- July 23, 2024
- Main Dishes
Maxwell Street Polish Recipe
Experience a taste of Chicago with this homemade Maxwell Street Polish sausage, featuring juicy sausages nestled in poppy seed buns, topped with sweet caramelized onions, and tangy yellow mustard. Finish it all off with sport peppers for an authentic street food delight.
Growing up in the Chicago area has allowed me the advantage of truly enjoying the wonderful food this city has to offer. While Chicago is most notably known for their deep dish, Chicago hot dogs, or even the Chicago Italian beef sandwich, the Maxwell Street Polish also holds it’s own as a classic street food.
What Is A Maxwell Street Polish Sausage?
While not common, a Maxwell Street Polish is a Chicago staple, coined its name because it was first made by a stand called “Jim’s Original” which was located in the heart of Chicago’s Maxwell Street Market.
The Maxwell Street Polish is quite simple. It features a Polish sausage in a poppy seed bun, topped with caramelized onions, yellow mustard, and pickled sport peppers! That’s it!
Why This Recipe Works
Simple Yet Satisfying: This Maxwell Street Polish combines juicy Polish sausage, caramelized onions, and yellow mustard all on a soft poppy seed bun! The blend of savory sausage, sweet onions, and mustard creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile, with minimal ingredients!
Easy to Make: The best part about these sausages is that they are easy to make at home! Bring Chicago street food to your own kitchen with simple ingredients and minimal steps. The whole family is going to love these!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether hosting a casual backyard picnic, looking for a hearty lunch, or wanting a quick dinner option, the Maxwell Street Polish will fit the bill! It is perfect for any meal or occasion!
Supplies Needed
- Skillets
Ingredients
- Polish Sausages: A Polish sausage is any kind of smoked sausage! You can use kielbasa or any kind of smoked sausage that you prefer.
- Poppy Seed Buns: This Maxwell Street Polish recipe is traditionally served on a poppy seed hot dog bun! I recommend sticking to that since it adds a layer of texture.
- Yellow Onions: For the best caramelized onions, thinly slice them!
- Butter: Use butter to perfectly cook the onions!
- Garnish: Garnish your sausages with yellow mustard and sport peppers! Sport peppers are typically pickled and commonly used in Chicago-style cuisine. They add a distinct zesty and spicy flavor! If you can’t find them, feel free to replace them with pickled banana peppers or jalapeños, or my homemade hot giardiniera!
Preparation
- Heat Butter: In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add in the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Reduce the heat if the onions are starting to brown too quickly.
- Heat Another Skillet: While the onions are cooking, heat a separate skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Sausages: Cook the Polish sausages, turning occasionally, until they are browned and heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
Assembly
- Combine Sausage with Onions: Place each cooked sausage into a poppy seed hot dog bun. Generously top with the caramelized onions.
- Top with Garnishes: Add yellow mustard on top and a few sport peppers (see notes) and enjoy!
What To Eat With A Maxwell Street Polish
These Polish sausage sandwiches can be eaten on their own, or served with some delicious side dishes for a heartier meal! Especially if you are feeding a crowd, I recommend serving these with a few sides. Here are some of my personal favorites to pair with a Maxwell Street Polish:
More Recipes To Try
- Chicago Italian Beef
- How to Cook Brats on a Pellet Smoker
- Mini Chicago Hot Dog Sliders
- Grilled Brat Burgers
- Sausage Antipasto Kebabs
Maxwell Street Polish Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Polish Sausages
- 4 Poppy Seed Buns
- 2 Yellow Onions
- 2 tbsp Butter
Garnishes
- Yellow Mustard
- Sport Peppers
Instructions
Prepare the Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Reduce the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly.
Cook the Sausages:
- While the onions are cooking, heat a separate skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Polish sausages, turning occasionally, until they are browned and heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Assemble:
- Place each cooked sausage into a poppy seed hot dog bun.
- Generously top with the caramelized onions.
- Add yellow mustard on top and a few sport peppers (see notes below about this) and enjoy.