Sour, Sweet, Crunchy and Satisfying! PLUS, EASY FAST AND AFFORDABLE! This German Sauerkraut Recipe fits the bill perfectly with how to cook canned sauerkraut!
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).
STEP 2.
Add all the seasonings and the apple pieces.
STEP 3.
Heat until heated through and simmering. Serve warm
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.
While you are trying out Sauerkraut Recipes, you might also want to try How to Cook Sauerkraut from a Bag Recipe (Easy)!
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.
- Check out my Crockpot Sauerkraut and Weiners!
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 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 15 oz cans sauerkraut
- 1 Cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon 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 ½.
- 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
LeAnn says
Ok, while I can barely stand the smell of sauerkraut, even the thought of taste testing it gives me shivers! I made this for my husband tonight, served over mashed potatoes, as is his preferred way of eating it. I always brown up the smoked sausage before adding it in. He gives it 5 stars, he loved it! Now to make myself something he doesn't like, salmon patties sound good. Thank you for the recipe.
Wendi Spraker says
LeAnn, you made me laugh at this. I completely understand not enjoying all the foods that your spouse does! haha. Glad he enjoyed it though!
Dave says
Also, you can't go wrong with some
nice rye bread on the side.
Wendi Spraker says
I couldn't agree more.
Dave says
Love the idea of apples and onions.
My father loved it that way!
.
Wendi Spraker says
Its a little bit of a variation on the usual and it gives it a bit of a unique flavor.
Byron says
Is this something you think could be made in advance and reheated? I'm not worried about the sauerkraut, more concerned about what that might do to the apples. Just curious!
Wendi Spraker says
Yes, I think you can make ahead and reheat later. If you are super concerned about the apples, you could cut them up separately and toss them in a mixture of 1 tbs lemon juice to 1/4 cup of water. Then add the apples when you are reheating.
Willow says
Made this before for Christmas, yes it’s our German tradition. So good. Need to make it again this year
Wendi Spraker says
I hope you do! (PS, love your name!)
Kimberly says
oh.. and I didn't have an apple.. but I had a ripe pear. YUM!
Kimberly says
just made this also. I used some beef bone broth and sliced onions and garlic to boil the brats down until they browned, about 40 minutes med heat. I put that directly on the brat, on a warmed bun. Instead of Chicken broth, I used chicken pollo seasoning with fresh onion and garlic into a can of drained kraut. I topped it all with German style brown mustard. superb!
Wendi Spraker says
Sounds delish!
Kelly Hanley says
I just made this, and it was just AWESOME! Even my kiddos gobbled it down! Thanks so much for this great recipe. Now I know what to do with the cans of sauerkraut my hubby brings home!
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks Kelly! I'm so glad that your family enjoyed it!
Terry Ross says
Delicious!!!
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks Terry!
Cheryl Wilson says
Would this be good( made as directed) to put on a brat? Or is there something else you'd recommend?
Wendi Spraker says
I personally think it would be good made as per the recipe with brats. The light acidity of the apples go well with the fatty flavors of the brat.
Jon says
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 says
Great! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Christine says
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 says
Hi Christine! I hadn't thought of that but I'm sure you are right!
Dorothy says
Your sauerkraut recipe is delicious! I served it with stuffed cabbage and pork schnitzel.Thank you .
Wendi Spraker says
Sounds like a lovely dinner, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Skip says
Added sweet sausage and grated the apple. Yummy
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Skip! I'm glad you loved it! Sounds good to me too!
Annabel says
My son's friend asked for this recipe, (who doesn't like sauerkraut)
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Annabel! So glad this one is a hit at your house and that KIDS are requesting it! YAY!