Easy Kielbasa Appetizer Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) (2024)

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Published on November 23, 2020 by Jamie Silva

This kielbasa recipe is my favorite appetizer of all time. I mean, I also love making guava bbq wings but that’s neither here nor there. I just love game day eats!

I’ve been making these kielbasa bites for years! What started as a little experiment has now turned into a delicious recipe… er obsession. This kielbasa appetizer isseriously addicting and SUPEReasy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Intense salty-sweet flavor! The cola and brown sugar mixed with the salty, smoky kielbasa sausage is the best combination of flavors!

Quick and easy appetizer recipe. Just 3 ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. You can serve it for dinner or as a snack.

Perfect for crowds. If you’re looking for a quick appetizer recipe for a potluck or a delicious snack for a large gathering, this will become your go-to recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only 3 ingredients!

Kielbasa. I use the Hillshire Farm® Beef Polska Kielbasa since it’s easy to find at any grocery store. Use whichever one you’d like! Most packaged kielbasa comes fully cooked/smoked.

Regular coca-cola. You can also use root beer or diet co*ke if that’s what you have on hand.

Brown sugar has molasses which is great for flavor and the caramelization of the kielbasa. YUM!

Recommended For This Recipe

Easy Kielbasa Appetizer Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) (2)

10 Inch Skillet

A 10-inch skillet perfect for cooking all kinds of dishes! It’s non-stick, with a wide flat bottom for frying, sautéing, or browning.

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Easy Kielbasa Appetizer Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) (3)

Slow Cooker

This 6 quart crockpot allows you to program your cook time and has a locking lid which is perfect for taking your dish to any get-together.

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Cooking Instructions

On The Stove (Recommended)

Brown the sausage. All packaged kielbasa comes fully cooked so all you can do is slice it and add them to a pan to brown. Make sure to slice them the same size, about 1/4-inch thick each, so they can cook evenly.

Add the cola and brown sugar. Once you have browned the sliced sausage, add the co*ke and brown sugar and bring to a boil.

Simmer. Once it starts boiling, immediately turn the heat down and simmer until caramelized.

In A Slow Cooker / Crockpot

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or LOW for 5-6 hours.

Easy Kielbasa Appetizer Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) (4)

Recipe Tips & Variations

Caramelization will take time. Since not all stoves are created equal, this recipe may take 10 minutes or 35 minutes. You need to eyeball the glaze to see when the brown sugar and co*ke mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You know your stove better than I do so use your best judgment here. The caramelization waiting time is really the hardest part of this recipe!

WARNING: Sugar gets hot! Be careful not to eat them too soon after you transfer them to a plate. They are definitelyhard to resist but you don’t want to burn your mouth (speaking from experience here).

Switch things up! Don’t have (or want to use) brown sugar + coca-cola? Use this variation instead and it’ll be just as delicious!
- 1.5 cups bbq sauce + 1/3 cup dijon mustard
- 1.5 cups bbq sauce + 1 cup mango jam

Want it spicy? Add 1/4 teaspoon (or more!) of chili powder or cayenne for some heat.

Add pineapple. Thread these glazed kielbasa bites with small pineapple chunks on toothpicks or co*cktail forks, and watch them disappear right before your eyes.

Make them for dinner. These brown sugar glazed kielbasa bites are a great appetizer idea however you can definitely serve them with white rice or yellow rice. Kielbasa and rice have never tasted so good!

Easy Kielbasa Appetizer Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!)

4.30 from 485 votes

By: Jamie Silva

This quick and easy kielbasa appetizer recipe is just 3 ingredients – kielbasa, brown sugar, and coca-cola. Learn how to make these brown sugar kielbasa bites in 2 ways – on the stove or in the slow cooker. I promise this become your go-to appetizer for holidays, dinner parties, or snack time. They are quite addictive!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Equipment

Nonstick skillet

Ingredients

2 lbs beef kielbasa cut into 1/2-inch slices
6 ounces coca-cola
1 cup brown sugar packed

Instructions

On The Stove (Recommended)

In a nonstick skillet, add sausage and brown over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes.Pour coca-cola and brown sugar into the skillet. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low.
Stir and simmer anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes. (All stoves are different. On my stove, it takes about 30 minutes for these to caramelize. I've made these at friends' houses and it has taken 10 minutes. You have to eyeball it. You know your stove better than I do. What you're looking for is a thick, caramelized consistency so keep stirring until it becomes a thick glaze.)
Once the cola and brown sugar mixture becomes a thick glaze over the sliced sausages, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer sausages to a plate and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. The sausages will be VERY HOT, please be careful. Enjoy!

