Ella Walter
Sauerkraut and sausage is a hearty, flavourful, and versatile dish that can be made in a crockpot with minimal preparation and effort. It is a true comfort food classic that is perfect for any time of the year, whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of smoked sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes creates a deliciously savoury and satisfying meal that can be customised to suit your taste preferences. This easy crockpot meal will surely become your family's new favourite dinner!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Kielbasa or any Polish sausage, jarred or bagged sauerkraut, brown sugar, onion, apple, caraway seeds, garlic, apple cider, water, mustard, potatoes, carrots, plant-based bratwurst |
| Preparation | Brown the sausage, sauté the onion and garlic, add wine and seasonings, layer the ingredients, pour in the broth, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, green salad, rice, egg noodles, hoagie buns |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days |
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Prep and cook time
Prep time for this crockpot meal is minimal. You can start by preparing the ingredients: slicing the sausage, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. If you want to add potatoes, peel and cube them. You can also add baby carrots, leaving them whole. If you're using apples, core and slice them.
Some recipes suggest browning the sausage before adding it to the crockpot. To do this, heat a skillet to medium-high, add the sausage slices, and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Next, add the onion to the skillet and saute for 2 minutes, until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute. You can also add some butter and saute the onion and garlic together.
If you want to add wine, now is the time to do it. Pour the wine into the skillet and add your seasonings, such as ground black pepper and fennel seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
Now it's time to assemble the crockpot. Layer the ingredients, starting with the onions, then adding the sauerkraut, potatoes, and sausage. If you're using carrots, add them in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the wine and onion mixture over the top.
If you want to add broth, whisk together some chicken broth, water, brown sugar, dijon mustard, caraway seed, and garlic powder in a separate bowl, then pour it into the crockpot.
Finally, set your crockpot to the desired temperature and cooking time. You can cook this meal on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your preference. The longer cooking time will allow the flavors to develop and the sausage to become tender.
So, overall, the prep time for this meal is around 20-30 minutes, depending on how many ingredients you're using and how much preparation they need. The cook time is flexible, but generally ranges from 3-8 hours, depending on the heat setting you choose.
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Ingredients
There are a few different ways to cook sauerkraut and sausage in a crockpot, and you can choose to include a variety of ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients that you can use:
- Sausage: You can use kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage, for full flavor. You can also use any other type of Polish sausage, bratwurst, smoked sausage, hot dogs, or Italian sausages. If you are making a vegan version, you can use plant-based bratwurst.
- Sauerkraut: You can use jarred, bagged, or homemade sauerkraut. The level of tartness is up to you—if you like some tartness, you can drain the sauerkraut. If you prefer very little tartness, you can drain and rinse it.
- Onion: Chopped or sliced onion adds flavor to the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Adding brown sugar will sweeten the dish and balance out the tartness of the sauerkraut.
- Mustard: You can add brown or dijon mustard to the dish for extra flavor.
- Potatoes: Cubed or sliced potatoes can be added to the crockpot or served on the side.
- Carrots: Baby carrots can be added to the crockpot for extra texture and flavor.
- Liquid: You can add water, chicken broth, apple cider, beer, chicken broth, or apple juice to the crockpot to create a sauce.
- Spices and Herbs: Caraway seeds, garlic powder, bay leaves, and fresh parsley can be added to taste. You can also add ground black pepper, fennel seeds, and white wine for extra flavor.
- Other Ingredients: Some people add apples, garlic, bacon, pierogis, or dumplings to their crockpot sauerkraut and sausage.
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Step-by-step method
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
You will need sauerkraut, sausage, onion, and brown sugar. You can also add other ingredients like potatoes, carrots, garlic, mustard, and caraway seeds. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can sauté the onion and garlic in some butter before adding them to the crock pot.
Step 2: Combine the sauerkraut and brown sugar
In a bowl, mix together the sauerkraut and brown sugar. You can also add some water or broth to this mixture if you want to thin it out.
Step 3: Layer the ingredients in the crock pot
Start by adding a layer of sliced onions to the bottom of the crock pot. Next, add the sauerkraut mixture, followed by the potatoes (if using), and then the sausage. If you are using garlic, you can add it at this stage as well.
Step 4: Cook on high or low
Depending on how much time you have, you can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. If cooking on high, check occasionally to make sure there is still liquid in the pot, and add more water or broth if needed.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Once the cooking time is up, give everything a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot sauerkraut and sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
On Buns
If you're serving this dish on buns, it's recommended to cut the sausage into bun-length strips. You can load the sauerkraut and sausage into hoagie buns for a hearty and satisfying meal.
As a Plate
You can serve the sauerkraut and sausage on a plate with various sides. Some popular options include potatoes mashed, cubed, or baked, dumplings, apple sauce, or a simple green salad. If you're serving it with potatoes, consider adding some additional ingredients like garlic, carrots, or onions for extra flavour.
With Rice or Noodles
For a different carbohydrate option, you can serve the sauerkraut and sausage over rice or egg noodles. This creates a hearty and flavourful meal.
As a Side
The crockpot sauerkraut and sausage can also be served as a side dish alongside other main courses. It pairs well with dishes like mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or other comfort foods.
Customisations
This dish is highly customisable, and you can add your own twist. For example, you can drain the sauerkraut juice and replace it with beer, chicken broth, or apple juice. You can also experiment with different types of sausages, such as smoked sausage, hot dogs, bratwurst, or plant-based options. Additionally, you can add spices like caraway seeds, black pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the flavour.
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Storage
Storing your crockpot sauerkraut and sausage is a straightforward process, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your meal stays fresh and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your delicious creation:
Refrigeration
Leftover sauerkraut and sausage should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain freshness and prevent bacteria from entering the food. The dish should be consumed within five days of refrigeration. This is a good option for short-term storage, ensuring your meal stays tasty and safe to eat for a few days after cooking.
Freezing
If you wish to store your crockpot sauerkraut and sausage for a more extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Store-bought sauerkraut can be frozen in its original packaging if it is indicated as freezer-friendly. For homemade sauerkraut, spread it out on a cookie sheet and freeze it for about four hours before transferring it to a freezer bag or container. Seal the container, and only defrost the required amount for each serving. Freezing is ideal for long-term storage, allowing you to enjoy your meal at a later date without compromising taste or safety.
Fermentation
If you plan to store your sauerkraut for an extended period before cooking, you can take advantage of its natural fermentation process. After preparing your sauerkraut, allow it to ferment for about 20 days. Then, move it into cold storage to preserve its nutrients, texture, flavour, and probiotic content. Ensure that your sauerkraut is stored in a dark, cool place, away from other ongoing fermentation projects, as different cultures could contaminate it. Fermentation is a great way to extend the shelf life of your sauerkraut naturally, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid over-fermentation.
Container and Temperature Considerations
When storing your crockpot sauerkraut and sausage, always use an airtight, sealable container. This prevents unwanted bacteria from entering your food and spoiling it. Additionally, try to avoid temperature fluctuations and aim to keep your sauerkraut within a constant temperature range. This will help maintain its texture and quality. Keep it away from sources of UV light, as these rays can harm the growing probiotics in the sauerkraut.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need sauerkraut, sausage, brown sugar, onion, and water. You can also add potatoes, carrots, garlic, wine, and seasonings.
It typically takes around 4 hours to cook sauerkraut and sausage in a crock pot on high heat. If you prefer to cook it on low heat, it will take around 6-8 hours.
Crock pot sauerkraut and sausage can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It can also be served on hoagie buns or with dumplings, applesauce, or a simple green salad.
