Recipes with Sauerkraut (2024)

Find out what to do with sauerkraut using this collection of 37 delicious recipes. You’ll find breakfast, dinner, and even a dessert that is made with fun and healthy ingredient. Perfect for using up leftovers or if you want to stock up!

Recipes With Sauerkraut

Whether you’ve stocked up at Costco or you have leftovers from a big meal of German food. You can use your leftover sauerkraut in a ton of fun ways.

Since you probably already have some on hand, you already understand that it has a lot of great health benefits. Its good bacteria makes it a fantastic probiotic and it is full of great nutrients

Sauerkraut is the perfect addition to many dishes. If the dish calls for pickles, olives, or other briny ingredients, it will fit right in. Try adding it to some hot dogs or to some avocado toast.

So keep a jar of sauerkraut in your pantry for the next time you want to add some fun texture and flavor.

If you are looking for all the health benefits, and have a pound of cabbage, try making some homemade sauerkraut.

This list of sauerkraut recipes has a wide variety of dishes. From the classic Reuben sandwich to sauerkraut cake!

Does sauerkraut go bad?

That depends on how you’re storing the sauerkraut.

If you are keeping it in the refrigerator, it should last 4-6 months. But make sure you don’t add any new bacteria to the jar, as that will make it spoil.

If you store your sauerkraut in the pantry, it should be eaten within a month.

Other recipe ideas you may enjoy!

Kielbasa Recipes
Hard Boiled Egg Recipes
Cabbage Recipes
Ground Beef Recipes

This collection of great recipes that use leftover sauerkraut:

Breakfast ideas that are unique and flavorful
Savory Dishes that include dinners and salads
Sweet Dessert, yep! dessert!

Each of these sauerkraut recipes will tell you:

Type of recipe
Number of ingredients
How much sauerkraut you will need.
The complexity of ingredients (aka, whether or not you might need to hit the grocery store first)
How long it takes to prepare (including cook time)
Special diet (Keto, Gluten-free, etc)
Equipment needed. (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, etc.)

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What to do with sauerkraut

If you’re currently standing in line at the grocery store looking at delicious recipes, don’t stress! Pin this to your favorite recipe board and it will be ready when you are!

Ingredients that work well with sauerkraut

These ingredients will pop up in a lot of the recipes below. So if you have them on hand, you will be able to find more ideas to make.

kielbasa or other smoked sausage
ground pork or a pork loin roast
pierogies
swiss cheese
sour cream
rye bread
caraway seeds
chicken broth or stock
fresh vegetables

What to make with sauerkraut

We want to help people find new ideas for the food they have already have.

Each of these recipes using sauerkraut will give you key information, that way you can pick the dish that works for your family.

Check out the recipe creators that developed each idea to use their tips and get the step-by-step instructions.

Note: pantry ingredients include dry ingredient pantry staples like olive oil, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, corn starch, salt, black pepper, spices, etc. Please check the recipe to make sure that you have the ingredients needed to create the dish. If you are making gluten-free recipes, it may include things like almond flour and other common gluten-free pantry items.

Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

Pierogi Breakfast Casserole

TYPE: Breakfast
INGREDIENT COUNT: 10
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/2 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 60 Minutes

Photo Credit:sugarandsnappeas.com

Reuben with Turkey Bacon

TYPE: Breakfast
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/4 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 12 Minutes

Photo Credit:celebrationgeneration.com

Sauerkraut Balls

TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 L Jar
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 3 hours 10 Minutes

Photo Credit:mytherapistcooks.com

Beer Cheese with Kielbasa

TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 11 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 7 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 40 Minutes

Photo Credit:www.taketwotapas.com

Deviled Eggs with Corned Beef

TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 Tablespoon
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 20 Minutes

Photo Credit:thegoodheartedwoman.com

Fritters with Bacon, Sausage & Cheese

TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 16 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 1 hour 11 minutes, plus chill time
NOTES: Air Fryer

Photo Credit:www.chocolatemoosey.com

Nachos with Pierogies

TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus toppings
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 45 Minutes

Photo Credit:www.dinneratthezoo.com

Reuben Dip

Potato Salad with Perogies

TYPE: Salad
INGREDIENT COUNT: 9
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 3/4 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 40 Minutes
NOTES: Gluten-Free

