Sauerkraut has a unique flavor that you either love or hate. There is no in-between. If you belong to the fan club of this piquant dish, you might sometimes struggle to pair it with other foods. So, to help you out, this piece presents 15 fantastic ideas on what to eat with sauerkraut.
What is Sauerkraut?
For the uninitiated, sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage. Its origins can be traced back to Germany. The fermentation process gives sauerkraut its characteristic sour taste and bold flavor, enhances its shelf life, and loads it with gut-friendly probiotics. While you can make sauerkraut with both green and red cabbage, the green variant is more common.
Plus, sauerkraut has impressive health benefits (improved gut health and immune system) as it is packed with probiotics and vitamin C.
What To Eat With Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut carries such a distinct flavor that blending it with other food items might seem challenging. However, if you use it a bit creatively, you may discover countless combinations that even the most ardent sauerkraut lovers won’t expect. Thankfully, its tangy flavor makes it versatile, allowing you to experiment with many dishes.
Let’s explore some food items you can pair sauerkraut with. Who knows, you might create something that becomes your new favorite.
- Kielbasa: When you combine the smoky, salty flavor of kielbasa with the tangy goodness of sauerkraut, you’ve got an incredibly flavorful dish. If you haven’t tasted this combination yet, this kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe is a must-try.
- Bratwurst: Seasoned with spices like nutmeg, caraway, ginger, and sage, this German sausage is a top choice for pairing with sauerkraut. To truly enhance the flavors, you can simmer the meat in broth or apple cider. Then, serve it on a bun with mustard for that extra hint of tang!
- Chicken: A braised chicken thigh with sauerkraut and bacon is one of the top pairings! If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night, then braised chicken thigh with sauerkraut and bacon is a great option. It’s also a relatively easy dish to make, so you can have it on the table in no time.
- Pork Chops: For a cozy and satisfying meal, pair German pork chops with sauerkraut, potatoes, and apples. This one-pot wonder is easy to clean up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Corned Beef: Corned beef and sauerkraut is a classic combination, and not just for St. Patrick’s Day. You can slow-cook this comfort food in beer for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful beef served with carrots and potatoes.
- Burgers: Think outside the box with sauerkraut burgers. You can add sauerkraut to the meat patty or just use it as a topping. A touch of Thousand Island dressing lends a sweet counterpoint to the sauerkraut’s tanginess.
- Reuben Sandwiches or Wraps: Traditional Reuben sandwiches feature corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island or Russian dressing on grilled rye bread. If you have leftover sauerkraut, this is an excellent way to use it.
- Hot Dogs: A generous layer of sauerkraut on hotdogs will put a spin on your classic hotdog! You’ll love the tangy crunch, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Upgrade your grilled cheese sandwich by adding sauerkraut and Dijon mustard. It just might become your new sandwich obsession.
- Avocado Toast: Sauerkraut for breakfast? Why not! You can top your avocado toast with sauerkraut and scrambled eggs for a nutritious start to your day.
Now why stop at main dishes and meat combos? Here are some side dishes that pair excellently with Sauerkraut.
- Pierogies: Picture hearty pierogi filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms as a side dish to your meaty main course. It’s a comfort food match made in heaven.
- Baked Potato: Have you ever tried topping your baked potatoes with sauerkraut and Gouda cheese? Or perhaps with sour cream and sauerkraut? It tastes absolutely divine.
- Sauerkraut Salad: A sauerkraut salad with crunchy and fresh veggies (carrots, bell peppers, and celery) and a homemade sauce makes for the perfect side dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Instead of serving your mashed potatoes plain, breathe new life into them by turning them into a sauerkraut mashed potato casserole.
- German Potato Salad: Sauerkraut and potatoes are the perfect combination for comfort food. And if you want to add an extra layer of deliciousness to this dish, serve it with warm bacon vinaigrette.
Conclusion
Although we have reached the end, honestly, you’re just getting started with sauerkraut. The only thing you’re limited by is your creativity, but the possibilities for pairing this tangy ingredient are endless! Once you start using it, you’ll never run out of cooking ideas when you have a jar of this fermented cabbage in the kitchen.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
