Loaded with gut-friendly bacteria and plenty of flavor, these 50+ Easy Ways to Use Sauerkraut are sure to make your taste buds dance! Whether you have homemade, a store-bought jar, or a plastic bag of sauerkraut, these delicious recipes are perfect for quick, easy, and healthy home-cooked meals anytime.

โค๏ธ Why you will love these recipes
- Use any kind: Homemade in a crock or mason jar, store-bought bavarian sauerkraut in a plastic bag or jar, These recipes work with any version of sauerkraut.
- Easy recipes: Many of these recipes are set-it-and-forget-it style in a crockpot or instant pot. So simple and delicious every time!
- Different recipes: There are so many different ways to use sauerkraut! From spicy sausage to simple salads and of course Reuben sandwiches, there are so many fun things to do with this ingredient.
- Health benefits of sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage is loaded with beneficial bacteria, the main one being lactic acid bacteria. The German word “sauerkraut” literally means acid (sauer) cabbage (kraut).
โ What is Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is one of the most common probiotic foods. It’s chock full of good bacteria and so great for supporting a healthy gut. It’s made with white or red cabbage and salt, but you can also add ingredients like onion, carrot, apple, caraway seeds, juniper berries, and ground black pepper or peppercorns.
How to make your own sauerkraut
This sour cabbage dish is made with a head of cabbage or two, and salt. All you have to do is shred the raw cabbage and cover it with sea salt. In a large bowl, massage it to release the natural liquid inside of the cabbage. Eventually, enough sauerkraut juice will be released from the shredded cabbage for the vegetable to be submerged in liquid. At this point, you can pack it tightly into a fermentation container like a glass jar or fermentation crock covered by cabbage leaves and something to weigh the top of the cabbage down.
Cover the top of the jar of sauerkraut with a cloth or the lid of the fermentation crock and store it at room temperature out of direct sunlight. You don’t want to close it tightly with a lid because the air bubbles that are created during fermentation will need to escape. Now the fermentation process will begin. The fermenting process takes around 4-10 days in total, depending on the season (lower temperatures take longer).
Check out my Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe for all of the best tips on making your own at home.
๐ Pork Dishes
Air Fryer Pork and Sauerkraut
This Air Fryer Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe is sure to bring you good luck all year! This delicious pork recipe is my favoriteway to celebrate New Year's Day. Ready in just an hour, you will be amazed at how truly scrumptious air fryer pork roast is. It's perfect for healthy family dinners anytime!
Pork and Sauerkraut (German Pork Chops)
Boneless pork chops with sauerkraut, potatoes, apples, and caraway seeds are the perfect comfort food. Ready in just over an hour!
Dutch Oven Pork Roast
Break out your dutch oven and whip up this incredible pork roast recipe! Perfect for a hearty dinner anytime.
Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
This is an easy way of cooking a traditional German dish. Tender pork loin or pork shoulder on a bed of sweet and savory sauerkraut.
Szegedin Goulash with Sauerkraut (Székely Gulyás)
Slow Cooker Ribs, Potatoes and Sauerkraut
Try making sauerkraut with ribs in the slow cooker. Is so easy and tastes delicious!
Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Instant pot pork and Sauerkraut is something that requires less than 25 minutes to cook and is very convenient if you are in rush! A simple, easy yet very different, and innovative recipe that gives a tangy and bit sweet flavor at the same time.
Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
This two-ingredient recipe is so simple and great on its own or on a sandwich, or with some extra veggies on the side.
๐ญ Sausage Dishes
Sausage Potato & Sauerkraut Skillet
Made in one pan, this Sausage and Potato Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe is so flavorful and filling!
Brats with Sauerkraut
Ready in less than an hour, this One-Pan Brats and Kraut recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
Kielbasa and Beer Mac and Cheese
If you're looking for something a little different, this Keielbasa mac and cheese dish is for you! Made with sauerkraut, you can also use gluten-free macaroni if needed.
Instant Pot Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut
This hot dogs and sauerkraut recipe is a delicious, cheap and super easy dish that will surely make your kids happy. All you need is water, hot dogs, sauerkraut salad and hot dog buns!
Slow Cooker Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Apples (Whole30)
Perfect for the Whole30 diet, this healthy Slow Cooker Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Apples recipe is so good for you and comforting!
Slow Cooker Sausage and Sauerkraut
Slow Cooker Sausage and Sauerkraut recipe served over mashed potatoes! This easy crockpot meal will become your family’s new favorite dinner!
Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Crockpot Recipe
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Tangy, a little sweet, and leveled out with beer (you can use gluten-free!) this slow cooker recipe is perfect for the entire family!
Easy Crockpot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Tangy, spicy, and comforting, this Crockpot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa is such an easy meal to prepare.
Air Fryer Bratwurst
On a (gluten-free) bun or in a bowl with all of the toppings, whichever way you decide to serve your brats, this air fryer bratwurst recipe will come in handy when you want to save some time in the kitchen.
Hot Dogs with Krautslaw
Hot Dogs with Krautslaw! Pep up your hot dogs with zesty slaw by adding some carrot, apple, and mayonnaise to some sauerkraut! A healthier way to have hot dogs.
Grilled Beer Brats
Perfect for summer, beer brats, and sauerkraut are cooked on a grill with a skillet! Such a fun and tasty recipe.
Campfire Bratwurst and Sauerkraut (with Beer!)
Who doesn't love camping, especially with good food? This campfire Sauerkraut and Brats recipe should be at the top of your list for your next wilderness excursion.
๐ฅ Casseroles
Rakott Kaposzta Hungarian Sauerkraut Casserole
Take your tastebuds on a trip to Hungary with this simple Sauerkraut Casserole!