Photo Credit:www.simplystacie.net

Sauerkraut Salad

TYPE: Salad
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 L Jar
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 10 minutes plus chill time

Photo Credit:vikalinka.com

Salad with Beets

TYPE: Salad
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 2 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 20 Minutes

Salad with Chickpeas

TYPE: Salad
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 3/4 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 15 Minutes
NOTES: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Photo Credit:www.all-thats-jas.com

Serbian Baked Sauerkraut

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 32 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 1 hour 15 Minutes

Photo Credit:debsdailydish.com

Brats

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 16 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 25 Minutes
NOTES: Pressure Cooker

Photo Credit:taoofspice.com

Reuben Burgers

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 11 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 1/3 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 20 Minutes

Photo Credit:www.krumpli.co.uk

Casserole

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 9 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 2 3/4-3 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 40 Minutes

Photo Credit:www.lowcarbnomad.com

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 1/2 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 15 Minutes
NOTES: Low-Carb

Photo Credit:www.chocolatemoosey.com

Mac and Cheese with Kielbasa

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 9 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/2 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 30 Minutes

Photo Credit:strengthandsunshine.com

Pierogies with Chickpea Flour

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/2 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
NOTES: Gluten-Free, Vegan

Photo Credit:homemadeandhappy.com

Pizza with Sriracha

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 2 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 45 Minutes

Photo Credit:smartsavvyliving.com

Stove Top Pork

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 3 lbs
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 3 hours 15 Minutes

Photo Credit:celebrationgeneration.com

Reuben Buns

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1-2 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 60 Minutes

Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

Reuben with Panini

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 15 Minutes
NOTES: Weight Watchers

Photo Credit:www.lemonblossoms.com

Reuben Sandwich

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 11 plus salt and pepper
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/2 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 15 Minutes

Photo Credit:thespiffycookie.com

Reuben with Stromboli

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/2 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.

Photo Credit:theblondcook.com

Reuben Sliders

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 8 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 30 Minutes

Photo Credit:thesuburbansoapbox.com

Reuben Casserole

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 16 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 45 Minutes

Photo Credit:www.themagicalslowcooker.com

Ribs with Potatoes

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 16 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 5 hours 30 minutes
NOTES: Slow Cooker

Photo Credit:strengthandsunshine.com

Salmon with Dill

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 3 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 2 Tablespoons
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 20 Minutes
NOTES: Gluten-Free

Photo Credit:dizzybusyandhungry.com

Sandwich with Avocado

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 22 Minutes

Photo Credit:wholesomefarmhouserecipes.com

Shepherds Pie with Kielbasa

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 16 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 55 Minutes

Photo Credit:www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com

Sauerkraut Soup with Potatoes and Sausage

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.

Photo Credit:veggiesociety.com

Soup with Cabbage

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 11 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 16 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 40 Minutes
NOTES: Vegan

Looking for more? Check out these other cabbage recipes!

Photo Credit:veggiesociety.com

Cabbage Roll Soup

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 9 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 1/2-2 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 25 Minutes
NOTES: Vegan

Photo Credit:healthytasteoflife.com

Soup with Beets

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 cup (red saurekraut)
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 50 Minutes
NOTES: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Photo Credit:thecuriousplate.com

Corned Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1/4 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 20 Minutes

Photo Credit:amandascookin.com

Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake

TYPE: Dessert
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SAUERKRAUT: 1 1/2 cups
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.

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FAQs

What is the best way to eat sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut can be added to soups and stews; cooked with stock, beer or wine; served with sausages or salted meats, and is especially good with smoked fish, like hot-smoked salmon.

Find Out More ›

Is eating sauerkraut every day good for you? ›

Eating sauerkraut may help strengthen your immune system, improve your digestion, reduce your risk of certain diseases, and even lose weight. To reap the greatest benefits, try eating a little bit of sauerkraut each day.

Learn More ›

How much sauerkraut do you need to eat to get the probiotic benefits? ›

Sauerkraut is a highly nutritious, probiotic-rich food, and you are recommended to eat about a tablespoon or 10 grams per day. You may gradually increase the intake of sauerkraut up to six tablespoons or 60 grams per day if you are comfortable. However, you are recommended not to overconsume.

Read The Full Story ›

How long does sauerkraut last in the refrigerator? ›

If you are refrigerating your sauerkraut, it should stay fresh for about four to six months after opening. It's important to know when you're using it and sealing it after each use because if new bacteria come in contact with it, it can immediately become spoiled.

