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    Home » Round Up » What To Eat with Sauerkraut

    What To Eat with Sauerkraut

    Published on Jun 13, 2022 Modified: Jun 6, 2022 by Melissa Torres This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    Sauerkraut is a popular side dish or condiment. It is made by putting cabbage through a fermentation process using a beneficial bacteria called lactic acid bacteria. The end result is a slightly sour, very briney dish that can be used as a topping for so many delicious recipes! Here’s a list of foods to eat with sauerkraut as you explore this delicious recipe.

    Glass jar of sauerkraut sitting besides a spoon full of spice.

    History of Sauerkraut

    Origins

    Sauerkraut was originally invented over 2,000 years ago in China. Slaves were working to build the Great Wall of China and were given rice and cabbage as their main form of sustenance in the summer. They learned to soak the cabbage in rice wine to preserve it, which ultimately ended up creating a dish that is very similar to the sauerkraut we know and love today.

    History in Germany 

    You may notice, however, that sauerkraut is hardly ever associated with Chinese cuisine. This is because in the 16th century, German people began the process of dry curing cabbage with salt. This extracted the liquid from the cabbage and instead turned the sugars in the vegetable to lactic acid, which naturally preserved it.

    This is the method that is still used today to make sauerkraut, and the dish has become wildly popular in German (and other Eastern European) cuisine. You will see that many of the suggestions given in this article center around German cuisine because it is so loved in the country.

    You will also see plenty of recipes that aren’t German, and this is because sauerkraut has also become a popular dish in the United States and across the world. Sauerkraut is versatile and is a great addition to so many recipes. Keep reading for some of my favorite dishes to pair with sauerkraut.

    How to Make Sauerkraut

    It actually takes a very simple recipe to make this important dish! Here are a few sauerkraut recipes that show different ways to prepare this easy recipe:

    • Daring Gourmet has a very detailed recipe that goes through everything you will need to know to get the process just right.
    • Taste of Home shows you how to add Granny Smith Apples into your recipe.
    • The Spruce Eats flavors their recipe with juniper berries, caraway seeds, and mustard seeds.

    Most recipes for sauerkraut call for using only two ingredients: Raw Cabbage and Salt. It is possible to use either green cabbage or red cabbage.

    After combining the cabbage and salt, the ingredients have to rest for a long time (a few weeks) in order to reach their best results. Soon you’ll be able to put your homemade treat on everything!

    Tools to Make Sauerkraut

    In order to make this recipe for the first time you will need only one tool: a mason jar. Some recipes also give instructions on how to use a slow cooker to make the process even easier.

    With just these simple ingredients and tools you will get a dish full of probiotic-rich goodness that also features a tangy flavor to excite your taste buds.

    Where to Find Sauerkraut in the Store

    If making traditional sauerkraut from scratch isn’t up your alley, you can also buy it from the stores! It is a very popular food, so you should be able to find it in most grocery stores.

    Typically you will be able to find fresh jars located in the refrigerated section of the store.

    FAQs about Sauerkraut 

    Does Sauerkraut Have Probiotics?

    Yes! Sauerkraut is one of the probiotic foods. In fact, it has more lactobacillus acid (sound familiar? we talked about this in my Tarator article) than most yogurts. Some sources say that you should eat a tablespoon of sauerkraut a day to act as a probiotic and help your gut health.

    Probiotics mean that sauerkraut is great for your digestive system and is a great way to promote good gut health. There are so many health benefits of sauerkraut!

    What is the Difference Between Sauerkraut and Kimchi?

    Sauerkraut and Kimchi are both fermented cabbage recipes that are used as condiments. Sauerkraut is popular in Europe, while kimchi is eaten a lot in Korean cuisine.

    Kimchi tends to have more seasonings added that make it spicy. It can also feature a variety of fermented vegetables, whereas sauerkraut only features cabbage.

    What to Eat with Sauerkraut 

    There are so many delicious ideas to pair with sauerkraut. Here are some of my favorite ways to work it into a meal!

    • Hot Dogs
    • Avocado Toast
    • Pork Chops
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Reuben sandwiches (Classic Reuben on rye bread and Turkey Reuben are both good options)
    • Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    • Tuna Salad
    • Pair with your favorite sausage
    • A sides to most meat dishes
    • Breakfast burrito
    • Sauerkraut soup
    • Burgers (especially with Swiss cheese!)
    • Reuben Dip (made with cream cheese and corned beef)
    • Sauerkraut Pasta

    What to Eat with Sauerkraut 

    German Frikadellen 

    Plate of Frikadellen with a side of dipping sauuce, cucumber salad in bowl off to the side and slices of radishes.

    Learn how to make German frikadellen (from Maple + Mango) – a flavorful meat patty that is a cross between a meatball and a burger. This family favorite is so good and super versatile! A mixture of seasoned ground meat with sautéed onions and a softened bun (for the authentic tender texture) is shaped into large flattened meatballs. Pan-fried until browned on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. Yum! Delicious served hot or cold which makes them great for dinner, picnics, Oktoberfest celebrations and more!

    Read More

    Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes

    Oven roasted sausages and potatoes served on a plate with fresh herbs garnished on the side.

    This easy Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes recipe (from The Rustic Foodie) is ready in 30 minutes! It’s full of German flavors and topped with a tangy mustard glaze.

    Read More

    Wiener Schnitzel

    Wiener Schnitzel with Lemon Squeeze
    Wiener Schnitzel is an Austrian main dish made with veal. The meat is pounded into thin slices, breaded, and fried and is then served with lemon wedges and greens for garnishment.
    Read More

    German Pork Loin

    German pork loin sliced and served on a rectangular serving plate.

    Flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth tender German Pork Loin (from Cook What You Love) in your slow cooker is one of those hearty and wholesome family meals everyone loves. And the best part is that this is pretty much set-it-and-forget it cooking. The gravy that this dish makes is out of this world, so get ready to lick your plate clean!

    Read More

    Easy Spaetzle Recipe

    A spoon tucked into spaetzle.

    Spaetzle (from Cook What You Love) are tender, plump, eggy noodles that are far easier to make than fussy Italian pasta, and this easy Spaetzle recipe is about as good as it gets! My family devours these noodles, and they’re even better the next day when fried with bacon and onions. Authentically German and oh-so delicious, it doesn’t get much better than spaetzle!

    Read More

    Käsespätzle (Cheese Spaetzle)

    Käsespätzle is an Austrian dish that combines spätzle and cheese sauce. The more delicious cousin of mac and cheese, this Cheese Spaetzle is topped with onions and is delicious as either a side or a main dish. 
    Read More

    Brats

    4 cooked brats on a plate next to a small bowl of dipping sauce and a small bowl of sauerkraut.

    For the best way to cook brats in the oven (from The Short Order Cook), follow this easy recipe. These bratwursts will be hot, crispy, & juicy, even without cooking them on a grill. Learning how to cook beer brats is simple and all about making sure the inside is cooked to the right temperature and the outside casing is roasted to perfection. One bite of these oven-cooked brats with the mild taste of spices and the yummy drippings, and you will be hooked.

    Read More

    Cod Reuben

    Two hands holding up a thick cod reuben sandwich to see all the ingredients overflowing into the parchment paper.

    This Cod Reuben Sandwich (from Champagne Tastes) is a fishy take on a classic deli-style Reuben! It’s piled high with seared cod, sauerkraut, and a homemade yogurt-based Russian dressing.

    Read More

    Schweinebraten

    Plate of schweinebraten with a couple of side dishes and gravy poured over the pork roast slices.

    Schweinebraten (from Caroline’s Cooking) is a traditional German pork roast, and in many cases, as here, it’s cooked with beer which helps make a delicious sauce. The seasonings are simple but the result is a deliciously tender, flavorful main.

    Read More

    German Beef Rouladen

    This classic German dinner is made of steak stuffed with pickles, bacon, mustard, and onions and then served in a delightful gravy. Make this classic German comfort food to really experience German cuisine.
    Read More

    German Potato Salad

    Potatoes are mixed with cut up onions, bacon, and herbs and then covered in a vinegar-based dressing. Serve this alongside sausage for a great German meal!
    Read More

    Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

    A spatchcock chicken on a plate next to a side serving dish of roasted asparagus.

    If you’ve ever wanted to try a grilled spatchcock chicken (from Braised & Deglazed), then you’re in the right place. It may sound complicated, but the truth is it’s actually really easy.

    Read More

    Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

    These horseradish mashed potatoes are filled with chives, sour cream, milk, and horseradish. They are perfect as a side to red meat, including steak or prime rib.
    Read More

    Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Mashed Potatoes are a known classic, but making Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot is a new way to make this favorite side dish! The potatoes will be ready for mashing in just about 6 minutes, making this old favorite so much easier to make and enjoy!
    Read More

    Sauerbraten

    Sauerbraten on a plate with side dishes accompanying it.

    This classic Bavarian-style Sauerbraten recipe (from The Good Hearted Woman) consists of a beef roast that is marinated for days in vinegar and spices, and then oven-braised to perfection. Served up with a savory, tangy-sweet gravy, it is a fork-tender festival of rich, warm comfort food.

    Read More

    Beet Sauerkraut Salad

    Beet sauerkraut salad in a serving dish.

    This beet and sauerkraut salad aka Salat Vinegret (from Vikalinka) is a staple in all Russian homes, and is an ideal vitamin booster in cold winter months!

    Read More

    Semmelknodel

    Semmelknodel dumplings piled together on a plate.

    Semmelknödel Recipe (from Masala Herb) are round bread dumplings. They are a traditional side dish in Austria and Germany.

    Read More

    Sauerkraut Chicken

    Sauerkraut chicken on a plate.

    Our Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken Recipe (from Low Carb No Carb) made with Homemade Sauerkraut, and Homemade Greek Yogurt is a perfect healthy low carb dinner recipe you can make in no time. Fully Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, and Diabetic Friendly, this chicken and sauerkraut can be used even as a part of your Meal Plan. 

    Read More

    Chicken Bratwurst with Pork

    Chicken bratwurst in a bun topped with sauerkraut on a plate with fresh cucumber slices and carrot sticks on the side.

    Try my chicken bratwurst recipe (from Summer Yule) when you want a lighter version of beer brats. This homemade sausage uses a mix of ground chicken and ground pork. After simmering in a buttery beer bath, the brats are slathered with mustard and topped with sauerkraut and caramelized onions.

    Read More

    Potato Pancakes

    Potato Pancakes
    Potato Pancakes are common in Poland, Russia, and Belarus. They are made my grating potatoes with onion, an egg, and some seasonings and then frying in oil. Best enjoyed with sour cream or apple sauce, Potato Pancakes are great for any meal. 
    Read More
    Pinterest image of foods to eat with sauerkraut.

    Other meals + what to serve

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    • What to eat with Sushi at a Party
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    Hi there! My name is Alexandria. Thanks for stopping by! Spices, ingredients, utensils, techniques… we’ll learn it all, together. Join me for me for struggles and laughs and some crazy concoctions. Learn More...
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