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    Home » Ethnic Inspired Recipes » German Inspired Recipes

    Published: Sep 12, 2019 · Modified: Aug 24, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    German Knockwurst Sausage Sandwich

    Jump to Recipe

    This copycat German Knockwurst Sausage Sandwich is my version of a terrific sausage sandwich I'd had while on vacation in Northern Wisconsin.

    An open face German knockwurst sandwich with melted cheese and sauerkraut on a tray with chips.

    I loved the German sausage sandwich I had SO much, I had it twice during the six days we were on vacation.

    And after that first bite, I knew I wanted to replicate it as soon as possible when we got home...so I did!

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. IT'S FREE!! Thanks, and I can't wait to see you there!!

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredients list:
    • What if I don't have, or don't like knockwurst? Can I substitute another type of sausage?
    • My local grocery store doesn't carry knockwurst. Where can I purchase it?
    • What if I don't like sauerkraut? What then?
    • Additional German inspired recipes:
    • What is the difference between a knockwurst and a hot dog?
    • What is the difference between knockwurst and bratwurst?
    • What is the difference between knockwurst and knackwurst?
    • How to make this recipe:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    My Kudos Kitchen copycat version of their knockwurst sandwich is just as delicious as I remember the original sandwich tasting, and now I can eat one whenever I want, without having to travel 6 hours to get one!! 

    Enjoy the delicious TASTE OF GERMANY delivered straight to your home!

    Vertical title text collage image of a knockwurst sandwich with melted Muenster cheese and sauerkraut.

    The ingredients list:

    **Note - The following list of ingredients contains affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience.

    • Knockwurst Sausage
    • Pretzel Buns
    • Butter
    • Garlic Powder
    • Sauerkraut
    • Muenster Cheese Slices
    • Mayonnaise
    • Ketchup
    • Sweet Relish
    • Prepared Horseradish
    • Smoked Paprika
    • Black Pepper

    Below is the photo I took at the Northern Wisconsin Pub (Otto's Beer and Brat Garden) of the knockwurst sandwich I had had.

    I don't always take photos of my food at restaurants unless I'm on vacation, or unless it's something I want to try and recreate.

    This time, this sandwich ticked both of those boxes!

    In the following photo from Otto's, you'll notice they served their sandwich with super crispy kettle chips, and a side of thousand islands dressing.

    I wanted to mimic the entire gastronomic experience, so I did the same. Sadly, I forgot the pickle spear. 🙁

    Overhead photo of a Knockwurst sandwich on a pretzel roll.

    Below is my Kudos Kitchen knockwurst sausage sandwich version.

    German sausage sandwich on a tray with a German vase in the background with pinecones.

    What if I don't have, or don't like knockwurst? Can I substitute another type of sausage?

    • By all means, substitute any type of sausage you like. Bratwurst, smoked sausage, Polish sausage, and even hot dogs would be a great substitution.
    • I suggest, however, if using bratwurst to cook it first, slice it lengthwise and then pan fry it to get the maximum flavor, just like with the knockwurst.

    My local grocery store doesn't carry knockwurst. Where can I purchase it?

    I purchased mine at our local butcher shop but sadly, they don't ship.

    You can, however, purchase knockwurst sausage through Amazon.com. I'm leaving the affiliate link in the ingredient list.

    What if I don't like sauerkraut? What then?

    Well, since this sandwich is all about Oktoberfest, I would suggest you only add a tiny bit, and then get over it. Just kidding (sort of).

    OR, what about using coleslaw as a substitution? It will be a completely different sandwich as far as taste, but still tasty none the less!

    Additional German inspired recipes:

    *German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) - (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen "A yeasted cake with a beautiful texture, fantastic honey flavor (hence the name), a beautifully caramelized almond topping, not to mention a thick, creamy vanilla filling. It’s honestly the best cake I think I’ve ever made, and it’s a recipe I’m super excited to share it with you!"

    Vertical closeup image of a German bee sting cake with honeyed almonds and a cream filling on a glass cake stand.

    *Homemade German Pretzels from West Via Midwest

    *German Onion Soup with Bratwurst (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen "German Onion Soup has plenty of caramelized onions, beer, bratwurst and pretzel roll croutons which will soon become a family favorite! Surprise! I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming."

    Save this for later.

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    A bowl of German onion soup with cheese on top and a glass of beer in the background.

