Christmas Eve Kielbasa: A Family Tradition

Every Christmas Eve, my mother would make this kielbasa dish, and it quickly became a cherished tradition in our family. The aroma of the sweet mustard sauce filling the kitchen is one of my fondest holiday memories.

I’ve continued this tradition, and now it’s always requested by my own family—though I must admit, I don’t always wait until Christmas to make it!

If you prefer, you can swap out the kielbasa for smoked sausage, and feel free to play around with the flavors and spiciness of the sauce by experimenting with different types and amounts of mustard. This dish is as versatile as it is beloved, making it a perfect addition to any family gathering.

Christmas Eve Kielbasa: A Family Tradition

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Keyword: kielbasa, sausage

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs kielbasa, sliced on a bias or substitute with smoked sausage
• ½ C light brown sugar
• ¼ C honey or substitute with molasses for a richer sweetness
• ¼ C water
• ¼ C yellow mustard
• splash orange juice (optional)

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

  In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and mustard. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

  If you wanted a thicker glaze, reduce the water.
• Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Sausage

  Slice the sausage on a diagonal into ¼" to ½" slices. I prefer the thinner slices because they caramelize and crisp up nicely during cooking, adding a fantastic texture when glazed afterwards.

  In a large non-stick skillet, cook the sausage slices over medium-high heat until they’re heated through and the edges are crispy. There’s no need to add oil or butter—the fat from the sausage will usually keep the meat from sticking. However, if you notice too much fat accumulating in the pan, drain some of it off to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent the sausage from crisping up properly.

  Note: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the pan. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the sausage in batches to ensure each slice gets that perfect caramelized finish.
  
• Step 3: Glaze the Sausages

  Once the sausages are cooked and crispy, pour the prepared glaze over them in the skillet. Stir well to ensure each slice is thoroughly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.

  You can serve the sausages just like this—perfectly glazed and ready to enjoy. But if you want an extra sticky finish, transfer the glazed sausages to an oven-proof dish and place them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes. This quick bake will allow the glaze to thicken and cling to the sausage slices, giving them an irresistible, sticky texture.

Notes

 

Customize the Glaze

If you prefer a thinner sauce without altering the flavor, simply add a little water to the glaze until you reach your desired consistency. This allows you to adjust the texture while keeping that delicious sweet and tangy balance intact.

For a fruity twist, try swapping out the honey for peach or apricot preserves. This adds a subtle, fruity depth to the glaze that pairs beautifully with the savory sausage. 

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