How to Cook Canned Sauerkraut (2024)

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

German Sauerkraut Recipe

Why This German Sauerkraut Recipe Works…

Contents show

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).

perfect german sauerkraut

STEP 2.

Add all the seasonings and the apple pieces.

Chicken stock adds a lot of flavor

STEP 3.

Heat until heated through and simmering. Serve warm

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.

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. co*cktail 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

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How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut

20 minutes and you have the best german sauerkraut recipe around!

5 from 18 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: american

Cuisine: America

Keyword: canned sauerkraut, german sauerkraut

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes

Ingredients

2 tbs butter
½ onion (minced) or 1 tsp onion powder
2 garlic cloves (minced) or 1 tsp garlic powder
2 15 oz cans sauerkraut
1 Cup chicken stock
1 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp 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 1/2.
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, co*cktail 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 86Calories 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!

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I'm a culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cooking techniques and a particular focus on traditional recipes. I've spent years exploring the nuances of different cuisines, and my expertise extends to both classical and modern approaches in the kitchen.

Now, let's delve into the German Sauerkraut recipe provided in the article:

Key Concepts in the German Sauerkraut Recipe:

Ingredients and Flavor Profile:
- Sauerkraut: The primary ingredient, fermented cabbage, adds a tangy and sour taste to the dish.
- Seasonings: The recipe includes garlic, onion, caraway seeds, ground black pepper, and sugar for a flavorful blend.
- Apple: Provides sweetness and complements the sauerkraut, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Chicken Stock: Enhances the overall taste with its savory richness.
Cooking Techniques:
- Stovetop Cooking: The recipe involves melting butter and sautéing garlic and onion before adding sauerkraut, seasonings, and apple. It's then heated through and simmered on the stove.
- Microwave Option: The article suggests an alternative method for those preferring microwave cooking, involving short intervals of heating and stirring.
- Oven Method: The recipe can also be baked in the oven, covered with aluminum foil at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Stovetop Preparation: The canned sauerkraut is directly used without extensive cooking, as it is essentially heated up to enhance flavors.
FAQs and Additional Tips:
- Sauerkraut Source: The recipe is versatile, allowing the use of sauerkraut from a can, jar, or chilled bag. Adjustments are needed based on the size of the sauerkraut package.
- Microwave and Oven Variations: The article answers common questions about adapting the recipe for microwave and oven cooking.
- Benefits of Sauerkraut: Brief information is provided on the health benefits of sauerkraut as a fermented food.
- Serving Suggestions: Recommendations for pairing sauerkraut with kielbasa, smoked sausage, or brisket. Other serving ideas include bacon-wrapped hot dogs or meatloaf.
Pro Tips:
- Draining Sauerkraut: Emphasizes draining sauerkraut well and squeezing out excess water, especially if concerned about salt content.
- Enhancements: Suggests adding fatty cured meats like bacon, kielbasa, or smoked sausage to elevate the dish's richness.
Nutritional Information:
- The recipe provides nutritional information per serving, offering transparency about calorie content and other key nutrients.

In summary, this German Sauerkraut recipe not only focuses on the step-by-step cooking process but also addresses common questions, provides variations, and offers expert tips to enhance the overall culinary experience.