    *Rye Sourdough Spaetzle from The Good Hearted Woman

    *German Meatballs with Caraway Cream Mushroom Sauce (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen "My love of German flavors and ingredients was the original inspiration for this dish of Hearty German Meatballs with Caraway Mushroom Cream Sauce. It’s a delicious comfort-food recipe, with a German twist."

    Closeup vertical photo of a bowl of German meatballs with a large spoon and parsley.

    *German Onion Pie from An Affair from the Heart

    *Slow Cooker German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen "Nothing speaks to the flavors of a German dinner more than pork and sauerkraut. This easy recipe for German Pork Ribs with Sauerkraut for the slow cooker brings the family to the dinner table with a minimum of effort."

    Closeup photo of a bowl of German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut with carrots and mushrooms

    *German Brat Bites (pictured below and the featured video) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen "Easy Bratwurst Bites Wrapped in Crescent Dough with Sauerkraut Dipping Sauce are just the thing to serve during a party or for tailgating. They’re also super simple to make and everybody loves them!"

    Overhead photo of a tray of bratwurst bites wrapped with crescent rolls and topped with poppy seeds.

    *German Knockwurst Sandwich (pictured below)...This is the place!

    A pretzel roll with sausage, sauerkraut and Muenster cheese sandwich.

    What is the difference between a knockwurst and a hot dog?

    They're actually very similar except that a knockwurst is sometimes shorter in length and wider in width.

    Knockwurst is also typically made with better cuts of meat than your standard run-of-the-mill hot dog.

    What is the difference between knockwurst and bratwurst?

    Knockwurst is made mainly out of pork and veal and is heavily flavored with garlic.

    Bratwurst is made out of pork and beef and without the garlic.

    What is the difference between knockwurst and knackwurst?

    Only the spelling! LOL 😉

    Overhead photo of a knockwurst sausage recipe on a pretzel roll with melted cheese, sauerkraut, chips, and sauce.

    How to make this recipe:

    • In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, prepared horseradish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Chill until ready to serve.
    How to make homemade 1000 islands dressing. - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com
    • Butter both sides of pretzel rolls and sprinkle with garlic powder.
    • Bake the rolls in a preheated 350-degree oven until crisp. Approximately 10 minutes. Set aside.
    • Slice the knockwurst sausage in half lengthwise and fry them in a skillet with until browned on both sides.
    • Remove the skin from the sausage after cooking.
    How to make Knockwurst Sandwich photo tutorial. - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com
    • Place sliced Munster cheese on the bottom buttered bun.
    • Top with 2 browned sausage halves, and a liberal helping of sauerkraut.
    • Top with additional Munster cheese and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese has melted.
    • Top the sandwich with the pretzel roll top, and serve with the 1000 islands dressing, and chips if desired.
    How to make Knockwurst Sandwich photo tutorial. - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com
    How to make Knockwurst Sandwich photo tutorial. - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com
    Closeup photo of a knockwurst sausage sandwich with sauerkraut and melted cheese on a pretzel roll.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    Knockwurst Sausage Sandwich on a pretzel roll with a side sauce and chips.

    German Knockwurst Sausage Sandwich

    Renee Goerger
    Fried German Knockwurst Sausage Sandwich is topped with melted cheese, sauerkraut, and a zippy horseradish sauce and then served on a garlic toasted pretzel roll.
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course dinner, dinner - sandwich, lunch, lunch - sandwich
    Cuisine German Cuisine
    Servings 4 sandwiches
    Calories 758 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large Skillet
    • Mixing Bowls
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • whisk
    • wooden spoon
    • baking sheet
    • parchment paper
    • cooling rack optional
    • oven gloves
    • kitchen timer optional
    • 5 inch Serrated Knife

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the German sausage sandwich:

    • 4 knockwurst cut in half lengthwise
    • 4 pretzel rolls
    • 4 tablespoons butter softened
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 cup sauerkraut
    • 8 slices Muenster cheese
    • ½ cup mayonnaise

    To make the 1000 islands sauce:

    • 3 tablespoons ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
    • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • pinch black pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    To make the 1000 islands sauce:

    • In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, horseradish, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

    To prepare the sausage sandwich:

    • Spread the softened butter on both cut sides of the pretzel rolls and sprinkle with garlic powder.
      Bake in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven (175 degrees Celsius) until golden and crispy (approximately 7 - 10 minutes, watching carefully). Remove.
    • Cut the sausages in half lengthwise. Remove the outer casing from the sausage.
    • In a large skillet, brown the cut sausages on both sides.
    • Place one slice of muenster cheese on the bottom bun, top with 2 cooked sausage halves, sauerkraut, and another slice of cheese.
    • Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until the cheese is melted.
    • Add the top bun and serve hot along with the prepared 1000 sauce for spreading, or dipping.

