20 Best Sauerkraut Recipes

Sauerkraut is delicious food that is highly misunderstood. This fermented cabbage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all kinds of sauerkraut recipes.

The problem is that people aren’t sure what to do with sauerkraut. This tangy, crunchy food is a great addition to many dishes. From sweet to savory, there are countless options.

So, if you’re wondering what is something new and different to try for dinner- look no further than these twenty recipes with sauerkraut!

1. Sauerkraut Soup

On a cold night, a bowl of hot soup can be perfect. Making soups is an art form that needs layers of flavor that blend just right. But with a few simple ingredients and a good recipe, anyone can do it!

This sauerkraut soup doesn’t need much to make it delicious. The salt of the bacon mixed with the sour notes of the cabbage gives this soup bursts of flavor.

Both the white beans and the cubed potatoes will add a velvety texture. This is a recipe idea you won’t want to miss!

2. Sausage, Potato, and Sauerkraut

If you’re looking for a sauerkraut recipe that is simple and traditional, this sausage and sauerkraut recipe is just what you need.

It only takes a couple of minutes, one skillet, and a handful of ingredients. But when you’re done- you have a tasty and filling sauerkraut meal!

Start with cooking potatoes in the skillet, add in the onions until soft, then fry the sausage and sauerkraut until fully cooked. It’s just that simple!

3. Make Your Own Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is always a good thing to have on hand at home.

There are countless meals with sauerkraut that can be made quickly and easily. It’s easy to pick up a bag or jar at the store but making your own can be fun!

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that is not only tasty but also has many health benefits as well- just like a probiotic would have!

With just a bit of salt, fresh cabbage, and a jar with a tight lid, anyone can make their very own batch of sauerkraut.

4. Fried Sauerkraut Balls

Want to try something less traditional and a bit more fun but not sure what to make with sauerkraut? Look no further than these crunchy sauerkraut balls!

Using bread crumbs, pork sausage, and sauerkraut, these deep-fried balls are perfect savory finger food.

Make them for a party or make them for just yourself!

These balls can even be made and frozen ahead of time- just pull the sauerkraut balls from the freezer and pop them in the fryer when you need them.

5. Sauerkraut and Sasuage

Sauerkraut with meat, especially sausage, is always a good choice. But you don’t have to do all the work of potatoes and onions to make it great.

If all you have on hand is sausage and a bag of sauerkraut, you can still make a great dish. All you need to do is fry the two together and let the flavors dance in the pan!

Rinsing off the sauerkraut will take some of the tang out if you want to settle the flavor, and adding in some brown sugar will add a little bit of sweetness.

6. Polish Sauerkraut Pierogies

Pierogis are a Polish favorite and a great recipe with sauerkraut.

Making pierogis by hand can be a little extra work, especially when rolling out the dough to be filled, but the final product is worth the effort.

Because this is such a favorite, many people choose to have pierogi parties and make big batches to always have some of these sauerkraut and potato-filled treats on hand.

They freeze well and work as a flavorful side dish or on their own as a meal itself.

7. Sauerkraut Casserole

Sauerkraut is so versatile and simple to use. It’s a great crowd-pleaser.

Sauerkraut dishes can be used for potlucks and parties, and people will go back for seconds because of the crunch and depth of flavor.

A warm sauerkraut casserole with ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy swiss cheese sauce will sure to be the talk of the party. Adding in some extra red onion will give a good bite and spice to the casserole dish.

Since it only takes a few minutes to make, you might want to bake an extra batch to keep for yourself!

8. Cold Sauerkraut Salad

Not all dishes with sauerkraut need to be cooked. Keeping it cold and crunchy makes for a great salad that can be made a couple of days ahead of time.

Almost every ingredient in this recipe using sauerkraut is something you might already have in your house.

Diced celery, carrots, green peppers, and white onion you can probably find in your fridge. Adding in diced jarred pimento peppers gives this salad a sweet burst.

These peppers are flavorful and mild which will mix well with the vinegar and sugar dressing that you’ll make. Letting the salad sit in the fridge and soak in for two days will make sure it gives a punch!

9. Meatballs and Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut recipes with meat make a full and perfect meal.

Need dinner in a pinch? Or maybe a quick appetizer for a party? Using frozen meatballs is a fast way to get a balanced meal.

Adding a sweet and spicy sauce over the meatballs takes this sauerkraut recipe to the next level.

Cranberry sauce, chili, and brown sugar mixed with rinsed sauerkraut blend all flavor types together which is a real palate pleaser.

10. One-Dish Sauerkraut and Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are another great meat option that pairs well with sauerkraut.

The fat of the ribs is cut by the sweet tang of the jarred sauerkraut. It takes only a few minutes to prepare in one baking dish.

From start to finish, this meal is made with ribs, potatoes, and sauerkraut in under an hour.