Get More Info ›

Is sauerkraut good on eggs? ›

Sauerkraut and Eggs is a fabulous combination and so good for you! Sauerkraut is a fermented food and very popular in Austria. And although I've grown up with it, I never knew that it is an excellent way to rebuild healthy gut bacteria! It's an excellent source to make our guts more healthy!

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What can I do with a jar of sauerkraut? ›

To take advantage of the health and probiotic benefits of sauerkraut (that are lost when cooked in a dish), it's recommended to consume it raw. Add sauerkraut to a Reuben sandwich, mix it into tuna, egg, chicken, or potato salad, or eat it straight from the jar.

Tell Me More ›

What food goes well with sauerkraut? ›

The best way to eat sauerkraut is to enjoy it as a side dish or topping. It can be served cold or hot, and can be added to salads, sandwiches, burgers, or even tacos. It can also be used as a topping for pizza or nachos. Sauerkraut can also be cooked with other ingredients such as sausage, bacon, onions, and potatoes.

What happens to your gut when you eat sauerkraut? ›

Improve Digestion

One serving of sauerkraut has two grams of fiber — a nutrient known to aid with digestion. For people with constipation, fiber increases the weight and size of their stool and softens it, making it easier to pass. For people with diarrhea, fiber can absorb excess water and solidify their stool.

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When should you not eat sauerkraut? ›

If you're pregnant or immunocompromised, you should avoid eating unpasteurized sauerkraut. If you take MAOIs, have blood pressure concerns, or have food intolerances or allergies, speak to your doctor before eating sauerkraut. Otherwise, sauerkraut is likely to be a nutritious and healthy addition to your diet.

Should I eat sauerkraut in the morning or at night? ›

It's most optimal to eat enzyme rich fermented food at the beginning of the meal, so they can begin the work of helping digestion as soon as they land in the stomach.

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Is sauerkraut in a jar good for you? ›

Store bought sauerkraut is typically pasteurized during the canning process, which destroys the active probiotics and therefore makes it less nutritious than fresh or homemade sauerkraut.

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What is the healthiest brand of sauerkraut? ›

Overall, we think Olive My Pickle Fermented Sauerkraut is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their gut health. It's a high-quality product that's made with simple, whole-food ingredients and contains probiotic live culture raw & unpasteurized foods.

Read On ›

What is the best time to eat sauerkraut? ›

Studies suggest incorporating sauerkraut into a well-rounded breakfast or as a component of fibre-rich lunches and dinners still offers gut-friendly benefits. Pairing it with prebiotics like onions, garlic, bananas, and Jerusalem artichokes can further aid probiotic colonization and growth in your gut.

Keep Reading ›

What is the healthiest way to eat sauerkraut? ›

Just remember, in addition to the general health benefits of sauerkraut, raw sauerkraut has a whole bunch of beneficial bacteria. So when you're looking for how best to eat your sauerkraut, remember that eating homemade sauerkraut without cooking it is the best way to get all the benefits sauerkraut offers.

What does a spoonful of sauerkraut do for you? ›

Sauerkraut is a versatile food full of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Live sauerkraut can also contain probiotic bacteria, which are good for your gut. Some nutrients in sauerkraut may contribute to improved heart health, bone health, immune function, and inflammation.

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How much sauerkraut should you eat a day? ›

It's up to you. If you're new to fermented foods, start off with a forkful a day to allow your gut to get used to the probiotics and fibre. Work your way up to two forkfuls a day over a month or so or simply enjoy it once or twice a week as a side to your main course.

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How do Germans eat sauerkraut? ›

Depending on your taste, onions, bacon, juniper berries, caraway, and/or cream can be added to and cooked with the Sauerkraut. In many parts of Germany, pork ribs or pork cutlets are cooked in the Sauerkraut to give it a smokey flavor. The pork absorbs the liquid and becomes very soft and juicy.

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Is it better for you to eat sauerkraut cold or cooked? ›

One important issue to remember is that cooking sauerkraut will kill off the probiotic bacteria that we want to consume. Even after cooking, sauerkraut is a healthy, cabbage-based dish, but it will be missing out on that probiotic boost. So, when possible, try to add your sauerkraut to your dishes uncooked.

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Recipes with Sauerkraut (2024)