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Haluski and Kielbasa, cabbage and noodles, is a super easy dinner made with buttery egg noodles, fried cabbage and smoked sausage. Pittsburgh comfort food!

haluski and kielbasa, fried cabbage with noodles and smoked sausage in a white dutch oven

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.