Sauerkraut is a fermented vegetable dish made from cabbage. Although every country has different recipes using sauerkraut, it is most known for German cuisine.
With a definite sour taste to this side dish, it does have a relatively long shelf life. Sauerkraut can add new spins on common foods and give them a whole new flavor base.
Sauerkraut can be eaten alone, fried, in other dishes or as a topping on some. Sauerkraut can also be made in numerous ways and with numerous added ingredients or spices.
Many people have learned how to make their own cabbage in order to reap the benefits of the probiotics found in Sauerkraut.
1. Polish Haluski
Most often called Pan fried noodles with Sauerkraut, this dish is one of those meals that make you feel warm all over.
My family always called it a comfort food and it was guaranteed to be on the table at least once a week. The pasta most often used is Farfalle, a bow tie shaped pasta.
With caramelized onions, this dish is brought to a whole new level of flavor. Of course, this can be varied with other shapes of pasta or by adding bits of meat.
2. Slow Cooked Pork Roast with Sauerkraut Potatoes and Carrots
Long considered to be a classic dish, this roasted pork roast with Sauerkraut, potatoes and carrots is a meal that can be made in just one pan.
This meal could also be made in a crockpot, if the weather is warm and you do not want to heat the house up. Growing up, many families were treated to the meat, potatoes, vegetables and gravy meal.
This is a classic dish that most people love to have and share with others.
3. Pork and Sauerkraut
This is another dish that can be made in the oven, on the stovetop or even in the slow cooker. I generally use leftover pork roast from an earlier meal.
This recipe is made with a brown gravy and the pork is seared on the stove top before placing it in the oven. Searing gives it a slight crunch and helps to seal in the juices from the pork.
A key to this dish is to mix the gravy, sauerkraut and caraway seeds in a large bowl and then mix it with the meat.
4. Authentic Polish Sauerkraut Pierogies
For the sake of tradition, this dish is becoming more and more popular on Holidays, namely Christmas Eve.
It is said that meat should not be eaten on Christmas Eve, so this dish of Authentic Polish Pierogies is becoming a mainstay for many families. It is filling and delicious.
The dumplings filled with sauerkraut are relatively easy to make. You can make a large batch and refrigerate or freeze what is not eaten.
5. Dijon Shrimp over Sauerkraut
I wanted sauerkraut, but I did not feel like having it in one of the usual ways that I normally prepare this food.
I thought long and hard about it and all I figured that I could do was to try new foods. So, I picked up some large shrimp, made a dijon sauce and cooked the shrimp. I then added sauerkraut and heated that through.
I placed the Dijon shrimp on the top of the sauerkraut and took a big bite. Surprisingly it tasted fabulous!
6. Serbian Stuffed Cabbage
In Serbia, this dish is one that is made for Holidays or celebrations. For me, this reminded me of a dish that my grandmother used to make.
She called them Cabbage rolls and they were actually made with tomato sauce. Each region has their own version of rolled cabbage. Most often it is a cabbage leaf rolled around a meat and a filler, such as rice or potatoes.
These are then considered a complete meal.
7. Easy Balkan Sauerkraut and Rice Dish
This is simply Sarma and Sauerkraut. The dish is flavored through the Sarma and then from the sauerkraut.
The rice and cauliflower are combined and baked until the onions are slightly caramelized. This makes a great vegetarian meal or works as the perfect side for any dinner.
You can top the rice and sauerkraut with chili peppers and thinly sliced leeks. Many versions add carrots and tomatoes.
8. Sauerkraut Balls
These gems are super tasty and enjoyable the way they are. They are a version of what is known as a beer garden favorite.
These Sauerkraut balls are a combination of bratwurst and sauerkraut rolled into a ball and fried. The filling is made with cream cheese, bratwurst and sauerkraut.
This mix is formed into a round shape and then rolled into egg and a bread crumb mixture. They can be fried or baked and eaten plain or topped with a little mustard.
9. Polish Sauerkraut Soup
This is a simple but hearty recipe that is a comfort food. The soup is naturally a vegan soup, but it can also be customized to your liking.
The soup is loaded with potatoes, carrots and leek. Many people also put parsnip in the soup, as well as onion. Those that enjoy a non vegan meal, add in some sausage or sliced bratwurst.
Top the soup with finely shredded cheese and you are set with a great dish.
10. Sauerkraut Soup Recipe
This is quite an unusual soup that is totally unlike all the others. This soup is filling and is loaded with white beans, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, optional quinoa and of course bacon!
Bacon makes everything better, but this soup is filled with flavor that will knock your socks off and is pleasantly pleasing and comforting.
