Sauerkraut

Brassica oleracea var. capitata (for cabbage) Fermented Vegetable

Sauerkraut Fermented Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Fermented Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Uncovering the surprising probiotic power and versatile culinary applications of this humble fermented classic."

Definition

Fermented cabbage, finely shredded and pickled, known for its distinct sour flavor and crunchy texture. A classic side dish.

Fermentation Time 2-4 weeks (traditional)
Global Consumption ~1.3 million metric tons/year
Vitamin C Content High (especially raw)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sauerkraut are:

Sour tangy briny slightly pungent

Chef’s Secret

To reduce its intense sourness for some dishes, rinse it briefly under cold water before using, then squeeze dry.

Best Substitutes

Kimchi

spicier
Ratio 1:1

Pickled Cabbage

less fermented flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for refrigerated, unpasteurized varieties for probiotic benefits. Avoid those with excessive additives.

Recipes Using Sauerkraut

Course Pork Ribs Presentation Dietary

Baked Spareribs And Sauerkraut

A classic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food recipe! Enjoy fall-off-the-bone tender spareribs slow-baked with tangy sauerkraut and topped with light and fluffy dumplings. This easy recipe, inspired by a 1947 culinary classic, is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend feast.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Preparation Number Of Servings Main Dish

Waffle Iron Reuben Sandwich Emeril Lagasse

Transform leftover corned beef into a gourmet delight with this incredible Waffle Iron Reuben Sandwich! Inspired by Emeril Lagasse's innovative cooking style, this recipe creates two massive, flavour-packed sandwiches. Get ready for a juicy, cheesy, and perfectly crisp Reuben experience unlike any other. Warning: This sandwich is so good, you might struggle to stop at half! Adjust ingredient quantities to match your appetite.

See Complete Recipe
Hungarian Hungarian Pork 4 Hours Or Less

Szekely Goulash

Indulge in a hearty and flavorful Szekely Goulash, a Transylvanian culinary masterpiece! This rich stew features tender beef, tangy sauerkraut, and aromatic spices, creating a banquet in a bowl. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers unforgettable taste.

See Complete Recipe
Lunch Vegetables Main Ingredient 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Reuben

Craving a quick and healthy twist on a classic? This Avocado Reuben sandwich is ready in minutes! Creamy avocado replaces the corned beef for a vibrant, plant-powered delight. Perfectly tangy sauerkraut and melty cheese complete this satisfying and surprisingly simple recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Beef Meat Eggs Dairy

Bierocks Casserole

Craving comfort food? This Bierocks Casserole is a quick and easy twist on the classic, delivering all the savory goodness in a fraction of the time! Layers of tender crescent rolls, seasoned ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering casserole perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. The added cheese elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level – you won't believe how simple it is to make this delicious dish!

See Complete Recipe
American Equipment Dietary Northeastern United States

Bean And Sauerkraut Casserole

This hearty and flavorful Pennsylvania Dutch Bean and Sauerkraut Casserole is a sweet and sour masterpiece! Perfect for a potluck, holiday gathering, or a comforting weeknight meal. This recipe makes a large casserole, easily adaptable to baking in a 9x13 inch pan or three 1 1/2-quart casserole dishes – ideal for freezing portions for later! Get ready for a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Barvarian Sauerkraut Casserole

A hearty and flavorful twist on classic pork and sauerkraut! This Bavarian Sauerkraut Casserole features tender pork, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy sour cream and nutmeg topping. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less Pork Low In Something Low Calorie

Bigos

This easy Bigos recipe delivers an incredibly flavorful Polish hunter's stew, perfect for a comforting meal. Cook it up to 3 days in advance for even deeper, richer tastes! Impress your friends and family with this authentic, yet surprisingly simple, dish.

See Complete Recipe
Appetizers 60 Minutes Or Less Oven Course

Baked Reuben Dip

This incredible Baked Reuben Dip recipe is a game-changer! A warm, cheesy, and savory appetizer or snack, perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in. Creamy Thousand Island dressing blends perfectly with sauerkraut, corned beef, and Swiss cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Easy North American Cuisine Amish Mennonite

Amish Ham Salad

This Amish Ham Salad recipe is a delightful twist on a classic! Creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make, it's perfect served on crusty rye bread with bread and butter pickles for a satisfying lunch or as an elegant appetizer on crackers. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Winter Seasonal Occasion

Alsatian Sauerkraut Potato Soup

A hearty and flavorful Alsatian Sauerkraut Potato Soup recipe, inspired by Good Food Magazine (January 1988). Perfect for a chilly evening and a fantastic way to use up leftover pork! This comforting soup boasts tender potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, savory pork, and aromatic herbs. A simple yet elegant recipe for the home cook.

See Complete Recipe
Occasion German Seasonal Main Ingredient

Beer Brats

Elevate your grilling game with our family's secret Beer Brats recipe! Juicy brats simmered in a flavorful beer marinade, then grilled to perfection with caramelized onions. This recipe is so good, leftovers are even better the next day! Prepare to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow, mouthwatering recipe.

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Number Of Servings Time To Make Preparation

Authentic Wisconsin Bratwurst

Capture the taste of a Wisconsin summer! This recipe recreates the legendary Johnsonville bratwurst experience, just like those iconic parking lot grills. Get ready for juicy, flavorful brats that'll transport you straight to a Wisconsin summer festival.

See Complete Recipe
Sandwiches Grilling Inexpensive Dietary

Beer Bathed Brats With Sauerkraut And Apples

Transport yourself to Oktoberfest with this incredible grilled bratwurst recipe! Juicy brats are bathed in a flavorful beer mixture, then grilled to perfection alongside tender sauerkraut and sweet apples. This recipe is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a cozy campfire cookout. The indirect grilling method ensures perfectly cooked sauerkraut, while the brats get a delicious char. Serve with your favorite German beer for an authentic experience!

See Complete Recipe
North American Dietary Low In Something Oven

Baked Reuben Style Casserole

Skip the sandwiches! This crowd-pleasing Baked Reuben Casserole delivers all the classic Reuben flavor in one easy-to-make dish. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are layered with a creamy dressing and crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting and satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Low In Something Healthy Time To Make Low Protein

Bbq Sauerkraut

Sweet and smoky BBQ sauerkraut, a surprisingly delicious side dish that elevates any meat entree! This easy recipe transforms humble sauerkraut into a caramelized, tangy treat. Don't knock it till you try it – you'll be pleasantly surprised!

See Complete Recipe
Stove Top Preparation Copycat Beef

1978 Bhg Reuben Chowder

A hearty and nostalgic twist on classic Reuben flavors! This creamy, comforting chowder combines the tang of sauerkraut, the richness of corned beef, and the satisfying crunch of toasted rye bread for a truly unforgettable meal. Inspired by a 1978 Better Homes & Gardens recipe, this updated version is quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy night in.

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Pork Low In Something Dietary

Back Ribs Casserole

Tender, fall-off-the-bone back ribs simmered in a tangy sauerkraut casserole! This comforting classic, inspired by Recipe Goldmine, is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or a special occasion. The sweet and savory flavors will leave you wanting more.

See Complete Recipe