What Is Knackwurst sausage and How Can I Use It?
Here's everything worth knowing about knackwurst sausage and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 5 recipes to cook tonight.
Key Points
- Short, plump smoked German sausage of beef and pork, heavy on garlic, with a snappy casing.
- Already cooked; simmer gently about 10 minutes, never a hard boil that bursts the skin.
- Classic with sauerkraut, mustard, and potatoes; swap with bratwurst or an all-beef frankfurter.
What is knackwurst sausage?
Knackwurst is a short, plump German sausage, fatter and stubbier than a hot dog, made from finely ground beef and pork with a heavy hand of garlic. The name comes from the "knack," the audible snap of its taut casing when you bite in.
It is smoked and pre-cooked, so it only needs heating. Simmering or grilling both bring it up to temperature and crisp the skin.
This is classic beer-garden food. It belongs with sauerkraut, mustard, and potatoes, the trio you see in Crockpot Knockwurst & Cabbage and Octoberfest Sausage Dinner.
Cooking and Swaps
Simmer it gently in water or beer for about 10 minutes to heat through without splitting the casing. A hard rolling boil bursts the skin and you lose the snap and the juices.
For grill marks, finish a simmered link over medium heat just until the casing blisters and snaps. It also slices into soups and braises like Knakworst with Leeks, where it perfumes the broth with garlic.
To substitute, use bratwurst or a good all-beef frankfurter, accepting a bit less garlic. Kielbasa stands in when you want a smokier, firmer bite.
Quick facts
- In Chinese
- knackwurst香肠
- British (UK) term
- Knackwurst sausage
- en français
- saucisses knackwurst
- en español
- salchicha knackwurst
Recipes using knackwurst sausage
There are 5 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Crockpot Knockwurst & Cabbage
If you're looking for something new, try this succulent dish that will make you glad you have a crockpot in your kitchen.
Octoberfest Sausage Dinner
This belly filling one dish meal is perfect for Octoberfest or a cool fall or winter day. It is sure to warm the belly.
Knakworst with Leeks
Dutch-style knakworst with sauteed leeks, onion, ginger, apple juice, and vinegar. A quick skillet supper rooted in Netherlands home cooking, ready in 20 minutes.
Brown Rice Stew
Microwave brown rice stew with knackwurst sausage, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and Italian herbs. A one-pot weeknight dinner that cooks entirely in the microwave in about an hour.
Acetaria (Romulan Legume Salad)
Acetaria: hearty four-bean salad with knackwurst, scallions, and a sharp garlic-parsley vinaigrette. The Romulan-style legume side from Star Trek lore, served chilled.
