Crisp German Meatballs
Crisp German Meatballs combine savory sausage, sauerkraut, and herbs, coated in crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for gatherings or comforting family dinners with tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can chopped sauerkraut, drained
- 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sausage and chopped onion in a large skillet; cook until the sausage is browned and crumbles, then drain well.
- Stir in drained sauerkraut and 2 tablespoons bread crumbs into the sausage mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, prepared mustard, garlic salt, and pepper; add the sausage mixture and stir well.
- Cover and chill the mixture for 2 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and prepared mustard; set aside.
- In another small bowl, beat eggs and milk together; set aside.
- Shape the sausage mixture into 3/4-inch balls, then roll in flour.
- Dip each ball into the egg mixture, then roll in 1 cup dry bread crumbs.
- Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven and heat to 375°F.
- Fry the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes or until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Serve the meatballs hot with the mayonnaise and mustard dipping sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, opt for turkey sausage instead of pork. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Ensure that the oil is properly heated before frying to achieve a crispy texture. You can also substitute the sauerkraut with finely chopped cabbage for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs hot, accompanied by the creamy mayonnaise and mustard dipping sauce. They pair excellently with a side of Fresh Collard Or Turnip Greens for a complete meal. Consider serving them as an appetizer for gatherings or alongside a salad for a delicious lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave them on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisp German Meatballs contains roughly 883 calories, with 13g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1328mg per serving (58% 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 meatball mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Shape and fry them just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different flavor profile. Greek yogurt can also work for a tangier taste while still maintaining creaminess.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of regular ones and ensure your sausage and mayonnaise are gluten-free. Additionally, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour.
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).