    Notes

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 758kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 22gFat: 69gSaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 1733mgPotassium: 353mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1330IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 423mgIron: 2mg

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's German knockwurst sausage sandwich as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Vertical image of a knockwurst sausage sandwich on a tray with sauce in the foreground and a German figurine in the background.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    More German Inspired Recipes

    • A cooked and crumbled bratwurst gravy over a baked potato on a plate with peas.
      Bratwurst and Gravy Baked Potato
    • A cute cup with gingerbread men filled with gingerbread ice cream and a chocolate cookie.
      No-Churn Gingerbread Ice Cream
    • A golden serving spoon in a large white bowl filled with Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage.
      Oma's Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
    • Soft Pretzel Rods sprinkled with everything seasoning along with a dish of mustard.
      Soft Pretzel Rods (No-Boil Method)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.28 from 11 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    1. Nancy says

      August 03, 2020 at 6:36 pm

      I used bottled 1000 island dressing and havarti cheese and cooked entirely on the grill. So delicious!! Will definitely make again!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 03, 2020 at 8:51 pm

        That sounds incredible!! I’d like one right now, Nancy!

        Reply
    2. Beth says

      September 12, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is a mouthwatering post from beginning to end!! It just got bumped to the top of my "must try" list!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 12, 2019 at 12:51 pm

        Good call, Beth! It's a winner for sure. Enjoy!
        Renee

        Reply
    3. Cindy says

      September 12, 2019 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      I'm so pumped for Oktoberfest, but I've never had knockwurst before. What type of sausage is it exactly tysm

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 12, 2019 at 12:03 pm

        Hi, Cindy!
        A knockwurst is like a shorter, fatter hot dog but with better cuts of meat...and garlic!!
        Happy Oktoberfest. Enjoy!
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Sam says

      October 31, 2018 at 3:27 pm

      I just tried this recipe over the weekend and I was SO happy with it!!!! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 05, 2018 at 7:51 am

        That is wonderful. Thanks so much for letting me know!
        Have a great day!

        Reply
    5. Miranda says

      October 26, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      WOW this looks amazing!! I don't know what I'm more excited about: that cheese or the pretzel bun!! I can't wait to try it out. Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 26, 2018 at 5:32 pm

        I know you'll love this sandwich, Miranda. Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      September 20, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      OMG! I need to give this a try!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2018 at 11:53 am

        You honestly do, Toni! I have no doubt you're going to fall in love with it!

        Reply
    7. Amy Nash says

      September 19, 2018 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Now this is my kind of sandwich! I'm going to try it with bratwurst since I happen to have some in the fridge (along with sauerkraut, because of course!) but I will start looking for knockwurst too next time I'm at the store!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2018 at 10:23 am

        Brats will work wonderfully well. I'm going to use them next time, too.
        Enjoy the sandwich!!

        Reply
    8. Marjory says

      September 18, 2018 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      Love this festive sandwich...perfect for an Oktoberfest celebration!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 18, 2018 at 4:58 pm

        Thanks so much, Marjory! I'm so happy you like it!!

        Reply
    9. diane says

      September 17, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      Can't wait to try these amazing sandwiches, they're beyond delicious! And LOVE the pretzel rolls. YUM.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 17, 2018 at 4:04 pm

        I'm anxious for you to try them too. If you're like me, you'll be hooked! Enjoy!

        Reply
    10. Justine Howell says

      September 16, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      I have such fond memories of Oktoberfest with my Gpa, gonna make this this weekend, love the pretzel style bun idea too!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 17, 2018 at 7:12 am

        I know you're going to love this sandwich, Justine. Enjoy, and happy Oktoberfest!! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Dini says

      September 16, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      Holy cow, this sandwich looks phenomenal! I loooove knockwurst, and the flavors here sound amazing. It looks really hearty and scrumptious, I'm excited to try this one!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 17, 2018 at 7:13 am

        Thanks, Dini! Hearty is a good way to describe this sandwich 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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