10 Delicious Recipes with Sauerkraut You Need to Try Right Now

If you’ve been sleeping on sauerkraut, it’s time to wake up! This tangy, fermented cabbage is one of those underrated ingredients that can completely transform a dish. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started, these recipes with sauerkraut are going to blow your mind — and your taste buds. Let’s dive in!

Why Cook with Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut isn’t just delicious — it’s packed with probiotics, fiber, and vitamins that do wonders for your gut health. Its sharp, tangy flavor cuts through rich meats, balances creamy sauces, and adds a punch to soups and sandwiches. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. From sauerkraut soup to sauerkraut casserole, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it.

1. Classic Reuben Sandwich

Nothing beats a well-loaded Reuben. This is the sauerkraut sandwich recipe that started it all. Serves 2.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices rye bread
• 6 oz corned beef, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sauerkraut, drained
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 3 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter the outside of each bread slice.
2. Spread Thousand Island dressing on the inside of each slice.
3. Layer corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on two slices.
4. Top with remaining bread slices (butter side out).
5. Grill in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and melty.

2. Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak)

This hearty sauerkraut soup is Eastern European comfort food at its finest. Rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sauerkraut, roughly chopped
• 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add kielbasa and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes, and bay leaf.
4. Stir in sauerkraut and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, remove the bay leaf, and serve hot.

3. Pork and Sauerkraut Skillet

This one-pan wonder is the ultimate pork and sauerkraut recipe for busy weeknights. Simple ingredients, massive flavor. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1½ cups sauerkraut
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil, 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion and apple for 5 minutes.
4. Add sauerkraut and caraway seeds, stir to combine.
5. Nestle pork chops back in, cover, and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

4. Sauerkraut and Potato Pierogi

Homemade sauerkraut pierogi are an absolute labor of love — and totally worth every minute. Makes 24 pierogi.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and butter for finishing

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, egg, water, and a pinch of salt into a smooth dough. Rest 30 minutes.
2. Combine sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and cheddar for the filling.
3. Roll the dough thin, cut into circles, fill, and seal edges well.
4. Boil in salted water until they float (about 4 minutes).
5. Pan-fry in butter until golden for extra crisp texture.

5. Sauerkraut Bratwurst Hot Dogs

This is the sauerkraut hot dog upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for game day! Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 4 bratwurst sausages
• 4 hot dog buns
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• ½ cup caramelized onions
• Mustard to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill or pan-fry bratwurst until cooked through and slightly charred.
2. Warm sauerkraut in a small pan for 3 minutes.
3. Place bratwurst in buns, top with sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and mustard.
4. Serve immediately.

6. Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Chicken

This slow cooker sauerkraut recipe is set-it-and-forget-it perfection. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all that tangy goodness. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the onion and sauerkraut in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Lay chicken on top, pour in broth.
4. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

7. Sauerkraut Pizza

Yes, sauerkraut on pizza is a thing — and it’s incredible. The tanginess pairs perfectly with smoky meats and gooey cheese. Serves 3–4.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough ball
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• ½ cup sauerkraut, well-drained
• 4 oz smoked ham or Canadian bacon
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Stretch dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and top with ham and sauerkraut.
4. Add caraway seeds if using.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

8. Sauerkraut and Sausage Casserole

This sauerkraut casserole is rich, filling, and the kind of dish that has everyone going back for seconds. Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 1½ cups cooked rice
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 onion, diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté sausage and onion until lightly browned.
3. Mix in sauerkraut, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
5. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

9. Sauerkraut Avocado Toast

A modern twist for the health-conscious crowd! This sauerkraut avocado toast is probiotic-rich, creamy, and absolutely addictive. Serves 2.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread, toasted
• 1 ripe avocado
• ¼ cup sauerkraut, drained
• Red pepper flakes, salt, and lemon juice
• Optional: a fried egg on top

Instructions:

1. Mash avocado with a squeeze of lemon, salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Spread generously onto toasted sourdough.
3. Top each slice with sauerkraut.
4. Add a fried egg if you want to make it a full meal.

10. Sauerkraut Deviled Eggs

These sauerkraut deviled eggs are a party appetizer that’ll have guests asking for the recipe all night long. Makes 12 deviled eggs.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp sauerkraut, finely chopped and drained
• Salt, pepper, and paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Halve the eggs and scoop yolks into a bowl.
2. Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, and sauerkraut until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spoon or pipe filling back into egg whites.
5. Dust with paprika and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There you have it — 10 amazing recipes with sauerkraut that prove this fermented superstar deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. From cozy soups to unexpected pizza toppings, sauerkraut dishes are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, these recipes are guaranteed to impress.

If you loved these ideas, save this pin to your favorite sauerkraut recipes board on Pinterest so you never lose it! And don’t forget to share it with your foodie friends — because great recipes are always better enjoyed together. Happy cooking!

Recommended Readings

• Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Crockpot Recipe (Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner)
• 7 Cozy Sauerkraut Soup Recipes to Warm You Up
• How to Make Homemade Sauerkraut: Your Complete Guide to Fermented Cabbage Perfection
• Classic Sauerkraut Balls Recipe (Crispy & Flavorful)
• Best Fermented Foods You Can Easily Use in Recipes and Everyday Dishes
• 10 Fermented Foods for Gut Health Backed by Science
• Authentic Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe in 20 Minutes
• Traditional Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe With Caraway Seeds
• How to Make Kimchi: Your Ultimate Guide to This Fermented Korean Delight