Grilled Kielbasa Sausage Sandwiches with Swiss Cheese and Sauerkraut

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a hot, melty sandwich—and these Grilled Kielbasa Sausage Sandwiches hit all the right notes.

I’ve always loved the smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa, and when it’s grilled to perfection and layered on a toasted hoagie with sauerkraut, mustard, and Swiss cheese, it’s truly a delight.

Pure sandwich bliss. It’s like a deli classic meets backyard BBQ—and it’s super easy to make!

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Overview of Grilled Kielbasa Sandwiches

Grilled kielbasa sandwiches are a delightful choice for any meal, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

With 4 fully cooked kielbasa links nestled in 4 hoagie rolls, these sandwiches are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious.

The tangy sauerkraut pairs perfectly with the melted Swiss cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.

Recipe Highlights

These sandwiches combine bold flavors and textures into one unforgettable bite. The grilled kielbasa gives that juicy, smoky snap, while the Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the bun.

Sauerkraut adds tang and crunch, and mustard ties it all together with zing.

They’re perfect for cookouts, casual weeknight dinners, or tailgate parties. You can cook the kielbasa on the grill, stovetop, or even in a cast-iron skillet—whatever works for your setup.

Highlights:

• Juicy, smoky grilled kielbasa
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• Tangy sauerkraut and melty Swiss cheese
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• Toasted hoagie rolls for structure and crunch
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• Quick and easy—ready in 20 minutes
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• Big flavor with minimal effort

Ingredients for a Flavorful Sandwich

To create these sandwiches, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

Start with 4 hoagie rolls, which serve as the perfect vessel for the grilled kielbasa.

The addition of sauerkraut adds a zesty kick, while slices of Swiss cheese provide a creamy, melty topping.

Don’t forget the Dijon mustard, which adds a tangy depth to each bite, and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the grilling process.

For those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor, consider adding caraway seeds and garnishing with fresh parsley or dill.

• Kielbasa: Use fully cooked Polish kielbasa links. You can grill them whole or split them lengthwise for a more charred exterior and increased surface area.
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• Hoagie Rolls: A sturdy, slightly crusty roll holds all the fillings without getting soggy.
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• Sauerkraut: Adds tang and crunch. Rinse and drain lightly if you want to mellow the acidity.
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• Swiss Cheese: Creamy, melty, and slightly nutty—perfect for offsetting the tart kraut and mustard.
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• Mustard: Dijon or whole grain mustard adds sharpness and ties all the flavors together.
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• Butter or Oil (optional): Helps toast the hoagie buns for extra flavor and crunch.

Preparation Steps

Preparing these grilled kielbasa sandwiches is a straightforward process that takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Begin by preheating your grill to medium heat, which is essential for achieving those perfect grill marks on the kielbasa.

Brush the fully cooked kielbasa links with olive oil and sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired.

Grill the kielbasa for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and have nice grill marks.

How to Make My Grilled Kielbasa Sausage Sandwiches

1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
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2. Grill the kielbasa: Place kielbasa links on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until heated through with char marks. If splitting, grill cut-side down first.
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3. Toast the buns (optional): Lightly butter the inside of each hoagie roll and toast on the grill or skillet for 1–2 minutes, until golden.
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4. Warm the sauerkraut: In a small pan over medium heat, warm the sauerkraut for 3–4 minutes. Optional: Stir in a teaspoon of caraway seeds or a bit of mustard for flavor.
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5. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread mustard on both sides of the toasted rolls. Add the grilled kielbasa, pile on the sauerkraut, and top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
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6. Melt the cheese (optional): Place the assembled sandwiches on the grill or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
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7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Once the kielbasa is grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches.

Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard on the inside.

Place the grilled kielbasa in each roll, followed by a hearty scoop of sauerkraut.

Top it off with a slice of Swiss cheese, ensuring that each sandwich is packed with flavor.

Melt the Cheese and Serve

To achieve that gooey, melted cheese effect, close the sandwiches and return them to the grill for an additional 2-3 minutes.

This step allows the cheese to melt beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.

Once ready, remove the sandwiches from the grill and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve hot, and enjoy with a side of Dijon mustard for dipping!

Nutrition and Serving Suggestions

These grilled kielbasa sandwiches are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying meal option.

Each serving contains around 520 calories, with 20g of fat and 15g of protein, making them a hearty choice for lunch or dinner.

Pair these sandwiches with a light salad or some crispy potato chips for a complete meal that everyone will love.

These sandwiches are a meal on their own, but here are some great pairings:

• German potato salad or coleslaw
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• Dill pickles or pickled red onions
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• Grilled corn or sautéed peppers and onions
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• Potato chips or oven fries
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• A crisp pilsner or cold sparkling lemonade

Tips for the Best Grilled Kielbasa Sausage Sandwiches

Split the kielbasa lengthwise for more charred edges and even cooking. Always toast your buns—it helps prevent sogginess and adds great texture.

If your sauerkraut is too tangy, rinse it and pat it dry. For extra melty cheese, loosely cover the sandwiches on the grill or place them under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.

And don’t be afraid to mix up your mustard game—honey mustard, spicy brown, or even horseradish cream all work beautifully.

Storage & Warming Instructions

Storage: Store leftover kielbasa and toppings separately from buns to avoid sogginess. Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm kielbasa and sauerkraut in a skillet or microwave. Toast fresh rolls and assemble just before serving.

Freezing: Not recommended once assembled, but grilled kielbasa can be frozen for up to 2 months.