Willy'S Barbecued Kraut
Willy's Barbecued Kraut offers a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile with crispy bacon and hearty kraut, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and crumble bacon in an iron skillet.
- In bacon grease, cook chopped onion until tender.
- Add chopped tomatoes from two cans.
- Add brown sugar and A.1. sauce; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Mix in two cans of chopped kraut.
- Combine and transfer mixture to a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the kraut mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Adjust the sweetness by decreasing the brown sugar if you prefer a tangier taste. If you don’t have A.1. sauce, Worcestershire sauce can be a great alternative. This dish can also be expanded by adding some diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Willy's Barbecued Kraut with crusty bread or over rice as a hearty main dish. It pairs beautifully with Eight Layer Vegetable Salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish also complements grilled meats or sausages, making it a great choice for summer barbecues. Consider offering a side of coleslaw to enhance the meal's texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Willy'S Barbecued Kraut contains roughly 1157 calories, with 67g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (134% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kraut mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just pour the barbecue sauce on top and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of chopped tomatoes?
If you don't have canned chopped tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or even crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of tomatoes you choose, as fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to break down.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick. Additionally, incorporating a chipotle barbecue sauce can enhance both the heat and smokiness of the dish.
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).