Like so many other soups, this too can be changed to your liking, however, do not leave the sauerkraut out.
11. Kapusniak
Another name for another version of Sauerkraut soup. They each have their own special flavoring and this one is no different.
This soup is a very hearty version filled with pork, vegetables and sauerkraut. Simmered slowly and then with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on the top right before eating.
This soup is very rich and dense. The vegetables will seldom vary with this soup. The spices are subtle and minimal, and likely what you already have at home.
12. Sauerkraut Soup
This version of Sauerkraut Soup has to be the favorite among many people and not just me.
It is super easy to make, it is filling and super tasty. I generally add a tsp or two of lemon juice to give it an added zing.
Add in the sausage and onion, then make a creamy base for it by using half and half along with milk, toss in a few specific and simple spices and you have a soup that is worth making.
The smell when it simmers fills the house and makes your mouth water.
13. German Sauerkraut Soup
Sauerkraut takes on many forms when it comes to German Cuisine. It is often eaten as an appetizer served on bread.
Most often though, it is served on some form of sausage, such as bratwurst. This recipe is for a vegan style soup, it has cubes of tofu in among the sauerkraut, carrots, onions and celery.
Potato chunks and sliced mushrooms are added to give this soup more of a filling satisfaction, they also add to the flavor.
14. Traditional Russian Sour Cabbage Soup
Even the Russians know how to eat well, and thanks to them, they have a delicious version of a classic Sauerkraut soup.
This version is made with twice the amount of pork, plenty of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cabbage and sauerkraut. Add in the onions and some mild seasonings and you have a favorite Russian Soup that is served mostly in the cold months.
When this soup has fully cooked, cream is added to make it just the right amount of creaminess.
15. Vegan Sauerkraut Soup with Mushrooms
A delicious version of a tasty favorite soup that is eaten all around the world. This is a vegan version that is loaded with potatoes, sauerkraut, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes.
It is simmered in a broth all day, seasoned perfectly and a spoonful of fresh crema is placed on top just before serving.
To give it an added touch of flavor, smoked paprika is used as well as tomato paste to add to the abundance of flavors.
16. Cracked Pepper Leek Sauerkraut
An unusual side dish that is much loved. Admittedly I was a touch leery when I first tried this.
However, using fresh cracked pepper makes so much difference in the way the flavor comes across. Once made and completely fermented, this Cracked Pepper Leek Sauerkraut tastes slightly better than plain sauerkraut.
I am sure that you could use the green portion of the leek, however, this recipe specifically states to remove it. This can be eaten hot or cold, the flavor is just that good!
17. Cold Sauerkraut Salad
Yes, see, I knew there would come a day that would prove that I alone do not eat cold sauerkraut.
I do understand that for many people it is difficult to think of eating sauerkraut cold, however, it is a must try and trust me, you will not regret it.
This cold sauerkraut salad is made with drained kraut, then add in carrots, pimento, celery, bell pepper and onion. Top it with a slightly sweet dressing and your tongue is going to be jumping for joy!
18. Sauerkraut Salad
As a kid, sauerkraut is one of those foods that you try to run from. I was the opposite, I always loved the sour taste of SauerKraut and would be the one constantly asking for it.
When I became an adult, I worked so hard to come up with other recipes that I could add sauerkraut to and enjoy. This is one of those.
Using a common mix of salad vegetables, I combined it with sauerkraut and found that when made this way, it somewhat resembles cole slaw.
19. Savory Broccoli and Sauerkraut Salad
This is a great make ahead salad for those picnics and gatherings that happen when you have no time to make something.
With this Savory Broccoli and Sauerkraut Salad you are making a special dish that will both astonish and please those who are lucky enough to taste it.
Combined with crunchy broccoli, sauerkraut has met its match with flavor. Seasoned perfectly to give it a combined savory taste, there is no salad to rival this one.
20. Beet Sauerkraut Salad
This salad is worth trying just because of the gorgeous colors it has. There are so many choices of flavors to focus on it is almost impossible.
When combined, the pickles enhance the beets and the sauerkraut enhances the rest.
Together this is a salad that is tangy, sour, sweet, savory and special. This is one of the popular side dishes in Russia. It works great along a main course of Porcupine Meatballs.
21. Reuben Hand Pies
Rueben Sandwiches are an ideal meal in my repertoire. If I could, I would eat them everyday.
However, variety is the key to a happy life. With these great hand pies, I can now eat Ruebens more often.
These are perfectly sized to bring to work or eat on the run, and they are much less messy than a regular Rueben.