This is a meal that can satisfy the whole family on a busy night while leaving an easy clean-up and full bellies.

11. Chocolate Cake with Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut isn’t just food for savory dishes but can be used in sweet ones too.

It will be a surprise for people to learn that this chocolate cake that is so decadent is made with cabbage!

If you’re looking to hide the texture, finely dice or put the sauerkraut in a food processor. Adding it to the cake batter, it will make the cake very moist.

This could be one of the best sauerkraut recipes simply because it’s a surprise secret ingredient!

12. Classic Ruben with Sauerkraut

A Ruben sandwich is another classic way to incorporate sauerkraut into a great dish.

Rubens is a perfect meal at any time. They make a great lunch or dinner and can be a tasty way to use up leftover corned beef.

Made with rye bread, thousand island dressing, and swiss cheese, this sandwich is great on its own.

But adding a pile of sauerkraut adds texture and an acidic note to balance out the fat and salt of the meat and cheese to make these sandwiches irresistible.

13. Hungarian Cabbage Rolls

Another cultural way to enjoy sauerkraut is with Hungarian stuffed cabbage rolls.

This sauerkraut recipe calls for blends of ground pork and beef mixed with rice, stuffed in a cabbage roll.

These are then baked with a tomato sauce that is thick and flavored with the rich sauerkraut. Letting these rolls bake for several hours in the tomato sauce brings all of the savory flavors together.

This recipe takes a little longer to prepare due to having to roll the fresh cabbage around the meat and rice mixture, but the Hungarian flavors are worth the work.

14. Potato Latkes with Sauerkraut

If you’re in a pinch and want to know what else to do with sauerkraut, making potato latkes is another fast recipe that works as a tasty side dish.

Latkes are made with different shredded vegetables, cheeses, and potatoes, but adding the sauerkraut makes these traditional latkes better. The sauerkraut gives richness to the potatoes and a little bit of tang.

It also prevents the shredded potatoes from browning, so the mixture can be made ahead of time and left in the fridge.

15. Sauerkraut and Sasuage Pizza

Are you having a pizza night but are looking for something new to try?

Even though most people wouldn’t think to try sauerkraut on pizza, trying new toppings can be a great way to change up a traditional pizza. Start with a pan of cooked sauerkraut and sausage (use the traditional recipe from above! ).

Bake the pizza dough for a few minutes to get it cooking before topping it with pizza sauce, swiss and mozzarella cheeses, and the sausage and sauerkraut mixture.

Let it finish cooking, and taste your new creation!

16. Mashed Potatoes and Sauerkraut

When you wonder what to eat with sauerkraut, it’s always a safe bet to try it with potatoes!
From latkes to pierogies to this recipe of mashed potatoes, there are plenty of ways they go together.

The best thing about these creamy mashed potatoes is that they can pair with any other main dish. Just like regular mashed potatoes go with everything from meatloaf to fried chicken to bratwurst, so does this flavor-packed sauerkraut version!

Adding in some cooked onions gives it even another layer.

17. Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping

What is more traditional than a hot dog?

When they’re put on the grill during summertime, they make for perfect picnic food. And loaded with the best toppings is the best way to eat them.

This recipe isn’t just about placing sauerkraut on top of a perfectly charred hot dog. There’s so much more to it! A bit of mustard, relish, and even caraway seeds (which happen to go perfectly with sauerkraut in almost any recipe) makes for the only hot dog topping you’ll ever need.

18. Sauerkraut Sloppy Joes

If you’re looking for another Polish recipe to add to those perfect pierogies, then look no further.

Polish Sloppy Joes are a great twist on another classic American dish.

By substituting sauerkraut and its juices along with some chicken stock in place of the canned sloppy joe mix, you’ve got a completely different taste on a favorite.

It’ll add a bite to the meat in flavor and texture.

For an even more out-of-the-box idea, take your favorite Ruben toppings and put those between the buns as well!

19. Egg Noodle and Sauerkraut Casserole

When you’re not sure what to do with the ingredients in your cupboard- throw them in a casserole.

Combining egg noodles, tomato soup, ground meat of your choice, and extra drained sauerkraut is an easy dinner solution.

Every casserole needs cheese on top, so don’t forget the swiss!

This dinner is perfect for a family on the go or a good way to introduce sauerkraut into your weekly meals.

20. Sauerkraut Pasta

If a casserole isn’t your style, but you want to use some pasta, here is a must-try recipe.

Cooked pasta, sauerkraut, a bay leaf, and tomato paste are almost all you’ll need to make this homey meal.

An added hint- when the pasta is done cooking, save some water to use in your sauce. It’ll add an extra thickness and creamy feel.

This sauerkraut pasta can be made quickly with shelf-stable sauerkraut, so it’s a good meal to have just in case you have a surprise guest stop by!