We’ve all been there – that forgotten jar of sauerkraut hiding in the back of your refrigerator, purchased with good intentions but somehow overlooked. This tangy, fermented cabbage isn’t just for hot dogs! Packed with probiotics and flavor, sauerkraut deserves a second chance in your kitchen. From classic comfort foods to surprising new combinations, here are sixteen tasty ways to put that jar to delicious use.
1. Reuben Sandwich
Nothing transforms sauerkraut quite like the classic Reuben. The magic happens when the tanginess cuts through rich corned beef and melty Swiss cheese. Your taste buds will thank you!
Grab some rye bread and spread Russian dressing on both slices. Layer thinly sliced corned beef, a generous portion of sauerkraut (drained but not rinsed), and Swiss cheese. Butter the outside of the bread and grill in a pan until golden brown on both sides.
For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of caraway seeds or swapping in pastrami. This sandwich works beautifully pressed in a panini maker too, creating the perfect balance of crispy exterior and warm, gooey interior.
2. Classic Hot Dogs with Sauerkraut
Hot dogs and sauerkraut create an iconic pairing that’s been delighting taste buds for generations. The bright, tangy crunch of fermented cabbage perfectly balances the savory richness of a juicy frankfurter.
Start with quality hot dogs – beef, pork, or even plant-based versions work wonderfully. Steam or grill them until heated through with light char marks. Meanwhile, warm your sauerkraut in a small saucepan, draining some (but not all) of the liquid first.
Nestle your dog in a split-top bun, pile on the warm sauerkraut, and finish with a zigzag of spicy brown mustard. Some New Yorkers swear by adding a touch of onion sauce for extra depth. Simple yet utterly satisfying!
3. Sauerkraut and Sausage Skillet
When hunger strikes and time is short, this one-pan wonder saves the day! The smoky sausage infuses the sauerkraut with rich flavor while the cabbage returns the favor by keeping the meat juicy.
Slice kielbasa, bratwurst, or your favorite sausage into rounds. Brown them in a large skillet over medium heat until they develop a nice crust. Add thinly sliced onions and cook until they start to caramelize. Toss in your sauerkraut (partially drained), a splash of chicken broth, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes. The flavors meld beautifully while you do absolutely nothing! Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
4. German Pork and Sauerkraut
Fall-apart tender pork shoulder nestled in tangy sauerkraut creates the ultimate comfort food with deep German roots. The slow cooking process transforms both ingredients into something magical.
Season a pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Sear it in a Dutch oven until browned on all sides. Add chopped onions, sliced apples, a couple bay leaves, and your sauerkraut. Pour in a cup of apple cider or beer, cover, and let it work its magic in a 325°F oven for about 3 hours.
The pork becomes fork-tender while the sauerkraut mellows and takes on the meat’s richness. The apples add subtle sweetness that balances everything perfectly. Serve with potato dumplings or buttered egg noodles for an authentic German feast that feeds both body and soul.
5. Sauerkraut Salad
Forget everything you thought you knew about sauerkraut! This vibrant, crunchy salad transforms the humble fermented cabbage into a refreshing side dish that even skeptics will love.
Drain your sauerkraut well (but don’t rinse it – that’s where the flavor lives). Toss it with julienned carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers in various colors, and finely chopped red onion. For sweetness, add diced apple or a handful of raisins.
The dressing makes all the difference: whisk together apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey, olive oil, caraway seeds, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together into something truly special.
6. Sauerkraut Tacos
Fusion cuisine at its finest! Sauerkraut adds unexpected zing to tacos, creating a cross-cultural delight that will surprise your taste buds in the best possible way.
Start with corn tortillas lightly charred over an open flame. For fish tacos, coat white fish fillets with blackening seasoning and pan-sear until flaky. If you prefer pork, slow-cook shoulder with orange juice and spices until tender enough to shred.
Now for the magic: top your protein with well-drained sauerkraut, diced avocado, thinly sliced radishes, and fresh cilantro. The sauerkraut provides tangy crunch that perfectly complements the rich meat and creamy avocado. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up. These tacos prove that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable meals!
7. Sauerkraut Fritters
Golden-brown on the outside, savory and tangy inside – these fritters make sauerkraut the star of your appetizer spread! They’re surprisingly addictive and disappear quickly at gatherings.
Squeeze excess moisture from your sauerkraut (this step is crucial). Mix it with beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, chopped green onions, and a touch of garlic powder. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb moisture.
Form small patties and pan-fry in hot oil until crispy and golden on both sides. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce – try mixing sour cream with fresh dill and lemon zest. These fritters also make excellent toppers for salads or creative garnishes for soups. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tangy interior creates an irresistible bite!
8. Grilled Cheese with Sauerkraut
Elevate the humble grilled cheese to gourmet status with tangy sauerkraut! This sandwich brings together melty cheese and fermented cabbage for a match made in comfort food heaven.
Choose a robust cheese that can stand up to sauerkraut’s bold flavor – aged cheddar, Gruyère, or Emmental work beautifully. Butter two slices of sourdough bread (the tanginess complements the sauerkraut perfectly). Layer cheese on one slice, add well-drained sauerkraut, then more cheese (this cheese “glue” keeps everything together).
Cook slowly over medium-low heat until golden brown and the cheese melts completely. The magic happens when the sharp cheese meets the tangy sauerkraut, creating a complex flavor profile that’s miles beyond a regular grilled cheese. A touch of whole grain mustard spread inside adds another dimension of flavor that takes this sandwich to the next level.
9. Sauerkraut Pizza
Pizza night gets a German-inspired makeover! The surprising addition of sauerkraut creates a pizza that’s anything but ordinary – tangy, savory, and utterly craveable.