This recipe uses puff pastry, I have used biscuit dough and also crescent roll dough.
22. Oktoberfest Pie
This is my newest favorite dish. This one I will not wait for Oktoberfest to roll around.
This is made with bratwurst, beer, sauerkraut, and the nutty flavor of Swiss cheese. This is made in a pie dish and is incredibly easy to make, delicious to eat and will even have kids asking for more.
You simply layer the bratwurst, sauerkraut and swiss cheese in your pie dish, make the topping crust, bake it up and you have a meal fit for a hungry family!
23. Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry with Sauerkraut
In the United States these would be given a name along the lines of a Rachel Sandwich. Consider it the sister to the Rueben, but ham is used instead of Corned beef.
This sandwich adds a whole new flavor to what sauerkraut does for a sandwich. Slightly Sweet, slightly tangy, just like everyone’s little sister. This is a sandwich that will have you asking for the recipe.
What makes this better is that rather than bread, it uses a puff pastry so you enjoy the flaky layers.
24. Rustic 3 meat, vegetable and Sauerkraut Cottage Pie
I thought I had tasted it all when I had my first bowl of loaded Sauerkraut soup. This dish, the Rustic 3 meat vegetable and sauerkraut cottage pie, taught me that I was wrong thinking that!
When you combine the 3 meats, with all the vegetables and the kraut and then top it with homemade mashed potatoes, you get a taste that just does not stop giving.
It reminds me of an old fashioned Shepherd’s Pie, but so much better.
25. Sauerkraut Strudel
This is a popular sandwich that will be found among the beer gardens during Oktoberfest.
This strudel is something extra special, not only because it has the sauerkraut, but it also has bacon and onion. The bread is once again, made using a puff pastry.
This flavor is sour, salty, slightly sweet due to the puff pastry and all around delicious. You could change this up and add in some swiss cheese if you wanted, but I would only add a small amount of shredded swiss.
You want to enjoy the flavors in the main sandwich.
26. Grilled Avocado and Sauerkraut Sandwich
I really did not think any sandwich could taste as good as a reuben on rye with tons of sauerkraut. Again, I learned that I was wrong.
The sandwich has the tangy and crunchy sauerkraut, the creaminess of the avocado and hummus and it is made on grilled pumpernickel bread.
It must be something about Sauerkraut and Pumpernickel, I think they were made to be paired up. I must admit, the avocado surprised me.
I was not sure what to expect, but the creamy with the tangy is perfect together.
27. Smoked Sausage and Sauerkraut Flammkuchen
It should be no surprise that this is basically a German Pizza. Who would have thought it would be any different than sauerkraut and smoked sausage on the pizza?
Certainly not me! I am thankful that I tried this recipe out. I was not only surprised at the flavor, but the way it was made, it was so easy to prepare.
I then topped it with a small amount of sour cream and that really enhanced all the flavors together.
28. Sausage, Gouda and Sauerkraut Flatbread
I have always thought of flatbread as a form of pizza. It has always been one of my favorites so when I saw this recipe come across my screen, I just knew that I had to try it out.
It did not surprise me in the least that it was as good as it gets. Maybe the Gouda is what made the difference, combined with the sauerkraut, it was an unusual flavor that kept me wondering if the combination truly worked as well as I thought.
My family all loved it too, so I would say this is definitely a winner!
29. BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches with Kraut
This too should be no surprise to anyone who loves barbecue. Cabbage and barbecue go together like peanut butter and jelly.
So it stands to reason that the tangy sour taste of the sauerkraut is going to blend in wildly with the sweet taste of the BBQ.
Smothered slices of smoked sausage topped with sauerkraut on a nice thick bun, this is what summers are made for, sandwiches that taste this great! Do not shy away from this one!
30. Beer Braised Sauerkraut and Bratwurst
A summertime favorite no matter where in the world you come from. Bratwursts should always be braised in beer and placed on a toasty bun with oodles of sauerkraut on top.
In my opinion, this is when you can tell a true German from one who is not a full blooded German. What will make this even better is to braise your sauerkraut in the beer also.
There is no turning back to plain bratwurst once you have tried this.
31. Reuben Sandwich
This is a King of the Sandwich World! There is no sandwich that can ever match up to the taste of corned beef topped with creamy Swiss Cheese and then topped with the tangy Sauerkraut.
I am picky though, I add the sauerkraut on top of my corned beef and the swiss cheese on top of the Sauerkraut so that all the melty goodness falls into and through the sauerkraut and onto the corned beef.
This sandwich will not have its justice if it is not grilled with Rye bread or Pumpernickel bread.