Slow Cooker Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Apples

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors—smoky sausage, tart sauerkraut, and sweet apples all come together in one pot. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires little prep, and is a great way to bring cozy, German-inspired comfort food to your table. It’s also naturally gluten-free and easy to customize.

Ingredients

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

smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced or whole)
sauerkraut (drained and rinsed, if preferred)
apples (sliced, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
onion (sliced)
brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
apple cider or apple juice
caraway seeds (optional, for traditional flavor)
black pepper
olive oil or butter (optional, for browning sausage)

Directions

1. Optional: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage slices in a little olive oil or butter to develop flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onion, apples, and sauerkraut to the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle in brown sugar or maple syrup (if using), caraway seeds, and black pepper.
4. Pour in the apple cider or juice to moisten the mixture.
5. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the apples are soft and the flavors have melded.
7. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Cooking time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Variations

• Use bratwurst or turkey sausage instead of kielbasa for a different flavor.
• Add peeled and cubed potatoes to make it a complete one-pot meal.
• Stir in a splash of stone-ground mustard or Dijon for a tangy twist.
• Try using sweet potatoes or pears in place of apples for a different spin.
• Add a handful of shredded cabbage near the end for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or bratwurst all work great. Choose your favorite based on how smoky or mild you want the flavor.

Should I rinse the sauerkraut?

Rinsing sauerkraut reduces its sourness. Keep it unrinsed if you enjoy a stronger tang.

Can I make this dish sweeter?

Yes, add more apples or a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

What kind of apples should I use?

Tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well and balance the dish nicely.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.

What goes well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles are excellent sides for soaking up the flavorful juices.

Can I add beer instead of apple cider?

Yes, a mild beer can add a rich depth of flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and sauerkraut are labeled gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can use plant-based sausage alternatives and follow the same method.

How do I prevent the apples from getting mushy?

Use firmer apple varieties and add them halfway through the cooking time for a slightly crisper texture.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Apples is a simple yet deeply flavorful meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With a delicious mix of savory, tangy, and sweet, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or cozy family dinners. It’s a no-fuss recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Slow Cooker Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Apples

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Slow Cooker Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Apples is a savory-sweet, German-inspired dish featuring smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender apples. This easy, one-pot meal is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty dinner with minimal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: German
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced or whole)
• 1 (16 oz) jar sauerkraut, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 2 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for browning)

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Instructions

1. Optional: In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage slices in olive oil or butter for extra flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onion, apples, and sauerkraut to the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle in brown sugar or maple syrup, caraway seeds (if using), and black pepper.
4. Pour apple cider or juice over the mixture.
5. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until apples are tender and flavors meld.
7. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over rice.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith to prevent mushiness.
• Rinse sauerkraut to reduce tanginess, or keep it unrinsed for a stronger flavor.
• Swap sausage for bratwurst or turkey sausage to change the flavor profile.
• Add cubed potatoes for a heartier one-pot meal.
• Stir in a splash of mustard at the end for extra tang.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 55mg