Difference between: sausage and kielbasa (and bratwurst)

Sausage, kielbasa, and bratwurst. I truly love all three very, very much. Let’s find out the distinctions between them.

Do keep in mind there are other sausages out there, I’m just concentrating on the top three here.

Sausage:

  • Is a seasoned minced meat mixture contained in casings or molded into certain shapes.
  • Pork is the most common meat used.
  • Other meats that can be used: beef, lamb, veal, turkey, chicken, or game meat.
  • Can be sold fresh, cured, or pre-cooked.
  • “Sausage” is a very broad title.

Kielbasa:

  • Also known as kielbasy or Polish sausage.
  • Is commonly made of pork, or a combination of pork and beef.
  • Has a strong garlic flavor, along with pimentos, cloves, or marjoram.
  • Is often paired with sauerkraut.
  • Is either unsmoked or lightly smoked.
  • Although kielbasa is a specific sausage, there are also different kielbasas.

Bratwurst:

  • Is German sausage.
  • Is also known as a “brat.”
  • Is usually made with pork and veal; beef can also be used.
  • Can be seasoned with a variety of spices, although usually with subtle flavors.
  • Seasonings can include caraway seeds, coriander, ginger, or nutmeg.
  • Can be prepared sauteed, broiled, or grilled.

Basically, sausage, kielbasa, and bratwurst are all in fact sausages, with their differences lying primarily in the herbs and spices used for flavoring.