In The Slow Cooker

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or LOW for 5-6 hours.

Notes

Variations

Replace the brown sugar + cola with 1 1/2 cups bbq sauce + 1/3 cup dijon mustard OR1 1/2 cups bbq sauce + 1 cup mango jam. It’ll be just as delicious!

Add 1/4 teaspoon (or more!) of chili powder or cayenne for some heat.

Thread these glazed kielbasa bites with small pineapple chunks on a toothpick and watch them disappear right before your eyes.

Serve them for dinner with white rice or yellow rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 245 kcalCarbohydrates: 16 gProtein: 8 gFat: 16 gSaturated Fat: 6 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2 gMonounsaturated Fat: 8 gCholesterol: 40 mgSodium: 501 mgPotassium: 153 mgSugar: 15 gVitamin C: 1 mgCalcium: 19 mgIron: 1 mg

Did You Make This?I want to know! below or tag @asassyspoon on social media!

JAMIE SILVA
Miami native, first-generation Cuban-American, and the founder, recipe developer, and food photographer behind A Sassy Spoon. Since 2016, Jamie has been developing recipes inspired by her rich Cuban heritage and Latin-inspired recipes influenced by her hometown of Miami.

This page may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the product links above and complete a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will never place a link or make a recommendation on a product or service that I don’t love or use personally. Thank you for your support. Please see myaffiliate noticefor details.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Leave a Rating and a Comment

ColleenCollect says
December 9, 2023 at 12:48 pm
If I make your kielbasa appetizer in the crockpot, should I brown the kielbasa in a skillet first?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 10, 2023 at 10:25 am
  You can, if you’d like. :)
  Reply
Marilyn says
October 19, 2023 at 1:36 pm
Looking forward to making it! But can you make it ahead of time and serve the next day?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  October 19, 2023 at 2:24 pm
  I don’t recommend that, to be honest, it is best served immediately. You can prep the kielbasa the day before but the full dish is best served hot off the stove! :)
  Reply
  See Also
  Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe Spicy Curry Ramen with Tofu and Veggies Recipe | Little Spice Jar 15 Amazing Autumn Salad Recipes | Gimme Some Oven Arabian Chicken Stew Recipe
Amanda says
October 2, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Any thoughts on how this might be with Dr. Pepper instead of co*ke?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  October 11, 2023 at 2:52 pm
  Try it! I think it could work. :)
  Reply
Lori says
December 29, 2022 at 1:23 pm
can I use this sauce over a mixture of homemade meatballs and little sausage weenies in the crock pot?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 29, 2022 at 3:38 pm
  Sure!
  Reply
Sindy Wiseman says
December 7, 2022 at 12:51 pm
On your variations, is the bbq sauce and jam in addition to the brown sugar or just the bbq sauce jam and kielbasa?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 7, 2022 at 1:33 pm
  No, it’s in place of! I updated the post so it’s more clear. Hope that helps!
  Reply
Sue says
September 11, 2022 at 8:28 am

I use 1 Tbsp of Dijon instead of co*ke. I’ve made so many times. They are a hit with any type of crowd.
Reply
Heather says
May 28, 2022 at 10:50 pm

Love co*ke Kielbasa!! This is a good recipe. I spice mine up with garlic and a little smoked paprika. I also sauté onions, mushrooms and quartered brussel sprouts. Serve these over rice and you have comfort in a bowl. My late husband introduced me to this dish so it holds a very special place in my heart.
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  May 29, 2022 at 11:30 am
  So happy you LOVED it, Heather!
  Reply
Jennifer says
November 26, 2021 at 3:25 pm

This is hands down one of my favorite things to eat. My family requests it for Thanksgiving every year. I love that it’s so simple to make too. The only thing I do differently is to add a little ginger for some extra spice.
Reply
Ashley says
December 29, 2020 at 7:51 pm

I made this recipe for a small family gathering & everyone loved them! So easy to whip up & the flavor is incredible! Could’ve eaten the whole batch myself!
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 29, 2020 at 7:53 pm
  Haha I don’t blame you! So happy you loved it!
  Reply
  - Brittany says
    February 23, 2021 at 6:13 pm
    I’m cooking this now and it is not thickening up? What do I do?
    Reply
    - Jamie Silva says
      February 23, 2021 at 11:05 pm
      Since not all stoves are created equal, sometimes you have to add a little bit more sugar or wait it out!
      Reply
Jess says
December 23, 2020 at 12:27 pm

