Cream Cheese Sauerkraut Balls
Cream Cheese Sauerkraut Balls are savory, tangy bites with sausage, sauerkraut, and herbs, perfect for appetizers or parties, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. sausage, finely crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 14 oz. can sauerkraut, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry sausage and chopped onion until brown.
- Drain well.
- Add chopped sauerkraut and 2 tablespoons bread crumbs to the meat mixture.
- Combine softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, prepared mustard, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Stir the cream cheese mixture into the meat and sauerkraut mixture.
- Chill the mixture before shaping into balls and frying.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork. You can also substitute low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories. Make sure to thoroughly drain the sauerkraut to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious sauerkraut balls warm, with a side of mustard for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a crisp salad or a platter of Polish sausage and cheese potatoes for a hearty meal. For a fun appetizer spread, consider including other finger foods like cheese cubes or vegetable sticks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauerkraut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Sauerkraut Balls contains roughly 626 calories, with 15g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to shape the balls and fry them shortly before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for sauerkraut?
If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, you can use finely chopped cabbage or coleslaw mix as a substitute. Just be sure to sauté them a bit to soften before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the shaped balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).