Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked sausage and sauerkraut recipe is a perfect balance of flavors: the sausages are juicy and rich, while the sauerkraut adds a zesty, slightly sour element that enhances the overall dish. The oven-baking method makes it hands-off, and the dish practically cooks itself, allowing the sausages to crisp up while the sauerkraut becomes tender and flavorful. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and low-maintenance. Plus, it’s versatile — you can pair it with potatoes, bread, or enjoy it as-is.

Ingredients

• 4-6 sausages (your choice of pork, chicken, turkey, or bratwurst)
• 1 (14 oz) can of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 1/2 cup apple cider or beer (for extra flavor, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste (optional, as sauerkraut can be salty)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to reduce its saltiness. Place it in the prepared baking dish. Add the sliced onion, caraway seeds (if using), garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and mix to combine.
3. Add the Sausages: Arrange the sausages on top of the sauerkraut mixture. If you’re using beer or apple cider, pour it around the sausages and sauerkraut for added moisture and flavor. This will also help keep the sausages juicy while baking.
4. Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
5. Finish the Sausages: After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160°F (71°C).
6. Serve: Once everything is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

• Add Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add cubed potatoes to the sauerkraut before baking. The potatoes will soak up the flavors from the sausage and sauerkraut, making them extra tasty.
• Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or apple slices to the sauerkraut for a sweet and sour twist.
• Spicy Sausages: Use spicy sausages, such as jalapeño or chorizo, to give the dish a little extra heat.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based sausages or smoked tofu as a substitute for the meat sausages for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.
• Beer Option: Swap apple cider for beer, such as a lager or wheat beer, to enhance the savory flavors of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the sausage and sauerkraut in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Pork sausages are the most traditional, but chicken, turkey, or bratwurst sausages also work wonderfully in this dish.

2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make it in a slow cooker, layer the sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings in the bottom, then top with the sausages. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. How do I know when the sausages are done cooking?

The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

4. Can I use pre-cooked sausages for this recipe?

If you’re using pre-cooked sausages, reduce the baking time. You only need to heat them through, so baking for 15-20 minutes after adding the sauerkraut will be enough.

5. How do I reduce the sourness of the sauerkraut?

If you find the sauerkraut too sour, rinse it thoroughly in cold water or give it a quick soak in a bowl of water for 5-10 minutes. You can also add a bit of sugar or apple slices to balance the flavor.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage for additional flavor and texture. Just slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

8. Can I make this in a Dutch oven instead of a baking dish?

Yes, a Dutch oven works great for this dish! You can follow the same steps, just make sure the lid fits well to trap moisture while baking.

9. Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?

Yes, fresh sauerkraut can be used in place of canned. Be sure to rinse it first to reduce any excess salt.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, use spicy sausages, or add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauerkraut mixture for extra spice.

Conclusion

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender sausages, tangy sauerkraut, and a rich, savory sauce, this meal is both simple to prepare and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Add your favorite seasonings and sides, and enjoy the classic combination of sausage and sauerkraut in a delicious, oven-baked version!

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

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Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut is a hearty, flavorful dish combining savory sausages with tangy sauerkraut, all baked to perfection in the oven. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying, comforting meal, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German-American

Ingredients

1. 4–6 sausages (your choice of pork, chicken, turkey, or bratwurst)
2. 1 (14 oz) can of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
3. 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4. 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
5. 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for authentic flavor)
6. 1/2 cup apple cider or beer (for extra flavor, optional)
7. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
9. Salt, to taste (optional, as sauerkraut can be salty)
10. Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to reduce its saltiness. Place it in the prepared baking dish. Add the sliced onion, caraway seeds (if using), garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and mix to combine.
2. Add the Sausages: Arrange the sausages on top of the sauerkraut mixture. Pour the apple cider or beer around the sausages and sauerkraut (optional).
3. Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Finish the Sausages: After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and nicely browned (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
5. Serve: Once everything is cooked, remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Add cubed potatoes to the sauerkraut before baking for a heartier meal.
• For a sweet and sour twist, add brown sugar or apple slices to the sauerkraut.
• To make the dish spicier, use spicy sausages or add chili flakes to the sauerkraut.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based sausages and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 75mg