Omg so easy to make and so sweet and tasty. Over some white rice and mmm its magnificent.
Reply
Stacey says
December 5, 2020 at 9:32 pm

I can’t wait to try this! I have some smoked sausage with a serious smoky flavor. I think it is called Roger Wood brand or something. I know it will pair with the sweetness wonderfully. I see a lot of comments about switching sodas. It is no problem. We used to use Sprite in a slow cooker pork recipe and swapped out Coca Cola many times. It is the syrup and sugar that makes it great!
Reply
Laurie says
October 18, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Can I reheat them
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  October 18, 2020 at 12:18 pm
  I’m sure you can but it won’t be as delicious as when served immediately after cooking.
  Reply
April Meyers says
September 21, 2020 at 12:51 am
Can I use regular sausage?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  September 21, 2020 at 12:45 pm
  Sure!
  Reply
maria furia says
February 2, 2020 at 2:40 pm

Love this recipe! Didn’t change a thing. Thank you!
Reply
See Also
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Crystal says
December 24, 2019 at 8:09 am

I have been making these for years with Vernors instead of co*ke. I believe Vernors is a Michigan thing, but it is just a gingerale (a little sweeter than Schweppes brand). They are delicious. I do know that if you use the crockpot, you cannot let them go for too long or at too high of temperature because they will burn up. Stovetop or electric skillet works best.
Reply
Deb says
December 18, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Can you use Diet co*ke?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 19, 2019 at 7:26 pm
  Yes!
  Reply
Rachel says
October 25, 2019 at 9:53 am
Light or dark brown sugar? Thanks!
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  October 27, 2019 at 4:54 pm
  Either one works!
  Reply
Jenn says
February 26, 2019 at 8:19 pm

This was delicious! I didn’t have Pepsi, so I substituted with root beer. Oh my goodness, I may not even try with Pepsi next time! It was so good with root beer! Easy, yet great tasting supper!
Reply
Edward Hatzidakis says
December 19, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Can I use uncooked Kielbasa? Boil till done then follow the recipe?
Reply
- Vanessa says
  July 30, 2021 at 8:45 pm
  
  Made this for dinner tonight over Jasmine rice with green beans on the side. It’s delicious. I used root beer (that’s what we had on hand) and this recipe will definitely be added to future meal plans!
  Reply
Barbara says
December 4, 2018 at 12:54 pm
I would like to prepare these before my party starts. Can they be reheated?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 4, 2018 at 3:44 pm
  Hi Barbara, I have always served these bites straight off the stove since they are best served immediately. You can try transferring them to a slow cooker to keep warm until your guests arrive but I can’t guarantee results. Try it out and report back! :)
  Reply
Evelyn says
May 26, 2018 at 4:52 pm
I’m thinking of making something similar for a bridal shower. Has anyone tried it with chunks of pineapple, onions and peppers? I think it will look nice with the different colors and served with rice. I will definitely also try it with the 3 ingredients for other occasions. It sounds so good and simple.
Reply
R. Dooley says
April 7, 2018 at 6:32 am

Yes, the slow cooker works but you don’t get the crunchy outside. I typically brown the meat in a skillet and then transfer it to the crock pot. I have cooked these several ways in the past and you really can’t go wrong. I call my version Candy meat. Also, the recipe should include the weight ratio for the meat and not one package. At my grocery store there are three different types of kielbasa and two different weight packages.
Reply
- Rena says
  May 17, 2018 at 6:54 pm
  I was wondering about the weight of the package also. I bought a pack from Costco and I’m sure it’s alot more than a “regular size” pack. Looking forward to trying this though!
  Reply
Linda Phipps says
April 4, 2018 at 10:29 am
Anyone have an update using the slow cooker?
Reply
Sandra Greenberg says
January 16, 2018 at 5:10 pm
Going to try this tonight. Had planned a different recipe but that one wouldn’t be ready in time. This sounds faster and just as good of not better than what I do in the Crock-Pot.
Typically I just slice thin throw in Crock-Pot and add a bottle of sweet baby Ray’s barbeque and brown sugar and let cook low and serve over rice.
I’m curious if anyone’s tried this recipe in Crock-Pot before. Saw a few who wanted to try but never updated it.
Thanks
Sandra
Reply
Vonnea Mickens says
January 5, 2018 at 1:38 pm

