There are many different types of sausages worldwide, and one I particularly love to savor is the polish sausage. They are a pretty popular dish for barbecues and holidays. And I find enjoying it with different sides just gives an enhanced and more palatable experience. Yes, sausages are great, but Polish sausages with sides are even better.
What is a Polish Sausage?
Polish sausage, commonly known as kielbasa, is a staple in Polish cuisine and can consist of pork, beef, turkey, lamb, chicken, or veal, depending on the region’s specialty. For centuries, it was just pork, pepper, salt, marjoram, and garlic. And in 1964, the Polish government introduced another variety with 80 percent pork and 20 percent beef.
The meat in kielbasa is mixed before the spices are mixed with it. Kielbasa is best prepared for the holidays with the different Polish sausage sides that just complete and complement the meal.
Sides You Can Pair With Polish Sausage
If you are looking for sides for your kielbasa, here are the different simple dishes you should try.
1. Maple Squash
A winter meal to satisfy you is a smoky kielbasa paired with the sweetness of acorn squash. Roasting the squash and the sausage in the same sheet pan will give you a hearty meal with minimal effort.
2. Sauteed Peppers and Onions
If you want a more classic pair for your grilled sausage, sauteeing your peppers and onions is the way to go. This combo may not be as intricate as the other side dishes, but they are relatively easy to prepare, and they burst with flavor that brings out their natural sweetness.
3. Sautéed Collard Greens and Garlic
If you are a garlic lover, adding collard greens will make a classic combo with smoked sausage. The elegant earthiness of tender collard greens complements the smokiness of your kielbasa.
4. Mac and Cheese
One side dish that goes along with almost any entree is the cheesiest ever mac and cheese. The rich flavor of the cheesy pasta just adds to the smokiness of the sausage, creating an unforgettable umami flavor you can ask for.
5. Farro and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Salad is great for almost all meals, but it’s even perfect for devouring with your kielbasa. You can prepare your winter salad with the nutty farro, crisp Brussels sprout leaves, salty ricotta salata, and cut up your fried kielbasa to top your salad.
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans are probably a crowd’s favorite at parties or potlucks. The rich barbecue flavor makes them a perfect sausage side, and they are easy to make. Just get yourself some bean, dried or canned, bacon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, onions, and peppers. And you’re all set for some baked beans and kielbasa action.
7. Coleslaw
Polish sausage and coleslaw may be a match made in heaven. The sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy goodness of coleslaw is best served with your kielbasa. It provides a powerful and wonderful zesty counterpart to the sausage for a well-balanced meal.
8. Potato Salad
Potatoes are one of the most flexible food on earth as they can be prepared in a number of ways. And a cold and creamy potato salad just brings color and flavor to your sausage. Simple yet delicious.
9. Baked Potato Wedges
Another potato side you can pair with your kielbasa is rosemary and garlic potato wedges. A combination of herbs and the smokiness of the sausage just makes for a perfect dish. And they are also effortless to make.
10. Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Soup
Perfect for a winter dinner, a hot bowl of roasted carrot and parsnip soup just brings out the natural sweetness for a healthy dish served with your kielbasa.
11. Potato Chips
The crunch and salt in potato chips complement your Polish kielbasa. And you can just prepare this as quickly as just grabbing a bag of chips. However, making your own batch will add a special touch to it. Slice your potatoes thinly using a mandolin and fry them in olive oil—season with salt, pepper, and some of your favorite spices.
12. Grilled Vegetables
If you’re grilling your kielbasa, better make things easier and throw in some of your favorite veggies to compliment your food. Onions, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, and zucchini are your prime choices to pair your sausage with.
13. Mashed Potatoes with Peas and Scallions
Traditional UK meals consist of bangers and mash. Pan fry your good-quality smoked kielbasa until it’s brown and crispy, and pair it with a fresh burst of green from peas and scallions. Yum!
14. Applesauce
It might be an odd pair for some, but others just swear by it. The sweet and tangy sauce contrasts the savory and smoky sausage, bringing a delightful experience. You can use fresh applesauce or use jarred applesauce to top each bite of your kielbasa.
15. Creamy Polenta
The creamy, cheesy polenta added with brown butter for more flavor is perfect for serving hot with your kielbasa. Smoky and meaty bites will be balanced with the sweet and refreshing polenta. Plus, this side dish is not complicated to make.
How to Store Polish Sausage
Uncooked Kielbasa
It is best to wrap your kielbasa individually with plastic wrap and put it in a Ziploc freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Or you can vacuum seal your kielbasa if you have the tools to do so instead of individually wrapping it. Some kielbasa comes in an unopened vacuum-sealed bag that you can directly put in the freezer.
However, I still recommend putting it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Storing your sausage in a freezer can still provide you with the best quality for 3-4 weeks and even up to 6 months.
Cooked Kielbasa
Whether you plan on consuming your kielbasa the next day or you have some leftovers you want to reheat and eat, storing cooked kielbasa can be a little tricky. Much like any food, this type of meat should be refrigerated separate from other food to preserve its quality. Putting them in a clean, separate container should do the trick.
However, you should consume your cooked kielbasa within 2-3 days of refrigerating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prepare Polish sausage?
There are a few ways you can cook your kielbasa. And the greatest way to do so depends on your preference. You can choose to grill the sausage for 4-6 minutes on each side or roast them in the oven for 20 minutes. You can even sautee your cut kielbasa and pan fry with oil and onions or just simply boil it in a pot of water.
Is Polish sausage healthy?
Sausage, in general, is composed of processed meat, and anything processed is not good in excessive amounts. Your kielbasa is a good source of protein and thiamine. However, it is high in saturated fats and sodium. Consuming it once in a while is okay. But eating it more often than you should lead to serious problems.
Final Thoughts
Sausages are perfect for a get-together barbecue or a backyard house party. They’re relatively easy to cook and serve. And pairing them with some of the best sides just enhances the whole experience. Holidays or no holidays, I love me some Polish sausage once in a while. And even I can’t wait to try other sides I haven’t tried with kielbasa yet.