Tips for Grilling Kiełbasa

There’s a variety of ways to enjoy Poland’s famous kiełbasa! Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with delicious sides, or mixed into classic Polish dishes, the numerous varieties of kiełbasa always add an unforgettable savory flavor to any meal. Though great when cooked, baked or fried, one of the most loved ways to enjoy kiełbasa is to grill it or roast it over an open fire! 

We’ve put together a list of some of our best tips for grilling your Polish sausage this season. Take a look below and then head over to our Deli section to stock up on your favorite Polish sausage varieties to get the summer grilling season started!

• Classic Never Fails! One of the best ways to prepare and enjoy a Polish kiełbasa is to simply grill it and enjoy it on its own! If you’re cooking it on the grill simply place your sausages on your grill once it’s heated and ready and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until it has a light char and golden color. Do not prick (or slice) the sausage if you don’t want it to lose its juices; however, if you prefer it a bit crispier then you can make slices across the top before grilling.

• Fire-Roasted is the Taste of Summer! Another classic way to enjoy Polish sausage in the summertime is to cook it over an open fire! As we begin to enjoy bonfires in the warm evenings, there’s no better way to complete the experience than to cook some kiełbasa over the fire! Simply slide the sausage links onto a roasting stick and cook over the fire until lightly shared and golden brown. You can also place the sausage on a grill rack over the fire to give it that unique, wood-fire roasted taste!

The best way to enjoy sausage using the grilling or campfire method is to pair them with a classic Polish mustard, horseradish sauce, pickles, sauerkraut and/or and a slice of bread! 

Recommended Polana products for grilled & campfire kiełbasa include: 

Grill Style Sausage, Country Style Smoked Sausage, Silesian Sausage, *Fresh Biala Sausage,  Kosciuszko Mustard, Kamis Horseradish Mustard, Kamis Dijon Mustard, Kamis French Style Mustard, Kamis Russian Style Mustard, Horseradish Sauce, Polish Rye Bread, Zakopianski Bread, Cucumbers in Brine, Sauerkraut

*If you would like to enjoy some fresh white (biala) sausage over the grill or from a campfire do note that it needs to cook longer as it comes raw (not pre-cooked like our smoked sausages). Place the sausage on a grill rack (whether on the grill or over the fire) and be sure it is cooked through thoroughly before consuming.

• Don’t Forget Your Veggies! While your sausage is cooking on the grill, you can add some veggies to enjoy with it too! Cut larger veggies such as onions, zucchini, or bell peppers into smaller pieces, but large enough so that they don’t fall through the grates of the grill rack. Make sure to season and marinate them a bit before cooking (tossing in some olive oil, salt and pepper should do the trick!). Grill over medium heat until they achieve the right tenderness. You can also grill some smaller veggies like cherry tomatoes on a skewer. The grilled veggies will make for a flavorful and juicy side to your grilled kiełbasa!

Grilled sausage & veggies also taste great with a condiment for dipping and a side of bread! 

Recommended products for grilled kiełbasa & veggies include:

Grill Style Sausage, Country Style Smoked Sausage, Silesian Sausage, *Fresh Biala Sausage, Kosciuszko Mustard, Kamis Horseradish Mustard, Kamis Dijon Mustard, Kamis French Style Mustard, Kamis Russian Style Mustard, Polish Rye Bread, Zakopianski Bread

*If you would like to enjoy some fresh white (biala) sausage over the grill or from a campfire do note that it needs to cook longer as it comes raw (not pre-cooked like our smoked sausages). Place the sausage on a grill rack (whether on the grill or over the fire) and be sure it is cooked through thoroughly before consuming.

• Dutch-Oven Summer Medley: If you have a cast iron Dutch oven (or you plan on getting one this season) try cutting up some kiełbasa and mixing into a medley of sliced potatoes, bacon, onion, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms and any other vegetable or ingredient that suits your fancy. Toss it all up in a delicious blend of your preferred herbs and spices and cook it all in the Dutch oven over an open-fire until all the ingredients are tender. This makes for an incredibly juicy and flavorful summer evening treat! 

Don’t forget your dipping sauce! Pair your Dutch-oven kiełbasa dish with a classic Polish mustard, or enjoy with a side of mashed beets or sauerkraut! 

Recommended Polana products for Dutch oven sausage dish include:

Hunter’s Sausage, Country Style Smoked Sausage, Silesian Sausage, Double Smoked Pork Belly Bacon, Kosciuszko Mustard, Kamis Horseradish Mustard, Kamis Dijon Mustard, Kamis French Style Mustard, Kamis Russian Style Mustard , Mashed Beets with Horseradish, Grated Horseradish, Sauerkraut

• Sausage Skewers! Another great way to combine grilled sausage with vegetables is to grill or roast them all together on some skewers!  Cut your sausage and vegetables into smaller pieces (small enough to slide onto the skewers), toss the ingredients in a bowl of oil and your preferred seasoning then slide them onto each skewer alternating between pieces of vegetables and sausage. Cook your skewers on the grill or on a grill rack over an open fire! 

Recommended Polana products for grilled kiełbasa skewers: 

Grill Style Sausage, Country Style Smoked Sausage, Silesian Sausage, Kosciuszko Mustard, Kamis Horseradish Mustard, Kamis Dijon Mustard, Kamis French Style Mustard, Kamis Russian Style Mustard, Horseradish Sauce, Polish Rye Bread, Zakopianski Bread, Cucumbers in Brine, Sauerkraut

We also recommend taking a look at our recent Polish Sauerkraut Salad recipe to pair with your grilled kiełbasa meal! This classic, Polish salad can be made in minutes and it makes for a great and nutritious side to a crisp and juicy kiełbasa hot off the fire!

Smacznego!