Haluski and Kielbasa, cabbage and noodles, is a super easy dinner made with buttery egg noodles, fried cabbage and smoked sausage. Pittsburgh comfort food!
This easy recipe for fried cabbage and noodles is comfort food, plain and simple! If you're from Pittsburgh or related to someone from the 'Burgh or you've ever been to the 'Burgh, chances are good that you've had haluski!
I originally published this recipe way back in 2013 and again in 2015. I've updated it for new pictures and instructions as of February 2020.
What is Haluski
Haluski is basically just chopped cabbage or strips of cabbage pan fried with onions and egg noodles in butter. Lots of butter!
Some people start out with bacon and use the grease instead of butter. Sometimes, I'll use olive oil, but I never leave out the butter!
My family is from Pittsburgh, and I grew up eating haluski. Since adding meat is optional, we usually saved it as a meatless meal for Holy Supper at Christmas Eve or during Lent. Next to homemade pierogi, this is hands-down my favorite family recipe!
Traditional Slovak, Polish, Ukrainian Recipe
Like so many ethnic recipes, the origin of haluski is debatable. Some say it's Slovak, some say Polish, Ukrainian, Russian or Rusyn.
Traditional Slovak haluski or halusky is made with homemade noodles or dumplings. My grandma and mom usually used egg noodles, and that's what I use today.
I guess you can call this traditional Pittsburgh version. But, you definitely do not have to be from Pittsburgh or Eastern Europe to enjoy fried cabbage and noodles!
How to Make Haluski with Kielbasa
Fried noodles and cabbage is super easy to prepare. Just fry up some onions in lots of butter, or olive oil.
Then, add your sliced kielbasa. Cook until it's just starting to brown, then remove and set aside.
Add your cut cabbage, and cook until it starts to get soft. You'll be surprised how fast cabbage cooks down, so don't worry if it seems like there's too much!
I like to leave the cabbage on the crunchy side. But, you can cook it longer if you want it softer.
Now, it's time for the egg noodles. You can cook them ahead of time and use the same large pot to fry the noodles and cabbage. Sometimes, I use my Instant Pot to cook the noodles -- whatever works!
Add butter as you cook the noodles, then add the kielbasa back in. I have to confess that I use a LOT of butter when I make haluski -- like a whole stick.
Sometimes, I'll mix in some olive oil if I need more, and this just keeps the noodles from getting dry and makes a nice sauce, along with the onion.
What to Serve with Haluski
Traditionally, it's a meatless meal, although my grandma and mom always served fish or fish sticks on the side. Kielbasa, of course, goes very well with noodles and cabbage.
We also add sour cream or cottage cheese. Don't knock it -- this is actually a very tasty combo! You can also add some peas and serve Polish or Russian rye bread on the side.
Haluski and Kielbasa (Cabbage and Noodles) Recipe
Recipe
Haluski and Kielbasa (Cabbage and Noodles)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- ½ cup Butter for frying 1 stick
- 1 yellow or white onion chopped
- 1 pound kielbasa cut into thin slices
- 1 Head of cabbage washed and roughly chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the egg noodles in salted water until just al dente, drain, rinse and set aside.
- In a large frying pan or Dutch oven, melt 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or oil, and cook onions until soft.
- Add the kielbasa, and cook until just browned. Remove to a plate, cover, and set aside
- Add the cabbage, and cook until slightly soft.
- Mix in the egg noodles, adding butter as you go, and cook until warm and heated through. Stir in cooked kielbasa, and add more butter, if needed
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
Variations on Cabbage and Noodles
If you have an Instant Pot, try making Instant Pot Cabbage and Noodles. Cutting out carbs? Try Fried Kielbasa and Cabbage without the noodles!
Robyn says
I am also from Pittsburgh and grew up on halusky. We l9ve it. I make mine with bacon and serve sour cream on the side. Very delicious. I lived in Mississippi for a awhile and made halusky and perogies for some friends and they just loved it. They couldn't get enough of it. I'm making it on Sunday for dinner for my husband and myself.
Dee says
I love the idea of adding bacon!
Eileen says
This was so easy, simple and delicious and we loved it! I was worried it would be too simple, but it was perfect and a hit. Thanks for the great recipe!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Eileen. I'm glad you liked the haluski!
Sue Clements says
I made the haluski and kielbasa for supper tonight. Absolutely delicious! Recipe was easy to follow. I will definitely make again. 😋
Dee says
So glad you liked it, Sue. Thank you!
Jim says
Made this for a quick dinner tonight. Yummy and the kids loved it too!
Jonathan says
Delicious! Reminds me of what my grandmother made growing up!
Jim says
Made this last night and how simple it was. Working on making more traditional family foods. Served it with the pierogis we made form this site as well!
Dee says
Haluski is super simple! Thank you so much!
Monica says
This is a great recipe! I made it for dinner tonight and there are no leftovers! It’s so tasty and flavorful—even my picky eater ate it without a problem! I’ll definitely be making this again!
Dee says
Thanks a bunch, Monica! I'm glad you liked the haluski!
Laurie says
Making Haluski tonight and adding kielbasa. I am from Pittsburgh originally, and live in IL now. I turned many people into kielbasa lovers!!! Cabbage is great to snack on too.
Dee says
I need to make it again soon -- my family loves haluski! 🙂
Martha says
This sounds delicious! Will try it next time I make cabbage.
LeAnn says
I fry bacon and use the bacon grease instead of butter then add the cooked bacon with the kielbasa
Dee says
I believe that's how my grandparents used to make it, and it probably tastes wonderful with the bacon!
Miz Helen says
Hi Dee,
I just love this combination, a great recipe. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Dee M says
Onion gravy sounds wonderful, and I'm so glad to meet another butter lover! 🙂
Jenny DiOrio says
I LOVE Haluski! I like to make it with kielbasa as well and then make a quick onion gravy and eat the pairing like "bangers and mash" would be eaten, just using the Haluski as the mash. A bit odd I know, but so yummy! I too can be accused of using too much butter, but what's Haluski without it! I'm going to try your recipe this weekend!
Dee M says
Ha ha. Everyone's different -- my husband loves noodles, and at first he wasn't sure about this combo, but now he loves it! Your dinner sounds delicious! 🙂
Carol says
This sounds really good to me, but The Man is not fond of noodles. How weird is that? One of our favorite meals (and definitely easy enough for him to make) is kielbasa or Polish sausage, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. Had it last night!
CJ says
we love the same thing but we also have black eyed peas with it - was served this way in a South Dakota restaurant - lots of Germans and Norwegians there. CJ
Dee says
I've never heard of that, but it sounds good to me! 🙂