Start with your favorite pizza dough. Instead of tomato sauce, spread a thin layer of mustard or crème fraîche as your base. Top with a light layer of well-drained sauerkraut, thinly sliced onions, and chunks of browned sausage (bratwurst or kielbasa work perfectly).
Sprinkle with mozzarella and a touch of caraway seeds before baking at high heat until bubbly and golden. The sauerkraut gets slightly crispy at the edges while maintaining its tangy bite. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Even pizza purists might be converted after trying this unexpected but delicious combination that brings Old World flavors to a beloved favorite.
10. Sauerkraut Soup (Kapustnyak)
When winter winds blow, this hearty Eastern European soup provides soul-warming comfort. The sauerkraut gives the broth a distinctive tanginess that sets it apart from ordinary soups.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add chunks of smoked ham hock or bacon, diced potatoes, well-rinsed sauerkraut, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Cover with chicken or vegetable broth and simmer until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld.
The magic happens as the soup simmers – the sauerkraut softens while infusing the broth with its unique flavor. A dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of fresh dill make perfect finishing touches. This rustic soup improves with age, so make a big batch and enjoy it over several days as the flavors continue to develop and deepen.
11. Breakfast Hash
Morning meals get a tangy upgrade when sauerkraut joins the breakfast table! This savory hash transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying start to your day.
Begin by crisping chopped bacon in a skillet. Add diced potatoes and cook until golden and tender. Toss in diced bell peppers and onions, cooking until they soften. The secret ingredient comes next – a generous handful of well-drained sauerkraut that adds brightness to counter the richness.
Create wells in the hash and crack eggs directly into them. Cover and cook until the whites set but yolks remain runny. The sauerkraut’s acidity cuts through the richness of the eggs and bacon, creating perfect balance. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness. This hearty breakfast provides long-lasting energy and introduces probiotics to your morning routine!
12. Tempeh or Tofu Reuben
Plant-based eaters rejoice! The classic Reuben sandwich gets a vegetarian makeover that sacrifices none of the flavor. Sauerkraut plays a starring role in creating that authentic deli experience.
Marinate sliced tempeh or extra-firm tofu in tamari, liquid smoke, and pickling spices. Pan-fry until browned and flavorful. Meanwhile, mix vegan mayo with ketchup, pickle relish, and a dash of hot sauce for a plant-based Russian dressing.
Assemble your sandwich on rye bread with the tempeh/tofu, a generous layer of sauerkraut, vegan Swiss cheese, and the dressing. Grill until golden and melty. The sauerkraut provides that essential tangy crunch that makes a Reuben a Reuben. Even dedicated carnivores might be surprised by how satisfying this meatless version can be, with all the complex flavors and textures of the original.
13. Pierogi or Dumpling Filling
Transform your sauerkraut into the heart of Eastern European comfort food! These hand-formed pockets of goodness showcase sauerkraut’s versatility and ability to shine in traditional recipes.
Sauté finely chopped onions until golden and caramelized. Add chopped mushrooms (cremini or porcini work beautifully) and cook until they release their moisture. Mix in well-drained sauerkraut and continue cooking until everything melds together. Cool completely before using as filling.
Wrap this savory mixture in homemade or store-bought dumpling dough, forming half-moon shapes. Boil until they float, then pan-fry for a crispy exterior if desired. Serve with caramelized onions and a dollop of sour cream. The contrast between the tender dough and the savory, slightly tangy filling creates an irresistible bite that connects you to generations of Eastern European cooking traditions.
14. Flatbread Topping
Channel the flavors of Alsace with this German-inspired flatbread that makes sauerkraut the star! Similar to flammkuchen (flame cake), this simple dish delivers sophisticated flavor with minimal effort.
Roll out store-bought or homemade pizza dough into a thin oval. Spread with a thin layer of crème fraîche or sour cream mixed with a touch of nutmeg. Scatter well-drained sauerkraut, thinly sliced onions, and small pieces of bacon or pancetta across the surface.
Bake in a very hot oven until the edges crisp and the toppings begin to caramelize. The heat mellows the sauerkraut’s tanginess while concentrating its flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and black pepper. Cut into squares and serve immediately. This flatbread makes a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a light meal paired with a simple green salad.
15. Sauerkraut Pasta Bake
Unexpected but absolutely delicious, this creamy pasta bake introduces sauerkraut to Italian comfort food! The result is a deeply satisfying dish with bright notes that cut through the richness.
Cook short pasta like penne or rotini until just shy of al dente. Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms until golden, then add garlic and well-drained sauerkraut. Stir in a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and grated cheese (Gruyère and Parmesan work wonderfully).
Combine the pasta with the sauerkraut mixture in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and crispy breadcrumbs tossed with herbs and olive oil. Bake until bubbly and golden. The sauerkraut adds a subtle tang that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. This crowd-pleaser might raise eyebrows at first mention, but it converts skeptics with its irresistible flavor and comforting texture.
16. Probiotic Power Bowl
Harness the gut-friendly benefits of fermented foods in this vibrant, nutrient-packed bowl! Sauerkraut adds both flavor and health benefits to this colorful meal.
Start with a base of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Add a rainbow of roasted vegetables – sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers all work beautifully. Include a protein source like chickpeas, black beans, or baked tofu cubes.
Now for the star: a generous spoonful of sauerkraut placed prominently on top, its bright acidity cutting through the earthier components. Drizzle with a creamy tahini dressing whisked with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts for crunch. This bowl delivers serious nutrition while introducing probiotics in a delicious way that goes far beyond supplement capsules.
Leave a comment