Käsekrainer

Käsekrainer

Vienna, Austria

Verified

The Käsekrainer is a coarse pork sausage stuffed with pieces of Emmental or similar cheese. When grilled, the cheese melts inside, creating pockets of hot, gooey cheese that can burst through the casing — a beloved feature, not a defect. It's the star of Vienna's famous Würstelstand (sausage stand) culture.

History

Despite its association with Vienna, the Käsekrainer actually originated in the Slovenian region of Krain (Carniola). It was adopted by Viennese sausage stands in the 1970s-80s and quickly became the most popular order. Today it's practically synonymous with a late-night Vienna experience.

Ingredients

porkEmmental cheesesaltpeppergarlicpaprikanatural casing

Preparation

Grilled on a hot plate or over charcoal until the casing is crispy and the cheese inside is fully melted. Typically scored diagonally before grilling. Served with a Semmel (bread roll) or sliced open on a paper plate with mustard and ketchup.

Taste

Rich, savory pork flavor elevated by pockets of melted, slightly nutty Emmental cheese. The contrast between the smoky meat and creamy cheese is the defining experience.

Texture

Coarse-ground with a snappy casing. The melted cheese creates soft, flowing pockets throughout the firm sausage meat.

Pairings

Sweet mustard (Süßer Senf) — Bavarian-style sweet mustard is the classic Viennese choice
Semmel — A crusty Austrian bread roll
Pfefferoni — Hot pickled peppers, always available at the Würstelstand
Ottakringer or Stiegl beer — A cold Austrian lager to wash it down

Rituals & Traditions

🎭
Tradition

The midnight ritual

Kaesekrainer is the traditional late-night snack after a night out in Vienna, eaten standing at a Wuerstelstand.

✅
Do

Let it rest

After grilling, let the Kaesekrainer rest briefly so the cheese does not all squirt out on the first bite.

🚫
Don't

Never microwave

Microwaving a Kaesekrainer is considered sacrilege -- the casing will not crisp and the cheese will not melt properly.

Recipes

Kaesekrainer Hot Dog

Käsekrainer

Medium

A modern twist on the classic: grilled Kaesekrainer in a brioche bun with caramelized onions and pickled jalapenos for a sweet-spicy-cheesy experience.

Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 25 min
hot-dogmodernAustrian

Kaesekrainer Pasta

Käsekrainer

Easy

Sliced Kaesekrainer tossed into pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. The melted cheese from the sausage enriches the sauce beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 20 min
pastaAustrianItalian-inspired

Wuerstelstand-Style Kaesekrainer

Käsekrainer

Easy

The authentic Vienna Wuerstelstand experience: a scored and grilled Kaesekrainer with oozing cheese, served with sweet mustard and a fresh Semmel.

Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 12 min
grilledAustrianstreet-food

On the Map

Where to Buy

Radatz

Vienna, Austria

Factory

Radatz is one of Austria's most renowned sausage producers, based in Vienna. Founded in 1962, they produce over 700 meat products and are particularly famous for their Käsekrainer. They supply many of Vienna's beloved Würstelstände and export to 27 countries worldwide.

★ 4.5 $$

Where to Eat

Bitzinger Würstelstand Albertina

Vienna, Austria

★ 4.3

Vienna's most famous sausage stand, located right behind the Albertina museum and the State Opera. Open since the 1960s, Bitzinger is where opera-goers in formal attire stand next to taxi drivers, all eating Käsekrainer at midnight. A true Viennese institution.

Known For: Late-night Käsekrainer in front of the Opera $