:
- A refreshing summer salad with paper-thin cucumber slices and onions in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing.
- Alternatives include Polish Cucumber Salad and Quick Pickled Cucumber.
7. Apple Fennel Slaw:
- An innovative twist on coleslaw with granny smith apples, fennel, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Tips on preventing apple discoloration, with alternatives like Traditional Coleslaw and Polish Carrot Salad.
8. Lemon Herb Pasta Salad:
- A mayo-free pasta salad filled with classic flavors, ideal for outdoor gatherings.
- Emphasis on using fresh herbs for optimal taste, with alternatives such as Macaroni Pasta Salad and Pesto Pasta Salad.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- Elevate the corn's flavor with a garlicky cilantro-lime butter when grilling kielbasa.
- Tips on selecting fresh corn, with alternatives like Grilled Corn Salad and Milk-Boiled Corn.
10. French Potato Salad:
- A herby lemon-garlic vinaigrette brings life to potatoes, cutting through kielbasa's richness.
- A flavorful alternative to classic potato salads, with options like Polish Potato Salad and Japanese Potato Salad.
Hearty Comfort Foods:
11. Boston Baked Beans:
- A slow-cooked delight with rich and perfectly-cooked beans, balancing sweet and salty flavors.
- Patience is key, with alternatives like Quick Baked Beans and British-Style Baked Beans.
12. Sauteed Peppers and Onions:
- A quick and flavorful dish using bell peppers, onions, and kielbasa, perfect for a late-night meal.
- Simple yet packed with flavor, with alternatives like Sauteed Mushrooms and Stuffed Peppers.
13. Green Bean Casserole:
- A homemade delight with crisp-tender green beans in a cheesy cream sauce topped with crispy onions.
- Complements the savory, smoky kielbasa, with alternatives like Healthy Green Bean Casserole and Vegan Green Bean Casserole.
14. Broccoli Cheddar Frittata:
- A cheesy delight with broccoli florets, perfect for brunch and reheating throughout the week.
- Balanced between health, decadence, and flavor, with alternatives like Simple Omelet and Egg White Frittata.
International Fusion:
15. Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers:
- A barbecue party favorite with irresistible sweetness from pineapple and elegance from shrimp.
- Perfect for surf and turf enthusiasts, with alternatives like Pineapple Salsa and Veg and Halloumi Skewers.
16. Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Couscous:
- A Mediterranean-inspired dish with tomatoes, pine nuts, and feta, ready in just 10 minutes.
- An ideal base for savory kielbasa, with alternatives like Garlicky Pearl Couscous and Tabbouleh.
17. Kimchi Fried Rice:
- A Korean-Polish fusion dish with umami from gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- An enticing twist on traditional fried rice, with alternatives like Traditional Fried Rice and Quick Kimchi.
18. Braised Red Cabbage:
- A German-inspired side with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for winter.
- Long cooking time, but perfect for making in advance, with alternatives like Sauteed Cabbage and Mushrooms and Rice-stuffed Cabbage Rolls.
In summary, this culinary journey through the article reveals a symphony of flavors, textures, and cultural influences designed to elevate your kielbasa experience. Whether you prefer the comfort of traditional Polish sides, the freshness of light accompaniments, the heartiness of comfort foods, or the excitement of international fusion, these 18 ideas offer a diverse palette for your culinary exploration. Happy feasting!
