Old World Sauerkraut
A hearty, comforting dish combining savory bacon, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and Polish sausage, perfect for cold days and hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy.
- Add flour to the bacon drippings and cook briefly.
- Stir in the sauerkraut and mix well.
- Transfer the sauerkraut mixture and bacon pieces to a crock-pot.
- Add the cubed potatoes, cubed apples, brown sugar, caraway seed, water, and Polish sausage pieces.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using thick-cut bacon. You can substitute the Polish sausage with kielbasa or any smoked sausage for a different taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sausage, and add mushrooms for umami. Adjust the brown sugar to taste based on how sweet you prefer your sauerkraut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauerkraut alongside crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Jambalaya(Good! Good! Good!) or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a nice touch when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old World Sauerkraut contains roughly 273 calories, with 8g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sauerkraut, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh sauerkraut often has a crunchier texture, so you might want to cook it a bit longer to achieve the desired tenderness.
What can I do if the dish is too sour?
If the sauerkraut is too sour for your taste, you can balance it out by adding a bit more brown sugar or a touch of honey. Another option is to add more cubed apples to introduce sweetness, making the overall flavor more balanced.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the crock-pot before serving to enhance the flavors even more.
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).