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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Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
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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
- 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 ½" 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)
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Add the sauerkraut, kielbasa, apple, onion, caraway seeds, and garlic to the slow cooker crock. Stir.
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In a separate container mix together the apple cider, water, and brown sugar. Pour over the sauerkraut mixture.
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Cook on High for 4 hours, or Low for 6-7 hours.
*You can add other ingredients like bacon, pierogis, cubed potato, etc.
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Jessica
I have this in the crock pot now, I can't wait to try it! I didn't have any cider or juice so just used water. I also added a tbls of bacon grease.
Jessica
This was so delicious it was gone in one day. I may double it next time.
rick
Didn't drain added one tablespoon brown sugar. Came out awesome! Tart with a hint of sweetness.
Jennifer
I wanted to like this in the worst way because my kids think sauerkraut is too sour but this was just purely sweet and nobody liked it. I’m sad because it took so much time. I don’t think it’s the apples itself as much as the apple cider.
Sandy
I think also it could have been the brown sugar, which is to taste. Also, not draining the sauerkraut keeps it tart. You can really make this recipe work for you by making a couple of small adjustments.
Katie
Can you do this In the oven? Temp? How long?
Sandy
Sure, 350° for about 40 minutes to about an hour (depending on the type of pot you are using, and how full it is). Check on it and stir halfway through.
ANGIE
I'm going to try this tonight! 🙂 I'm super glad the gentleman posted about the apple cider mishap, I would have done the same thing cause I too read it wrong! LoL🤦♀️ Anyhow....Thank you! Can not edit to try this.
Sandy
I hope you like it!
Kristi
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?
Sandy
Yes, add them frozen so they don't overcook.
Lydia
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
Elaine
To cut tartness in the sauerkraut cook half cabbage and mix with sauerkraut. My grandmother made it this way it is fabulous!