Conventional Oven Heat oven to 375°F. Place sausage in pan. Add 1/4″ water to pan. Cover with foil. Heat 15-18 minutes until sausage reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
Roller Grill Preheat roller grill on high for 15 minutes. Turn to medium heat. Heat 14-16 minutes until sausage reaches internal temperature of 165°F. Turn roller grill down to low/hold setting.
Polish sausage, also known as kielbasa, is a type of smoked sausage that originated in Poland. It’s typically made with pork and sometimes beef, and seasoned with garlic, pimento, and cloves. Kielbasa has a distinctive garlicky, smoky flavor that makes it a popular choice for hearty meals and appetizers.
But is traditional Polish kielbasa gluten-free and safe to eat on a gluten-free diet? The answer is not always straightforward Keep reading to learn more about the gluten content of different types of Polish sausage, plus recommendations for brands that are certified gluten-free.
What Ingredients Are Typically in Polish Sausage?
Authentic kielbasa recipes call for just a few main ingredients:
- Pork and/or beef
- Garlic
- Salt
- Spices like marjoram, pimento, and cloves
Some types may also contain additional flavorings like smoked bacon or herbs
Traditional kielbasa does not contain wheat, rye, barley or malt – the main gluten-containing ingredients. So in its pure form, Polish sausage is naturally gluten-free.
However, many commercial brands add other ingredients that can introduce gluten into the final product. It pays to read labels carefully.
Potential Sources of Gluten in Polish Sausage
While pure pork kielbasa is gluten-free, many commercially made sausages include questionable ingredients:
Fillers Some brands use fillers like breadcrumbs or wheat flour to extend the meat. Fillers containing gluten grains are a no-go on a gluten-free diet
Flavors: Natural flavors, spice blends, broths and extracts may contain hidden gluten. Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the exact ingredients. When in doubt, contact the company to ask about their gluten-free status.
Preservatives: Ingredients like maltodextrin and dextrin are derived from starch and introduce gluten cross-contamination risks.
Curing salts: Some types of sausage contain curing salts with wheat-derived dextrose. But not all curing agents contain gluten. Nitrites from celery salt or sea salt are GF-friendly alternatives.
Smoking/Grilling: Sausages can pick up traces of gluten if they’re smoked or grilled over the same surfaces as gluten-containing foods. Proper cleaning between products is essential for avoiding cross-contamination.
Shared equipment: Even Polish sausages made with certified GF ingredients can get contaminated with gluten if made using shared equipment. Manufacturing processes must be strictly managed to avoid this.
The only way to know for sure that your kielbasa is gluten-free is to look for a trusted certification or verification.
How to Find Gluten-Free Certified Polish Sausage
With so many potential pitfalls, it pays to be choosy when selecting commercially made kielbasa. Here are a few tips:
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Check labels carefully. Avoid any sausage listing wheat, rye, barley or malt among the ingredients.
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Look for the gluten-free symbol. Products certified by GFCO or other independent certifiers are rigorously tested to be under 20 ppm of gluten. This is the most reliable indicator.
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Call the manufacturer. Ask specifically about their procedures for avoiding gluten cross-contact during processing and smoking.
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Stick to reputable GF brands. Companies that specialize in gluten-free and allergen-free foods typically have the highest standards.
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Shop at dedicated GF stores. Specialty grocers like Sprouts Farmers Market have strict protocols to avoid gluten contamination.
Recommended Brands of Gluten-Free Polish Sausage
Here are some excellent gluten-free verified options, so you can enjoy authentic kielbasa flavor safely:
Aidells
- Aidells Smoked Chicken Apple Sausage
- Aidells Smoked Chicken & Gruyere Cheese Sausage
Aidells sausages are certified gluten-free to less than 20 ppm. They’re made with all-natural ingredients and minimal processing.
Applegate
- Applegate Oinkless! Kielbasa
Applegate’s kielbasa contains no wheat, soy, dairy or artificial ingredients. The brand cross-tests their products to ensure no gluten.
Pederson’s Natural Farms
- Pederson’s Natural Farms Gluten Free Polska Kielbasa
This smoked kielbasa is made from pork, spices and a touch of dextrose. Pederson’s facility is dedicated gluten-free.
Wellshire Farms
- Wellshire Farms Polska Kielbasa
Wellshire Farms sausages are certified gluten-free and contain no artificial preservatives. Their kielbasa is deliciously smoked.
Zen of Slow Cooking
- Zen of Slow Cooking Kielbasa
These sausages are cured with celery powder, not wheat. Zen meats are processed gluten-free.
