Sauerkraut and Apples

By
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek is a former chef who became a cooking school instructor and award-winning food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/3/22
Sauerkraut and apple

Brian Yarvin/Getty Images

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 70 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
153 Calories
5g Fat
29g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 153
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 675mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 21g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 16mg 81%
Calcium 41mg 3%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 290mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This sauerkraut and apple recipe makes a tasty side dish for pork, sausage or any other meat or poultry. It can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or baked in the oven, and used as a base to roast meats on.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons bacon fat, or unsalted butter

  • 1 large onion, coarsely chopped

  • 2 medium unpeeled red apples, cored and coarsely chopped

  • 1 pound sauerkraut, drained

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or regular mustard

  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, more to taste

  • 1 1/2 cups applesauce

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Place bacon drippings or butter in a Dutch oven or other lidded casserole dishes. Add onions and sauté until translucent.

  2. Add chopped apples and continue to sauté until they caramelize slightly. Add sauerkraut, water, brown sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds, and mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.

  3. If cooking on the stovetop, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary.

  4. If baking, heat oven to 325 F. Cover and bake for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary.

  5. Whether cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, now is the time to add the applesauce, mixing well.

  6. Cover and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  7. If using a slow cooker, combine the sautéed onions and apples, sauerkraut, water, brown sugar, mustard, caraway seeds, and applesauce in the crock and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  8. Serve hot as a side dish with pork, sausage, beef, or poultry.

Pork Dishes That Would Be Perfect With This Side Dish

  • Roasted Pork Steaks Recipe: This often overlooked cut of meat is perfect roasted and served with sauerkraut and apples. It's a pairing made in heaven.

  • Smoked Pork Butt Recipe: Here's another flavorful cut of pork that tastes similar to ham because the pork shoulder is smoked. It's a great match for sauerkraut and apples.

  • Quick and Easy Smoked Pork Chops Recipe: This recipe comes together in 10 minutes and is a good candidate for a busy school night. Accompany this with a green vegetable and the sauerkraut and apples side dish for a great meal.