I made the 3 ingredient brown sugar glazed Kielbasa bites, but my kids love red kidney beans so I added the Kielbasa with the beans and it was out of this world.
Reply
Sue says
December 18, 2017 at 9:40 am

Made these last night for a party and everyone went bananas over them. Thank you!
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 18, 2017 at 11:15 am
  YAY! So happy to hear! :)
  Reply
kathy says
September 1, 2017 at 1:40 pm
I’d like to try these today, but not go to the grocery store! I only have diet co*ke. Would that work?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  September 3, 2017 at 7:27 pm
  Should work. Never tried it personally but try it and let me know! :)
  Reply
Beck says
August 15, 2017 at 11:52 am
What’s the best type of skillet to use for this? Cast iron, non-stick, stainless steel? I can’t wait to try them!
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  August 15, 2017 at 12:00 pm
  Hi Beck! Any non-stick skillet should work just fine. :)
  Reply
Jennifer says
August 14, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Can you make these ahead and freeze, then reheat
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  August 14, 2017 at 2:08 pm
  Hi Jennifer! I wouldn’t recommend that. These are best served right off the skillet. Hope that helps! :)
  Reply
Deborah says
August 3, 2017 at 9:08 pm
These sound delicious! Do you use already cooked Keilbasa?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  August 3, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  Hi Deborah! Yes, I believe most, if not all, Kielbasa sausages are fully cooked. All you have to do is cut them and heat them up with the brown sugar and co*ke. Hope that helps! :)
  Reply
  - John Melgun says
    July 9, 2018 at 2:10 pm
    I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but I intend to because it looks so good. Allow to me add that not ALL Kielbasa is cooked/smoked. There is such as thing as fresh (uncooked) kielbasa (I’m a Polack who was practically raised on it) which is cooked by simmering it VERY SLOWLY in a pot of water. Then it can be sliced into pieces and combined with kraut or eaten in a sandwich on seeded rye bread with horseradish….yummy. Just sayin.
    Reply
Sarah says
February 5, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Do you think it would be an equally delicious turnout if you used the slow cooker instead of the stove top?
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  February 5, 2017 at 2:20 pm
  Hi Sarah! I’ve never used the slow cooker so I couldn’t say. You are more than welcome to try it out and report back! Have fun! :)
  Reply
- Sharon says
  October 16, 2017 at 8:47 am
  Hi just wondering if anyone tried the slow cooker and if so how they turned out??
  Reply
  - J.T. says
    January 10, 2018 at 1:39 am
    I am trying it out in the slow cooker tonight and will let you know.
    Reply
    - Bri says
      December 16, 2018 at 8:50 pm
      How did these turn out in the slow cooker??
      Reply
- Diane says
  August 2, 2019 at 3:49 pm
  How much kielbasa is “one package”. We buy ours from a local butcher who makes it himself and it doesn’t come packaged.
  We tell him how many inches we want. Or we could specify weight.
  Reply
  - Jamie Silva says
    August 4, 2019 at 9:59 pm
    Hi Diane, I typically use 1 package of Hillshire Farm kielbasa for this recipe which is 12 ounces. Hope that helps!
    Reply
JANICE HOWARD says
February 2, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Is it ok to use Root Beer instead of Cola????? They look wonderful
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  February 2, 2017 at 6:29 pm
  Hi Janice! I’ve never tried it so I’m not sure if it would change the flavor or consistency. Try it and let me know how it turns out! Thank you! :)
  Reply
- Janice M Howard says
  February 6, 2017 at 2:13 pm
  
  Can I use root beer instead of Cola????
  Reply
  - Jamie Silva says
    February 6, 2017 at 2:15 pm
    Hi Janice! I’ve never tried it so I’m not sure if it would change the flavor or consistency. Try it and let me know how it turns out! Thank you! :)
    Reply
    - J.T. says
      January 10, 2018 at 1:41 am
      I’m using Dr. Pepper.
      Reply
      - J.T. says
        January 16, 2018 at 10:37 pm
        It worked out well and was not an overpowering taste but a slight taste of the Dr. Pepper, but definitely sweetened the taste of the Kielbasa, but that could have been the brown sugar as well.
Dorothy says
December 16, 2016 at 5:05 pm
I am totally making these on NYE!!
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 16, 2016 at 5:14 pm
  Yesss! They are so addictive, girl. My friends ask me to make these all the time and they disappear in seconds haha. Enjoy! Xo
  Reply

Easy Kielbasa Appetizer Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

How is kielbasa traditionally served? ›

Kielbasa comes in several types, including fresh, smoked, and dry. It's traditionally made from pork, though beef or a mix of meats can also be used. Integral to Eastern European culinary traditions, it frequently appears at significant celebrations and family meals, commonly paired with sauerkraut, bread, and mustard.

