Super Sausage Supper
A hearty, flavorful sausage and sauerkraut casserole infused with apples and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings that enjoy tangy and savory notes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3 carrots pared and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 32 ounces jar sauerkraut drained ⓘ
- 2 cups apple cider ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 parsley sprigs ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 12 ounces pork sausage links cooked and drained ⓘ
- 5 ounces tiny smoked sausage links ⓘ
- 16 ounces Polish sausage cooked and drained ⓘ
- 16 ounces small white potatoes drained ⓘ
- 1 apple cored and cut in chunks ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots in shortening in a skillet.
- Add drained sauerkraut, apple cider, white wine, pepper, parsley sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in cooked and drained sausage links, tiny smoked sausages, cooked Polish sausage, drained small white potatoes, and apple chunks.
- Remove bay leaf from the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of apple cider and a splash of apple brandy. You can substitute the pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a smokier taste, try adding some smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the dish's aroma. This recipe is similar to 'Sloppy Joes For A Bunch' in its hearty nature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs excellently with sauerkraut for an extra tangy kick. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw to balance the flavors. This comfort food is reminiscent of 'Sunday-Go-To Meetin' Casserole' and is perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of apple cider or water if it appears dry. You can also microwave portions in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Sausage Supper contains roughly 1796 calories, with 22g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1062mg per serving (46% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply complete the steps up to transferring the mixture to the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What kind of sausages work best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of sausages based on your preference. Pork sausages are traditional, but turkey or chicken sausages can be used for a lighter version. Smoked sausage adds depth, while Polish sausage offers a unique flavor profile. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh small white potatoes will give a better texture and flavor. Just peel and chop them into chunks before adding them to the pot. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are tender and cooked 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).