Polish Boy
Grilled kielbasa sausage on a bun, topped with French fries, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw, a Cleveland, Ohio specialty.
The Polish Boy is a Cleveland, Ohio institution that brings serious heft and bold flavor to the hot dog world. It features a kielbasa sausage tucked into a bun and layered with French fries, coleslaw, and a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce or hot sauce. This messy masterpiece is believed to have originated in the 1940s or ’50s, likely in African American neighborhoods where Polish sausage was a staple and local BBQ flair reigned. The most famous version is served at Seti’s Polish Boys, a beloved Cleveland food truck that helped put the sandwich on the national food map. The Polish Boy isn’t technically a “hot dog” in the traditional sense—but its soul is pure street food. Bold, messy, and unforgettable—it’s Cleveland on a bun.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 links Polish kielbasa sausage (Smoked Polish sausage, any quality brand)
- 4 Hot dog/hoagie buns (Hot dog buns or hoagie rolls)
- 4 cups French fries (Hand-cut preferred, or frozen)
- 2 cups Coleslaw (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Your favorite brand)
- for frying Vegetable oil (If making fresh fries)
Instructions
- If making fresh fries: Cut potatoes into fries and fry in 350°F oil until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and keep warm.
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add Polish sausages and boil for approximately 15 minutes.
- Optional Cleveland style: Remove sausages from water and quickly deep fry for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy exterior.
- Warm the buns if desired.
- Place one Polish sausage in each bun.
- Top generously with warm french fries.
- Add a layer of BBQ sauce over the fries.
- Finish with a layer of coleslaw on top.
- Serve immediately with plenty of napkins - this is a messy but delicious sandwich!
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