Sweet And Sour Sauerkraut

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, tangy side dish combining sauerkraut with sweet apples, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 sour apples peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 32-ounce bag sauerkraut rinsed and drained
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes undrained
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seed
  • ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chopped onion and peeled, diced sour apples; sauté until softened, about 3 to 8 minutes.
  4. Combine the sautéed onion and apples with rinsed and drained sauerkraut in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes with their juice, brown sugar, and white wine (if using).
  6. Season the mixture with caraway seed and ground black pepper.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  8. Cover tightly with foil.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
  10. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
  11. Serve as a flavorful side dish.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, try substituting the sour apples with tart pears or even cranberries for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a milder taste, use sweet apples instead. Adjust the brown sugar according to your sweetness preference. Additionally, consider adding a tablespoon of mustard for a tangy kick. Pair this dish with hearty meats like pork or sausages for a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sweet and sour sauerkraut as a delicious side dish alongside roasted meats or sausages. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like Barb Taft's Butter Cake for dessert. For a vegetarian meal, consider serving it with a fresh salad or alongside a slice of crusty bread. This versatile dish also complements flavors found in American recipes, making it great for gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the sauerkraut in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Sauerkraut contains roughly 216 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

216 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 34.8g 13% DV
Fiber 11.8g 42% DV
Sugar 13.5g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 67.6mg 3% DV
Potassium 505.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 5.6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 9mg 10% DV
Calcium 222.6mg 17% DV
Iron 5.1mg 29% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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?

Absolutely! If using fresh sauerkraut, ensure it is rinsed and drained well to remove excess salt. You may want to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh sauerkraut can take longer to soften. Adjust the seasoning as needed since fresh varieties can vary in flavor.

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).

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