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What is the best way to cook kielbasa? ›

Poke the sausage a few times with a fork and place it in a pot or deep skillet. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat and simmer until heated through, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and serve it with mustard, slice it to serve with pierogis or place it in rolls or sandwiches.

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What do you have with kielbasa? ›

The best side dishes to serve with kielbasa are polenta, mac and cheese, applesauce, scalloped potatoes, green beans casserole, cabbage soup, potato salad, shepherd's pie, cauliflower cheese soup, fried onions, polish potato pancakes, bigos, cucumber salad, sauerkraut, coleslaw and grilled vegetables.

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Can you cook kielbasa in the oven? ›

Bake: Place kielbasa on a tray in a 375° oven for about 20 minutes. Then flip and bake for another 20 minutes. Grill: Place kielbasa on a hot grill for a total of 25 minutes, flipping often.

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What do Polish people eat with kielbasa? ›

Sour Foods

Sauerkraut is an obvious choice for a lot of people when smoky kielbasa is on the menu. This combination is steeped in tradition, but these flavors also just happen to go well together! The saltiness from the sausage and sourness from the fermented cabbage complement each other beautifully.

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What is the difference between kielbasa and kielbasa sausage? ›

That's because the term kielbasa translates to sausage. In Poland, the term kielbasa can be used to refer to breakfast links, spicy Italian sausage, and smoked sausage flavored with garlic and marjoram. However, in the United States, “Polish sausage” and “kielbasa” are often used to refer to the same type of sausage.

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What cheese goes well with kielbasa? ›

The pepper jack cheddar pairs well with kielbasa because of its robust garlic and herb profile.

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What's the best kind of kielbasa? ›

Kielbasa

Natural Hog Casings for Sausage. ...
Hungarian Brand Smoked Sausage, Gyulai Kolbasz", 2 Links per Pack. ...
Moskovskaya Sausage (Kielbasa) - 3 x 1.3 lb (avg weight) ...
Hillshire Farm Polska Kielbasa Smoked Sausage, 14 Oz. ...
Alex`s Meat Kielbasy Krestyanskie.

More items...

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What is the white stuff in kielbasa package? ›

Don't worry; it's supposed to be there! It is a penicillin-based mold similar to the white mold you will find on a fine cheese like a French Brie or Camembert. It's a natural part of the fermentation process of producing artisanal salumi, and the salami mold has its own flavor and flora.

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Is kielbasa healthy? ›

In moderation, kielbasa can be a part of a balanced diet. Its nutritional profile includes a good amount of protein and various vitamins and minerals. However, moderation is key, and your serving size and frequency of consumption play a major role due to its calorie, fat, and sodium content.

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Is store bought kielbasa already cooked? ›

Yes! All Kiolbassa Smoked Sausages are fully cooked – easy meal prep! Just warm or grill to your preferred eating temperature.

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Can you overcook kielbasa? ›

It will take you an average of anything between 20–25 minutes, which is not a relatively long cooking time. Overcooking or overheating the sausage past 160 °F will make the fat in the meat melt and evaporate, leaving the sausage less juicy or dry.

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Do you eat the casing on kielbasa? ›

Sausage casings hold and shape the meat and spices inside to keep it all contained. Johnsonville casings come in natural and synthetic varieties, all of which are edible. Basically, decasing a sausage gives you access to the meaty goodness inside, allowing you to use the ground meat for other recipe ideas.

Is kielbasa served hot or cold? ›

Fully cooked, natural casing kielbasa can be served cold, hot, boiled, baked or grilled and goes from skillet to table in just 15 minutes. Pair with sauerkraut, add to bean dishes, stews and casseroles, or just eat it with a knife and fork.

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What is the white stuff in kielbasa? ›

Don't worry; it's supposed to be there! It is a penicillin-based mold similar to the white mold you will find on a fine cheese like a French Brie or Camembert.

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Can you eat kielbasa by itself? ›

Kielbasa is a very versatile food. You can eat it from breakfast to dinner, alone or with a side dish.

Read The Full Story ›