How to Cook Knackwurst: A Guide to Germany’s Traditional Smoked Sausage

Few things capture the essence of a traditional European kitchen quite like a perfectly cooked Wienerle. At Eve Smallgoods, our Smoked Continental Franks (Wienerle) are crafted using a five-generation family recipe. The same slow-smoked, finely seasoned sausage that has graced European tables for over a century.

Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ spread, this guide will show you exactly how to cook Wienerle to bring out their rich, smoky flavour.

What Are Wienerle?

Wienerle (pronounced vee-ner-leh) are a style of slender smoked sausage with origins in Central Europe, closely related to the Frankfurter. Made from a blend of finely minced pork and beef, they are cold-smoked and pre-cooked during production, meaning they only need to be gently heated before serving. Their thin, snappy casing and delicately spiced filling make them one of the most versatile smallgoods.

Three Ways to Cook Wienerle

1. Simmering (Traditional Method)

1. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
2. Add your Wienerle and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
3. Remove with tongs and serve immediately.

Best served with: German mustard, fresh bread rolls, sauerkraut, and a cold lager.

2. Pan-Frying (For a Caramelised Finish)

1. Heat a small amount of butter or neutral oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Score the Wienerle lightly with a knife, if desired.
3. Cook for 4–6 minutes, turning regularly, until golden on all sides.

Best served with: Crusty sourdough, fried eggs, and grain mustard.

3. BBQ (The Crowd Favourite)

1. Preheat your BBQ or grill to medium heat.
2. Grill for 5–8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until lightly charred.
3. Rest for a minute before serving.

Best served with: Brioche rolls, mustard, caramelised onions, and crunchy coleslaw.

Serving Ideas

• Classic German Frankfurt: Simmer and serve in a soft roll with hot mustard.
• Continental Breakfast Board: Slice pan-fried Wienerle onto a grazing board with cheeses, cornichons, and crusty bread.
• Kids' Favourite: Simmer whole, slice diagonally, and serve with mashed potato.
• Pasta Twist: Slice into rounds and toss through a simple tomato or cream pasta sauce.

Storage & Tips

• Keep refrigerated and use within 3–4 days of opening.
• Wienerle can be frozen for up to 2 months, before the use-by date.
• Always heat gently; high heat can split the casing and dry out the filling.

Ready to Try?

Our Smoked Continental Franks (Wienerle) are available now from Eve Smallgoods — made the traditional way, as they have been for five generations.