Loaves and Dishes

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Let's work together- Brands
    • Jobs
    • Image and Recipe Use Policy
    • Editorial Policy Page
    • Contact Page
    • Process for Recipe Testing and Fact Checking
    • Copyright
  • Recipe Box
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dish
    • Dessert
    • Resources
  • Collections
    • Cooking Device
      • Air Fryer
      • Crockpot
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot and Pressure Cooker
      • Microwave
      • Smoker Recipes
      • Stove Top and Oven
    • Southern Cooking Recipes
    • Beginner Cook Recipes
      • Easy Comfort Food Recipes
      • Canned Food Basics
    • Holiday Recipes
      • Christmas Favorites
      • Valenites Recipe Favorites
      • Easter Favorites
      • Mother's Day Favorites
      • Patriotic Holiday Favorites
      • Thanksgiving Favorites
    • Preserving Food
      • Canned Food Basics
    • Birthday Dinner Ideas
    • Fan Favorite Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Soups and Stews
  • PODCAST
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Podcast
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Podcast
×
Home » Course » Side Dish

How to Cook Canned Sauerkraut

Published: Jul 6, 2019 · Modified: Jul 1, 2025 by Wendi Spraker · This post may contain affiliate links · 72 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
How to Cook Canned Sauerkraut

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

a blue bowl of german sauerkraut on a green napkin
German Sauerkraut Recipe

 

Why This German Sauerkraut Recipe Works…

Contents show
1 Why This German Sauerkraut Recipe Works…
2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
2.1 Can I use sauerkraut from a bag or from a jar for this recipe?
2.2 Can I cook this sauerkraut recipe in the microwave?
2.3 Can I Make This Quick Sauerkraut Recipe in the Oven?
2.4 How Do I Cook Canned Sauerkraut on the Stove?
2.5 Does Canned Sauerkraut Even Need To Be Cooked?
2.6 What Are the Benefits of Eating Sauerkraut?
2.7 Can I Just Heat Up Sauerkraut to eat it?
3 Tips & Tricks for Making This Quick Sauerkraut Recipe
4 What Can I Serve With Canned Sauerkraut?
5 Try Some of My Other Canned Food Recipes Today!
6 YA’LL HELP ME OUT, OK?
7 How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut
7.1 Ingredients
7.2 Instructions
7.3 Notes
7.4 Nutrition
7.5 You May Also Love:
  • 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).

hand with spatula adding canned sauerkraut to saucepan
perfect german sauerkraut

STEP 2. 

Add all the seasonings and the apple pieces.

adding chicken stock to the saucepan of German Sauerkraut
Chicken stock adds a lot of flavor

STEP 3. 

Heat until heated through and simmering. Serve warm

wooden spoon in saucepan for how to make canned sauerkraut
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.

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:

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl (first drain the sauerkraut). 
  2. Heat on high heat for 1 minute, remove and stir.
  3. Heat for 30 second intervals until heated through. 

Can I Make This Quick Sauerkraut Recipe in the Oven?

Yep! You CAN!  

  1. Pour the water out of the sauerkraut. 
  2. Put all of the ingredients into an ovenproof baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil
  3. 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! 

overhead shot of german sauerkraut in blue bowl, napkin, spon and extra bowlTips & Tricks for Making This Quick Sauerkraut Recipe

  1. 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. 
  2. If you do not have any chicken stock, it is ok to just use water, but the flavor won’t be as good. 
  3. 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!
  4. Cut the apple into small pieces that are roughing the same size. Pencil eraser size is the best. 
  5. 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

Canned Corn

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!)

overhead shot of german sauerkraut in blue bowl, napkin, spon and extra bowl

How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut

20 minutes and you have the best german sauerkraut recipe around!
5 from 18 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: american
Cuisine: America
Keyword: canned sauerkraut, german sauerkraut
Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 86kcal
Author: Wendi Spraker

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.). 
PRO TIP:  This recipe is amped up about 10x by adding some fatty cured meat such as bacon pieces, kielbasa, smoked sausage, cocktail wieners, etc.  You can just put them right in the saucepan with the sauerkraut!  YUM!  Especially great on a cold winter day. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut
Amount Per Serving
Calories 86 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 141mg6%
Potassium 83mg2%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 175IU4%
Vitamin C 1.5mg2%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

 

You May Also Love:

  • 1 how to cook smoked sausage in the oven
    How to Cook Smoked Sausage in the Oven
  • bowl of bag sauerkraut in bowl.
    How to Cook Sauerkraut From a Bag Recipe (Easy)
  • how to cook andouille sausage in the oven
    How to Cook Andouille Sausage in the Oven
  • sausage links on a paper towel
    How to Cook Breakfast Sausage Links on the Stove Top
Post Views: 5,131

More Side Dish

  • Honey Mustard glazed carrots in a wooden bowl topped with chopped parsley and balsamic glaze
    Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots Recipe
  • Close up of Traditional Stuffing recipe in a casserole dish
    Traditional Stuffing Recipe
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole on a plate with a fork
    How to Make Mexican Street Corn Casserole
  • pasta salad on a blue plate
    Best California Club Pasta Salad Recipe - Easy

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Hi! I'm Wendi and I believe that food made with love and passion has power. It can bring people together AND carry them home. I'll show you how to get amazing flavor from simple dishes. Your family and friends will exclaim, "WOW! Amazing! I NEED this recipe!" Join me and nourish your body and soul.

More about Wendi

Popular

  • Greek Dressing with spoons in a white dish
    Copycat Cava Greek Dressing Recipe
  • A glass with coffee and cold foam on top
    How to Make Cream Cheese Cold Foam at Home
  • french toast on a blue plate with two spoons, whipped cream and berreis
    Overnight French Toast Casserole
  • gooey butter cake from over head with two spoons, on a blue plate with a white napkin
    St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

Seasonal

  • cheesey chicken and orzo in a blue dish with spinach and a spoon
    One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
  • Three chicken wings on a light blue plate with a wooden background.
    How To Make Super Crispy Chicken Wings in Your Air Fryer
  • Glass of Vietnamese iced coffee with ice cubes and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, served in a ribbed glass with a spoon beside it.
    How to Make Vietnamese Coffee
  • Glass pitcher and tumbler of Orange Coconut Refresher with an orange slice garnish, ice cubes, and a spoon on a wooden serving board.
    Orange Coconut Refresher Recipe

Wendi Spraker, Amazon International Best Selling Author

book titles Aspire

Footer

↑ back to top
Banner of sites featuring loaves and dishes including MSN, Country Living, People, etc
AS SEEN IN

About

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • Contact
  • Process for Recipe Testing
  • Editorial Policy

Like what you see? Join 10,000 other people who subscribe to Loaves and Dishes!

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

As Seen In

NYC Catering award badge

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Loaves and Dishes