Reuben Casserole
This Reuben casserole is brimming with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors between the sauerkraut, corned beef, rye bread, Swiss cheese, pickles, and thousand island dressing!
Pierogi Breakfast Casserole
Nothing beats a big bowl of pierogies, so why not have them for breakfast? This breakfast Casserole recipe is loaded with sauerkraut, cheese, and real bacon bits.
Lazy Pierogi Casserole with Sauerkraut and Apple (aka Lazy Perogies)
There is nothing lazy about the flavor of this Lazy Pierogi Casserole! Switch the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta if needed.
Small Batch Gluten-Free Vegetable Lasagna
Level up your lasagna game with this gluten-free Vegetable Lasagna. Yes, it even has sauerkraut in it!
๐ฅช Sandwiches
You can always switch out the bread for a gluten-free alternative, or use lettuce to make it more low-carb!
Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich
Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Thousand Island Dressing
Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Perfect Reuben Sandwich is the absolute best, so tasty, and easy to make! This sandwich is packed full of corned beef, swiss, and a simple homemade dressing!
The Best Reuben Sandwich!
Corned beef piled with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on buttery toasted rye bread. This toasty Reuben sandwich is delicious and easy to make!
The Best Turkey Reuben {aka Rachel}
Reuben and Rachel? Ross and Rachel? Try this turkey Reuben sandwich for a slightly lighter twist on the classic.
Low-carb Reuben Cabbage Wraps
These delicious Reuben cabbage wraps are the perfect easy and healthy lunch or dinner!
Easy 5-Ingredient Reuben Braid
This easy five-ingredient Reuben sandwich makes a quick and delicious dinner everyone will love! Try it with gluten-free pizza dough.
Avocado Sauerkraut Toast
If you're a fan of avocado toast then you're going to love this sauerkraut version! Served on sprouted bread (or your go-to), it's perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Blarney Busters
Blarney Busters are melt-in-your-mouth glazed Corned Beef Sliders with Sauerkraut. You will love them on St. Paddy's Day but crave them all year long...
๐ฅ Appetizers, Salads, and Side Dishes
How to cook Sauerkraut
If you are a sauerkraut fan, you will love learning How To Cook Sauerkraut. Choose your preferred way to cook it: on the stove, in the slow cooker, air fryer, or instant pot. This simple side dish from eastern Europe takes minimal prep time and can be cooked in large batches to last all week for healthy snacks and side dishes!
Reuben Chopped Salad
This Reuben Chopped Salad has all the delicious flavors of your favorite classic diner sandwich, but in a healthier salad version - Complete with scratch made Russian dressing. With only 5 main ingredients and just 10 minutes, you will have the perfect quick and easy weekday lunch.
Russian Vinaigrette Recipe with Sauerkraut and Beets
This stunning salad is good for gut health! It features sauerkraut, beets, potatoes, kidney beans, and pickles.
Sauerkraut Salad {Sweet & Tangy}
Fresh, tangy, and sweet, this Sauerkraut Salad is perfect anytime!
Easy Sauerkraut Salad with Mango and Almonds
You won't want to miss out on the lemon-cardamom vinaigrette in this Sauerkraut Salad Recipe!
Sauerkraut Chickpea Flour Pierogies with Spiced Applesauce
Make your own gluten-free pierogies with chickpea flour!
Pittsburgh Pierogy Nachos
Pierogy Nachos? Yes! Topped with kielbasa and sauerkraut, this recipe is great for sharing.
Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos
This scrumptious recipe is a terrific appetizer or even a side dish. It features perfectly seasoned, oven-baked potato chips that are topped with sauerkraut, corned beef, and the other crowd-pleasing flavors of the popular Reuben sandwich!
Keto Sausage Sauerkraut Balls
Keep it low carb with these keto sausage and sauerkraut balls! Perfect for a snack or appetizer.
German Sauerkraut Balls
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for these German Sauerkraut Balls. SO good!
Reuben Egg Rolls (Air Fried, Baked, or Deep Fried)
These Reuben Egg Rolls are the perfect easy appetizer for game days or gatherings and are super easy to make. The crispy outer layer provides the perfect protection for the amazing Reuben flavor waiting for you to enjoy inside.
Reuben Egg Rolls (Fried)
๐ซ Dips
Healthier Reuben Dip (Oven, Microwave or Crock Pot Appetizer Recipe)
This appetizer features the always-popular flavors of a Reuben sandwich, in a rich and creamy appetizer dip! It’s so quick and easy to make in either the oven, the microwave, or the slow cooker - plus you can mix it up right in the serving dish, and it can even be made ahead!
Reuben Dip
Loaded with cheese, sauerkraut, corned beef, and thousand island dressing, this is a great party dip option!
Vegan Sauerkraut Hummus Recipe
If you want boring hummus, buy it from the store. If you want a unique sauerkraut hummus, make it yourself! This recipe is quick, easy, and completely customizable.
๐ฒ Soups
Low-Carb Reuben Soup
With the same great flavor as the sandwich, Reuben soup is a tasty treat. Perfect for St Patrick's Day or anytime.
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Soup
This Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Soup is the best way to warm up!
Sausage Sauerkraut Soup
If you've ever had homemade sauerkraut soup, you know that it's the best. The tangy taste of cabbage pairs so perfectly with the rich flavor of chicken broth, and when you add in a hearty potato or two, there's nothing better.
Reuben Soup
The taste of Reuben without the bread, this soup is so delicious! Swap the regular flour for gluten-free if needed.
Healthy Reuben Soup Recipe
This Healthy Reuben Soup is a lightened-up version of the classic sandwich.
๐ More recipe collections you will love
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- Healthy Sides for Steak Bites
- Healthy Sides for Chicken Salad
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