Smoked sausage has a unique aroma that turns any meal into something special. Today, we’re making easy smoked kielbasa that’s packed with flavor and brings a homemade touch to your kitchen.
Imagine tender kielbasa with a smoky taste that melts in your mouth. This simple homemade smoked kielbasa recipe uses a tasty blend of spices and the smoking process to deepen the flavor. It’s great for any meal, whether it’s a hearty breakfast or a casual dinner, and goes perfectly with sides like Creamy Potato Salad or a refreshing Iced Tea Lemonade.
Making smoked kielbasa from scratch is both easy and rewarding. The process is straightforward, and the smoky smell filling your kitchen is amazing.
I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Share your ideas or tips in the comments below.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Smoked Perfection: The blend of spices and the smoking process creates a kielbasa that’s full of deep, smoky flavour.
- Easy Prep: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require special equipment, making it accessible for home cooks.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a standout item on your next gathering.
- Homemade Touch: The satisfaction of making your own kielbasa adds a special touch to any meal.
Overview: How To Make Smoked Kielbasa Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Kielbasa
If you’re using pre-cooked smoked kielbasa, simply slice it into 1/2-inch rounds or the desired thickness. If you have a whole kielbasa, you can slice it or cook it as a whole piece, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Preheat the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you’re using a charcoal or wood smoker, make sure to add your preferred wood chips or chunks for a smoky flavor. Applewood, hickory, or mesquite are good choices for kielbasa.
Step 3: Smoke the Kielbasa
Place the kielbasa slices or whole kielbasa on the smoker grates. Smoke for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the kielbasa reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and has a nice smoky color. If you’re smoking whole kielbasa, ensure it is evenly cooked by checking the internal temperature.
Step 4: Optional Glaze or Seasoning
For added flavor, you can brush the kielbasa with a glaze or seasoning of your choice during the last 30 minutes of smoking. A mixture of honey and mustard or a simple BBQ glaze works well.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the kielbasa is smoked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed and makes it easier to slice if you’ve cooked it whole.
Step 6: Enjoy
Serve the smoked kielbasa as an appetizer, in sandwiches, or as part of a main dish. It pairs wonderfully with mustard, sauerkraut, or as a topping for grilled veggies. Enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of your homemade kielbasa!
Smoked Kielbasa Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Kielbasa
- ½ cup Sweet BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to the smoke setting.
- Smoke the Kielbasa: Place the kielbasa directly on the smoker rack and smoke for 1 hour.
- Finish Cooking: Increase the smoker temperature to 300°F and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes. The kielbasa should turn brown and split in some areas. Avoid letting it turn black.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium heat.
- Cut and Sauce: While the grill heats up, cut the kielbasa into 3-4 inch pieces and place them in a bowl. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with water, then pour it over the kielbasa pieces and toss to coat.
- Grill the Kielbasa: Place the coated kielbasa pieces on the grill. Turn them often to prevent burning and baste with the remaining sauce. Grill until you reach your preferred level of char, which can take up to 15 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
- Scaling Up: You can easily double this recipe without changing the cooking time or method.
- Spicy Twist: For a spicier kick, add your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce.
- Other Sausages: This method is specifically for kielbasa, and we haven’t tested it with other sausages, so results may vary.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 765 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 55g |
| Cholesterol | 134mg |
| Sugar | 23g |
What to Serve with Smoked Kielbasa?
Frequently Asked Questions for Smoked Kielbasa Recipe!
What Type of Kielbasa Should I Use?
For this recipe, you should use pre-cooked smoked kielbasa. It’s already cooked and just needs to be heated through and flavoured. You can find it in the sausage section of your grocery store.
Can I Cook Kielbasa in a Different Way?
Yes, you can cook kielbasa in various ways. Besides smoking, you can grill it, pan-fry it, or bake it in the oven. Adjust the cooking time depending on your method and make sure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftover Kielbasa?
Store any leftover kielbasa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Smoked Kielbasa?
Smoked kielbasa pairs well with a variety of sides. Try it with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. It’s also great in dishes like casseroles, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.