Start here for my homemade sauerkraut recipe, and learn about the health benefits of lacto-fermented sauerkraut here. Then keep on scrolling to discover delicious recipes with sauerkraut!
So, you’ve made homemade sauerkraut, and you have extra on hand. After all, it’s super easy to make, and easy to make in bulk! But what happens when you get tired of just eating plain sauerkraut as a side dish? Or maybe you’ve only eaten it on hot dogs, and grilling season is done.
Never fear: I’ve compiled 9 delicious recipes, all with sauerkraut as a star ingredient. You’ll never have to face the possibility of not using up your sauerkraut again.
A note- a lot of these recipes call for quick kraut, or some other form of sauerkraut other than homemade fermented cabbage. That’s okay- you should be able to swap out lacto-fermented sauerkraut for quick kraut or grocery store sauerkraut or whatever else is called for. In my opinion, your dish will be better off for it.
But first:
If you’re just getting started with your own sauerkraut, start the easy way:
Serve it alongside bratwurst sausages or smoked sausage & german potato salad (or another favorite side), especially during grilling season! I’m pretty sure this will always be one of my favorite ways to serve sauerkraut.
Spoon some onto avocado toast (with eggs).
The other thing I should mention- I can’t and won’t make any claims as to the probiotic benefit of homemade sauerkraut once it’s been cooked. Most likely, the good bacteria present as a result of the fermentation process will be cooked off if it’s cooked at high heat for a long time. Luckily, the numerous other nutrients present in sauerkraut won’t disappear in the oven! I for one vastly prefer the taste of homemade fresh sauerkraut to that of store-bought, so even if all the nutrition magically vanished (it doesn’t), I would still use homemade.
9 Recipes With Sauerkraut
Reuben Club Sandwich
This sandwich boasts all the classic elements of a Reuben sandwich: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing–all stacked up, club sandwich style. Mixing the Russian dressing yourself, as this recipe calls for, is sure to elevate this club sandwich.
By the way, if you want to go the extra mile and make your own sourdough marble rye bread for this sandwich, check out my recipe here.
Easy Reuben Braid
This twist on a classic Reuben sandwich looks really impressive but comes together easily. It strikes me as a perfect potluck contribution, either as a main dish or a side!
Reuben Noodle Casserole
A Reuben sandwich meets mac and cheese in this sauerkraut casserole recipe! This easy recipe is pure comfort. It’s got all the basic ingredients of a Reuben once again, this time with noodles and a melty Swiss cheese sauce.
German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a mainstay of German food, and it pairs especially well with pork. This juicy pork loin is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over.
This recipe would accompany any number of potato-based sides beautifully.
Pork Chops and Sauerkraut
Another stunning dish featuring pork and sauerkraut…this time also with brown sugar and granny smith apples. It’s hard to beat the pork and apples combination, and the acidity of sauerkraut only improves the dish!
Sauerkraut Sausage Soup
Serve this super-flavorful sauerkraut soup with a dollop of sour cream! I know I’ll be reaching for this one throughout the cold months.
Packed with sausage, potatoes, veggies, sauerkraut, and spices, it’s hard to imagine how to add more goodness to a bowl!
Sauerkraut Pierogies
Learn to make your own pierogies with this stunning and creative recipe- they’re filled with a sauerkraut filling, then topped with a spiced applesauce topping with caraway seeds.
Sauerkraut Salad with Mango and Almonds
If you’re looking to elevate your homemade sauerkraut but keep it as a simple side dish, you won’t find better than this stunning salad. This one calls for sauerkraut made from red cabbage (a personal favorite) but I see no reason you couldn’t use any variety.
Hot Reuben Dip
Did you know that Reuben sandwich flavors could make a chip dip? A large skillet of this would for sure amaze at a game night or party.
I hope these recipes with sauerkraut have you inspired! I for one am always amazed by how many creative takes there can be on the same simple ingredients. There’s just too much flavor out there to ever be bored!
What Should I Make Next?
Dabble in more fermented foods!
Pin Recipes with Sauerkraut for later:
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments! If you share on Instagram, please tag me at @sisuhomemaker. And I always love to hear from you- send questions, comments, concerns, etc to carol@sisuhomemaker.com!
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