Bilinski’s
- Bilinski’s Smoked Turkey Kielbasa
Bilinski’s makes award-winning sausages free of gluten, dairy and preservatives. Their kielbasa is fully cooked.
Michigan Brand
- Michigan Brand Dearborn Sausage Company Smoked Kielbasa
Michigan Brand holds a gluten-free certification for their smoked kielbasa and other sausages.
Johnsonville
- Johnsonville Chicken Apple Sausage
Johnsonville’s kielbasa-style chicken sausage is gluten-free and ready to heat. It makes a quick weeknight dinner.
Jennie-O
- Jennie-O Oven Ready Polish Sausage
These sausages contain turkey, water, salt and spices. Jennie-O verifies their gluten-free status.
Tips for Enjoying Polish Sausage on a Gluten-Free Diet
Once you’ve selected a reputable gluten-free kielbasa brand, what’s the best way to eat and serve it? Here are some suggestions:
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Grill or pan fry slices to add smoky, savory flavor to potato and veggie hash.
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Mix bite-size pieces into your favorite gluten-free pasta dish or frittata.
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Serve sliced kielbasa with crunchy raw vegetables for an easy appetizer platter.
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Bake a seasoned kielbasa loaf and slice to make gluten-free sandwiches or subs.
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Add chopped kielbasa to soups, stews, baked beans or casseroles to infuse hearty flavor.
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Stuff halved kielbasa links with cheese and bake until melted for a delicious, portable snack.
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Cook diced kielbasa with shredded potatoes and veggies for a simple breakfast hash.
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For a gluten-free twist on pigs in a blanket, wrap kielbasa slices in GF dough or puff pastry and bake.
With so many uses, Polish sausage can add its signature bold, smoky aroma to all kinds of gluten-free meals. Just be vigilant about reading labels and verifying gluten-free status before purchasing any brand of kielbasa.
The Takeaway on Gluten-Free Polish Sausage
Polish kielbasa is a flavorful type of smoked sausage that originally contains no gluten ingredients. However, many commercial versions introduce gluten through fillers, flavorings, curing agents and manufacturing processes. To enjoy authentic Polish sausage safely on a gluten-free diet:
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Review all product labels carefully before purchasing.
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Look for reputable brands with independent GF certification.
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Contact manufacturers to ask about gluten cross-contamination risks.
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Stick to brands that specifically market themselves as gluten-free.
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Grill, pan fry, bake or add kielbasa to soups, stews and casseroles.
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Store opened packages in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.
With the right gluten-free verified Polish sausage, you can continue to enjoy the unique smoky, garlicky flavor of kielbasa on a gluten-free diet. Dig in!
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More about this item
The goal of all Hillshire Farm® products is to give operators and their customers only the best. We do this by using only the best cuts of meat and carrying on our long tradition of hand-craftsmanship in everything we make. The taste of Hillshire Farm® Polska Kielbasa Rope is rich and unique, thanks to a special mix of garlic, spices, and hardwood smoke.
- Made with 100% USDA-inspected meat.
- Save time and work by having it already cooked; just heat it up and serve.
- Made with natural shells that keep the flavors and juices inside.
- Gluten Free.
- No MSG.
Ingredients in the meat mixture (pork and beef), water, corn syrup, and 2% or less of the following: dextrose, granulated garlic, natural flavors, oat fiber, pork flavor (pork stock, flavor, and salt), salt, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite, sodium phosphate, and yeast extract.
WildFit Friendly, Gluten-Free Green Beans, Cabbage & Polish Sausage
FAQ
Is there gluten in kielbasa?
What is Polish sausage made of?
How do you know if sausage is gluten free?
Is sausage gluten-free?
Sausage is usually gluten-free and made without gluten-containing ingredients, but they often are made and packaged in facilities that are not up to standards when it comes to the FDA “gluten-free” regulations. This means your sausage could be cross-contaminated with gluten, making it unsafe for those particularly sensitive to gluten.
Do sausage brands meet FDA standards for ‘gluten-free’?
Sausage brands that do meet FDA standards for “gluten-free” include: These companies test their products for gluten cross-contamination, and some certify products gluten-free, which means they test far lower than the minimum FDA gluten-free standard of fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Are Jones Dairy Farm sausages gluten-free?
If you’re particularly sensitive to trace gluten, you might want to stick with Jones Dairy Farm sausage, which is certified gluten-free, or with one of the other companies that specifically guarantee products are gluten-free. Companies that don’t make anything with gluten ingredients might also be good bets.
Can you eat Italian sausage if you’re gluten-free?
Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Stir-Fry: Use gluten-free Italian sausages, such as Hatfield’s sweet Italian sausage, sliced bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry them together in olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve over a bed of gluten-free pasta or rice.