Sour, Sweet, Crunchy and Satisfying! PLUS, EASY FAST AND AFFORDABLE! This German Sauerkraut Recipe fits the bill perfectly with how to cook canned sauerkraut!

German Sauerkraut Recipe
Why This German Sauerkraut Recipe Works…
- FAST
- EASY
- FLAVORFUL
- Crunchy and PERFECT with Kielbasa, smoked sausage or brisket!
- Perfect SWEET AND SOUR taste with the seasonings that are added.
Here’s How It’s Done…
STEP 1.
Melt the butter in a pan, add the garlic and onion (if using garlic and onion powder, then simply add the canned sauerkraut first).

perfect german sauerkraut
STEP 2.
Add all the seasonings and the apple pieces.

Chicken stock adds a lot of flavor
STEP 3.
Heat until heated through and simmering. Serve warm

Easy Canned Sauerkraut
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Can I use sauerkraut from a bag or from a jar for this recipe?
YES! Of Course! Canned sauerkraut, jarred sauerkraut or chilled bagged sauerkraut works fine! You’ll need to account for any size changes by increasing the other ingredients as needed.
Can I cook this sauerkraut recipe in the microwave?
Absolutely! Do the following:
- Add all of the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl (first drain the sauerkraut).
- Heat on high heat for 1 minute, remove and stir.
- Heat for 30 second intervals until heated through.
Can I Make This Quick Sauerkraut Recipe in the Oven?
Yep! You CAN!
- Pour the water out of the sauerkraut.
- Put all of the ingredients into an ovenproof baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir.
How Do I Cook Canned Sauerkraut on the Stove?
Just follow the recipe listed below!
Does Canned Sauerkraut Even Need To Be Cooked?
Actually, canned, jarred and refrigerated sauerkraut does not have to be cooked before you eat it. Essentially, you are just heating it up.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is one of the oldest ways to preserve cabbage and it is loaded with good stuff! I recommend checking out THIS article about the health benefits of sauerkraut.
Can I Just Heat Up Sauerkraut to eat it?
Yes, absolutely you can! It is good that way. The recipe that I am giving you is simply enhancing the flavors of the basic sauerkraut to bring out the best!
Tips & Tricks for Making This Quick Sauerkraut Recipe
- Drain the sauerkraut well and if you are concerned about salt at all, then rinse well with cool water as well. Squeeze the water out before beginning the recipe.
- If you do not have any chicken stock, it is ok to just use water, but the flavor won’t be as good.
- If you don’t like caraway seeds, it’s ok, just leave them off. HOWEVER, I have to say, you’ll be missing an important taste! Caraway in this dish placed against the apple and the sauerkraut is simply delicious! Give it a try!
- Cut the apple into small pieces that are roughing the same size. Pencil eraser size is the best.
PRO TIP: Sauerkraut is WONDERFUL with kielbasa, polish sausage or smoked sausage. Try one of those with this recipe. Cocktail weiners cut in half and added to this recipe is also VERY GOOD!
What Can I Serve With Canned Sauerkraut?
My family LOVES Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs or Meatloaf with this dish!
Try Some of My Other Canned Food Recipes Today!
How To Cook Canned Pinto Beans
How To Cook Canned Black Beans
YA’LL HELP ME OUT, OK?
Please leave me a comment and 5 STAR ( 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 ) review, I ALWAYS love to hear from you and your comments MAKE MY DAY! (Plus, it helps me out by letting everyone know that this is the place to find good recipes!)

How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 2 tbs butter
- ½ onion (minced) or 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 15 oz cans sauerkraut
- 1 Cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp caraway seeds
- 1 sweet apple (Gala is a good choice) cut into small cubes ( pencil eraser size and peeled.)
- Salt per taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the minced onion and garlic until softened.
- While the onion and garlic are cooking, drain the sauerkraut.
- When the onion and garlic are softened, add the drained sauerkraut, chicken stock, sugar, black pepper, caraway seeds and apple chunks.
- Heat over medium heat until simmering and the dish is heated through.
- Taste and add salt as needed.
Notes
- If you are using onion powder and garlic powder like I am in the video, you will just put the sauerkraut in the pan first, then add the garlic and onion powder. Add the butter as well.
- If you want to make this recipe for just 2 people, make it like I do in the video using just one can and cutting the other ingredients in 1/2.
- Caraway seeds aren't to everyone's liking, however, I recommend you try them in this recipe because they are super tasty!
- Feel free to substitute any other sugar sweetener for the granulated sugar (maple syrup, honey, etc.).
Nutrition
Jon
Thursday 21st of January 2021
Normally, only time I eat it is with pot roast in slow cooker... with potatoes and carrots... but just tried this... (with a pot roast!) Made hot dogs outta it... everyone LOVEDit
Wendi Spraker
Thursday 21st of January 2021
Great! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Christine
Thursday 14th of January 2021
Excellent recipe! It would be great served on top of mashed potatoes. I’m a vegetarian and next time might add some veggie sausage, but the recipe is fine as is.
Wendi Spraker
Wednesday 20th of January 2021
Hi Christine! I hadn't thought of that but I'm sure you are right!
Dorothy
Tuesday 15th of December 2020
Your sauerkraut recipe is delicious! I served it with stuffed cabbage and pork schnitzel.Thank you .
Wendi Spraker
Wednesday 16th of December 2020
Sounds like a lovely dinner, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Skip
Thursday 10th of September 2020
Added sweet sausage and grated the apple. Yummy
Wendi Spraker
Friday 11th of September 2020
Hi Skip! I'm glad you loved it! Sounds good to me too!
Annabel
Tuesday 28th of July 2020
My son's friend asked for this recipe, (who doesn't like sauerkraut)
Wendi Spraker
Wednesday 29th of July 2020
Hi Annabel! So glad this one is a hit at your house and that KIDS are requesting it! YAY!