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Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Kielbasa is a delicious comfort food meal. With smoky kielbasa and tart sauerkraut, this easy slow cooker one-pot meal is a family favorite. This crock pot sauerkraut and kielbasa recipe is a keeper!
Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Kielbasa
Sauerkraut has been a favorite in our home for my entire life. Today’s recipe uses this tart and tasty ingredient with some smoky, flavorful kielbasa.
This is a pretty simple recipe that has great flavor, and it makes a lot. You can cut it in half if you like.
If you have never made sauerkraut before, this is a good recipe to try.
It is a “dump and go” recipe, unless you choose to sauté the onion and garlic in some butter.
Tips for the best slow cooker sauerkraut & kielbasa
• The level of tartness is up to you. Drain if you like some tartness. Drain and rinse if you like very little tartness.
• Sauté the onion and garlic in some butter to add more flavor.
• Use a smoked kielbasa for the best flavor.
• You can also use bacon, or other smoky pork.
• Try using beer or white wine in place of the water.
Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
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If you make this yummy crock pot sauerkraut and kielbasa recipe, please leave a comment with a star rating below. I’d love to know how you liked it!
This recipe for crock pot sauerkraut and kielbasa is super delicious, and I hope you love it as much as we do.
Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Kielbasa
Equipment
- 4 qt-6 qt slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) jar Sauerkraut, draining & rinsing is optional (don't drain if you like it tart)
- 2 lbs Kielbasa Smoked Sausage*, cut in 1 1/2" rounds
- 1 lg Apple, chopped
- 1 med Sweet Onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp Caraway Seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Apple Cider, or Apple Juice (not vinegar)
- 1 cup Water, or beer (omit if NOT draining jar of sauerkraut)
- 1-4 Tbsp Brown Sugar (to taste)
Instructions
- Add the sauerkraut, kielbasa, apple, onion, caraway seeds, and garlic to the slow cooker crock. Stir.
- In a separate container mix together the apple cider, water, and brown sugar. Pour over the sauerkraut mixture.
- Cook on High for 4 hours, or Low for 6-7 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
RESOURCES TO MAKE this recipe and more
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I’m trying this recipe for New Year’s Day! If adding pierogies, would you just add them frozen at the beginning with all other ingredients?
Yes, add them frozen so they don’t overcook.
Great recipe…Mom made this at least twice a month when I was a kid…the comfort of the smells always soothed my mind…I did use apple juice…lighter fresher taste…thanks
To cut tartness in the sauerkraut cook half cabbage and mix with sauerkraut. My grandmother made it this way it is fabulous!
This has quickly become a family favorite. My 17 year old junk food loving son told me this is his new favorite meal. My apples were small so I did put in two. I also try to use a stronger beer, IPA both times when I make this.
When my husband was alive he wanted the sauerkraut as sour as possible no draining or rinsing . I prefer it a lot less sour this was an excellent way to make it my brother loved it also.
Did you use a green apple or a red apple?
I used red.
My wife made this for Fathers day. It was disgusting. We couldn’t finish 1 serving. All you tasted was the vinegar, and the taste it left in your mouth afterwords was awful. Such a waste.
That sounds terrible! I wonder what went wrong… The sauerkraut was to be drained (rinsing optional), and the apple cider should have sweetened it up! Did she maybe use apple cider VINEGAR? If so, that is what went wrong. I would like to know, if you happen to check back here for my response.
As soon as I read his comment, I realized he used cider vinegar instead of cider. I don’t have cider so I’ll use a kid box of apple juice and a touch of cinnamon when I make this tomorrow, Because we’re in a heatwave and I want not to cook potatoes separately, halving the recipe I’ll use the water from a can of whole potatoes instead of beer or tap water, and I’ll throw the potties in around the last half hour. Thanks. I bet it will be great.
Yes. A real waste. Perhaps you should read the article again, vinegar was never used.
SO delicious! Honestly, I have yet to have a recipe from you that doesn’t turn out wonderfully! Thank you again!
Easy and delicious. I wasn’t too sure as we don’t eat a lot of sauerkraut, but it had great flavor. Thank you for a great recipe.
I have to admit that I didn’t follow this recipe. My German dad made sauerkraut all of the time. He would have never added caraway seeds, and I absolutely don’t like them in my sauerkraut. My dad would sometimes add potatoes but most often boil them separately because I don’t like potatoes in my sauerkraut. He learned to cook from his German mother and kept true to her cooking methods, and now I do to his.
I’ve never tried onions in mine bit I think I’ll give it a try.
Sounds great. Remember, there are many different ways to make German (or any country’s) foods. In the part of Germany my mom lived in, this was how they did it.
Can you do this on an iPot? Time adjustment?
Yes, just add 1/2 cup more apple cider/juice. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes with a 10 minute natural release.