Slow Cooker Reuben Kielbasa and Kraut Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly different texture, you can briefly sear the kielbasa coins in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a bit of extra color and depth to the flavor, though it is entirely optional. If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is hot and the sausage is only lightly browned, as it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. This extra step can enhance the overall presentation of the dish if you are serving it for a special occasion.

If you find the sauce is slightly too thick after cooking, you can stir in a small splash of water or additional dressing to adjust the consistency to your liking. However, be careful not to add too much, as the moisture from the sauerkraut usually provides enough liquid.

Always stir gently to avoid breaking up the kielbasa coins. These small adjustments can help tailor the final consistency of the sauce to your personal preference without compromising the integrity of the dish.

Variations

• Spicy Reuben Kielbasa: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the Thousand Island dressing before layering. This provides a subtle heat that complements the tangy sauerkraut and rich Swiss cheese.
• Vegetable-Enhanced Reuben: Include a layer of thinly sliced onions or caraway-seasoned cabbage at the bottom of the slow cooker along with the kielbasa. This adds extra texture and depth to the dish without overpowering the core flavors.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the cheese and kraut may change.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot throughout, about 160°F (71°C). Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge. Properly stored, the dish will maintain its quality for up to three days.

When reheating, ensure it is heated until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain food safety standards. Avoid leaving the container in the temperature danger zone for extended periods to preserve the quality and safety of the meal.

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Slice the kielbasa and store it in a container, and keep the sauerkraut and cheese ready. When you are ready to cook, simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and start the cooking cycle. This approach saves time on the day of cooking without affecting the final result, making it a great option for meal planning during a busy work week.

Serving ideas

Serve the Reuben kielbasa hot directly from the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving platter. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty rye bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.

The creamy sauce is the highlight, so ensure each serving includes a generous portion of the kraut and cheese mixture spooned over the kielbasa coins. This dish is hearty enough to be the main course for a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner.

For a complete presentation, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or caraway seeds over the top before serving to add a pop of color and an earthy aroma. The contrast between the warm, savory kielbasa and the tangy sauerkraut makes it a crowd-pleaser that requires very little effort to plate beautifully.

Whether serving it on its own or alongside your favorite sides, this dish is sure to be a hit. Keep the serving temperature warm to ensure the cheese remains perfectly melted and creamy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Reuben Kielbasa and Kraut

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs kielbasa, sliced into thick coins
• 32 oz sauerkraut, drained
• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa coins into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are distributed in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to remove excess brine. Pile the sauerkraut on top of the kielbasa layer, spreading it out to cover the sausage completely.
3. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut. Spoon the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese layer to ensure every bite is flavorful.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. The dish is done when the kielbasa reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

1250 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.