15 Best Recipes with Sauerkraut

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Sauerkraut is simple, but oh-so-amazing. There are so many great recipes with sauerkraut that highlight it’s tangy flavor and crunchy texture. It can jazz up anything from sandwiches to salads, and it plays so well with other ingredients. So beyond its traditional role as a topping for hot dogs and sausages, sauerkraut can be the star ingredient of many main dishes.

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish. Fermentation gives it a distinctive tangy flavor and crisp texture.

The natural fermentation of cabbage makes it a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in probiotics that promote gut health and it has all sorts of other health benefits. Sauerkraut is included in a lot of healthy eating as well as comfort food! 

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, you can make some seriously delicious recipes with tangy sauerkraut! I put together a list of 15 recipes with sauerkraut full of delicious flavors and simple ingredients that you’ll love!

1. Sauerkraut Grilled Cheese

This is a super easy way to use sauerkraut! Take your classic grilled cheese up a notch by adding a layer of sauerkraut. The tangy crunch cuts through the gooey cheese, creating a grilled cheese masterpiece.

2. Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet

Brown some sausages, toss in sauerkraut, and let the flavors mingle in a skillet. It’s a one-pan meal that’s hearty, savory, and ridiculously easy. For even more amazing flavor, toss in some cubed sweet apples. 

3. Classic Reuben Sandwich

This simple recipe is a classic and very popular sandwich! Combine corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread with thousand island dressing. 

4. Sauerkraut and Mushroom Stuffed Pierogi

Take your pierogi game to the next level by stuffing them with a mixture of sauerkraut and sautéed mushrooms. Boil or pan-fry the sauerkraut pierogi for a taste of Eastern European comfort.

5. Sauerkraut Slaw

Swap out regular coleslaw for a sauerkraut slaw at your next barbecue. The fermented goodness adds a tangy twist that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

6. Sauerkraut and Beer Brats

Simmer bratwurst in a bath of beer and sauerkraut for a tailgate-worthy dish. Serve them in a bun, and don’t forget to spoon some of that sauerkraut goodness on top.

7. Sauerkraut Casserole

Layer smoked sausage, potatoes, Swiss cheese, and a generous helping of sauerkraut in a baking dish and bake. This one-pan meal bakes into a savory symphony of flavors. It’s the epitome of hearty, homey goodness, and it’s a breeze to whip up for a satisfying meal.

8. Kielbasa Sausage and Sauerkraut Breakfast Hash

Start your day right with a breakfast hash made of sauerkraut, sausage, and crispy potatoes. Top it with a fried egg for the ultimate breakfast!

9. Turkey Reuben Wrap

Opt for a lighter version of the classic Reuben by using turkey and a tortilla. Wrap it up in a tortilla with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of Russian dressing.

10. Sauerkraut Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Upgrade your mac ‘n’ cheese by mixing in sauerkraut and cheesy macaroni. The tangy crunch adds a surprising twist and is a perfect combination with the flavors of the sharp cheddar cheese. 

11. Sauerkraut and Sausage Breakfast Burrito

Roll up scrambled eggs, sausages, and sauerkraut in a tortilla for a breakfast burrito full of savory flavors. Perfect for a grab-and-go morning.

12. Sauerkraut Stuffed Mushrooms

Elevate your appetizer game by stuffing mushrooms with a savory blend of sauerkraut, cream cheese, and herbs. Pop them in the oven until golden and delicious.

13. Sweet and Tangy Sauerkraut BBQ Chicken

Give your barbecue a unique twist by slathering chicken in a sauerkraut-infused barbecue sauce. The sweet and tangy flavors of this easy recipe are a game-changer.

14. Sauerkraut and Ham Hock Soup

This one-pot meal is a German food favorite! Sauerkraut soup is made with ham hocks, sauerkraut, potatoes, and broth for a hearty soup that warms the soul. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top.

15. German Meatballs and Sauerkraut 

These flavorful meatballs seasoned with traditional spices and cooked with tangy sauerkraut are juicy and delicious! Slow-cook this German-inspired masterpiece until the meatballs soak up the sauerkraut goodness. The flavors are hearty, savory, and utterly satisfying. Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.