Crock Pot Sauerkraut and Sausage

With only 6 ingredients, this Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Sausage recipe is easy to throw together! Add everything to the crock pot, set it and forget it!

 

Whether you call it sauerkraut and sausage or kielbasa and sauerkraut, this crockpot version simplifies the recipe making it both delicious and easy!

What is Sauerkraut?

Tangy sauerkraut is simply fermented cabbage, basically pickled. It is best to be rinsed and drained before cooking otherwise you might get a super vinegary flavor.

It would be like using pickles and not draining them… which some pickle fanatics probably would do! I won’t judge.

It is also fairly easy to make at home. I made it once a few years ago and the batch was so good that it was gone by the time I went to go take pictures and post the recipe. If you want to give a whirl, this is how to make homemade sauerkraut.

You can also buy store bought sauerkraut, no one here will judge you for not wanting to commit to a week or two of sauerkraut fermenting.

Ingredients

This recipe for kielbasa and sauerkraut is pretty basic and does not use peppers. Instead it uses these simple ingredients.

• Kielbasa – Kielbasa is a seasoned Polish sausage, so a tubed meat, made from pork. It is generally smoked and contains garlic, among other proprietary blends of seasonings like caraway seeds.
• Sauerkraut – You can buy pre-made sauerkraut from the store, or you can even make your own. I have a great homemade sauerkraut recipe if you’re feeling fancy.
• Onions – I like to use a sweet yellow onion for this, but you could also use a white onion. Some recipes even add bell peppers and refer to it as “sausage and peppers” which to me is also a baked Italian dish. 
• Potatoes – For this recipe, I used russet potatoes. But red potatoes or yellow potatoes would also work well, while providing a different color to the mix as well. 
• Brown sugar – We need a bit of sweetness, and a bit of brown sugar gives that element while also adding a slight molasses flavor to the dish.
• Apple juice – I use apple juice for the liquid, but you can also use chicken stock, apple cider, light beer, plain water or even dry white wine.

Variations

There are plenty of ways you can make this pork and sauerkraut recipe your own.

• Apples – The combination of a sweet apples and pork is one that I love. Sauté some granny smith apples and throw them into the mix for a wonderful flavor combo.
• Cuts of pork – Not a fan of kielbasa? You could use a boneless pork loin, pork butt, Italian sausages or any kind of pork you can think of. Just make sure the internal temperature of the meat is safe with a meat thermometer. 
• Liquid – Instead of using apple juice, you could use chicken broth, chicken stock, dry white wine or even water.
• Veggies – Feel free to add in more veggies. Bell peppers are a popular choice to pair with the smoky kielbasa.

How to Make Crock Pot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

This easy slow cooker recipe is one of my favorite set it and forget it meals!

1. Combine ingredients. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and stir to combine until sugar has dissolved.
2. Cook on low. Heat on low heat for 3-4 hours.
3. Use slotted spoon to serve. Ladle out kielbasa and sauerkraut using a slotted spoon or leave on warm to keep moist during a party. 

What to Serve with Kielbasa and Sausage

This delicious dinner can really be served with any side dishes you can think of to make this the perfect meal. Although there are already potatoes in the skillet, you could serve with mashed potatoes. The sauerkraut juice almost acts like a gravy.

You could also serve with a nice simple green salad or other green vegetable like garlic parmesan asparagus or kale gratin. Spinach, green beans or broccoli are all great options.

Storage and Freezing

How to Store 

You can any leftovers of this sauerkraut dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. I’d say this taste even better the next day!

Can I Freeze Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Sausage? 

You can, but it tastes best if in vacuum bags. You can use plastic bags, just make sure you get out as much air as possible.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

With after school activities and holiday prep, slow cooker recipes for dinner are a savior! Here are some of our favorites.