I love fermented foods, especially sauerkraut. The unique sour flavor makes it a surprisingly versatile food, even in recipes! It has a distinct taste that is both tangy and salty. Not many foods take on these unique characteristics. While you can enjoy it on hot dogs or sandwiches, you can also use it to cook.
It’s no secret that I love getting creative in the kitchen. Not only do I make my sauerkraut at home, but I also like to incorporate it into various dishes. It has such a unique flavor, and you could even argue that it’s a secret ingredient.
The flavor depends on what type of cabbage is used, as well as how long it has fermented and if there are any additional ingredients. It pairs really well with meat and potatoes, but I’ve also been known to put it on eggs and burgers. All of these recipes incorporate sauerkraut. So, if you have a batch to use up, try using it in your next meal! Your family will be wondering where all the flavor comes from.
1. Sauerkraut Balls by Cook What You Love
This is an amazing appetizer that is filled with sausage and cheese. You don’t really taste the sauerkraut come through as much, but the recipe calls for an entire cup. There are a lot of other flavorful ingredients at play, including sausage, cheese, and an incredibly flavorful mustard dipping sauce.
2. Kraut Burger Sliders by Savor the Best
Who doesn’t love a good burger slider? This recipe is perfect as a main entrée served alongside potato salad. Or, you could serve it up as an appetizer at your next cookout. Mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and delicious Havarti cheese all come together to make this an delicious recipe with sauerkraut.
3. Sausage and Potato Skillet by Bitz n Giggles
Does anything go better together sausage and potatoes? Add in sauerkraut and you have yourself a winning combination. This recipe is unique because it calls for a can of Cola. Don’t knock it till you try it. Some of the best recipes out there have unique ingredients, including soda! Prepare the sauerkraut the day before for the most flavor.
4. Hungarian Sauerkraut Casserole by Krumpli
I’m a sucker for a yummy casserole. If you love stuffed cabbage but don’t want to put in all the work, then this recipe is for you. There are several layers of goodness to be enjoyed in this unique recipe with sauerkraut, including a delicious sour cream topping. Check it out!
5. Sauerkraut Soup by Happy Foods Tube
Here is the recipe with sauerkraut you’ll want to make on that chilly winter night. If you’ve never cooked with sauerkraut before, this is also a good place to start. Dip in a piece of fresh bread and you have yourself an incredibly comforting and satisfying dish.
6. Cabbage Rolls by Where is My Spoon
These vegan stuffed cabbage rolls are melt-in-your-mouth tasty. Make them ahead of time because they taste better the next day after the flavors have come together. These portable little rolls are also great to take to work.
7. Crockpot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut by Season and Thyme
I love my crockpot and I try to experiment with a new crockpot recipe at least once a week. This crockpot kielbasa with sauerkraut is the definition of comfort food. It’s tender, flavorful, and way too easy to make. There is 12 oz of wheat beer in this recipe, but most of the alcohol cooks off. You can also use apple cider instead. Just wait until you smell this dish cooking in your kitchen.
8. Reuben Dip by Amanda’s Cookin’
My husband loves a good Rueben, so I when I saw this dip, I knew I had to try it. This is a spin on a favorite classic, and it has just as much flavor as you would imagine. This dip is perfect for your next St. Pattys party. Best served warm, you can’t go wrong with this crowd pleaser.
9. Keto Sausage Balls by Officially Gluten Free
These sausage balls can be made as an appetizer or as a grab-and-go breakfast if you’re always on the run. They’re loaded with protein, packaged with flavor, and use a cup of sauerkraut for some extra tang.
10. Reuben Lettuce Wraps by Sumptuous Spoonfuls
It’s probably no surprise that a few of these recipes involved the classic Reuben flavors. These lettuce wraps are a healthy alternative to the greasy sandwich you love. So, you can enjoy all the flavors of a Reuben, and not feel terrible after. Sauerkraut adds an abundance of flavor in the Reuben filling.
11. Traditional Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich by Pinch Me I’m Eating
Is your mouth watering yet? If you’re looking for a recipe for the classic sandwich, this one is a keeper. This hearty sandwich can be made in just 15 minutes and is incredibly melty, flavorful, and all around delicious.
12. Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut by Savoring the Good
I know I speak very highly of slower cooker recipes, but you can’t argue that they’re just so good. Who doesn’t love a good set-it and forget-it meal? This recipe calls for pork loin, apple, onion, and you guessed it, sauerkraut.
13. Ginger Sauerkraut Carrot Cake by At Slone’s Table
I bet you didn’t think a dessert would be on this list of recipes using sauerkraut. Surprise! This carrot cake will be unlike any other carrot cake you’ve experienced. I know it sounds a little strange, but when you think about it, its really the perfect combination. Fresh grated carrots, cream cheese, ginger, and tangy sauerkraut. Check it out!
14. Bavarian Pork Roast by Make the Best of Everything
If you have a pressure cooker you have been dying to use, this recipe is for you. This comforting meal is tender, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly night. And, the addition of apple makes it a more kid-friendly!
15. Sauerkraut Lasagna by Hot Eats and Cool Reads
I’ll never say no to a lasagna, even a sauerkraut lasagna. This recipe is creamy, cheesy, yummy, and makes for amazing leftovers. You can add your own herbs to switch up the flavor to your own liking.
If you’re not convinced at this point that sauerkraut can make a tasty ingredient addition to a cooked dish, I’m not sure what will convince you! Bookmark these recipes for your next Oktoberfest or St. Patrick’s Day gathering. Your house will smell amazing, and your family will be happily stuffed.