What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (2024)

Sauerkraut is very popular throughout the world made from pickled, fermented cabbage, which has a sour taste.

It is usually used in German cuisine or sometimes can be found in Polish cuisines.

However, it is widely consumed in Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Serbia, etc.

Sauerkraut owes its strong taste to the process of Lacto-fermentation.

In this fermentation, lactic acid bacteria convert sugars present in cabbage into lactic acid, which gives an acidic flavor to sauerkraut and a sour aroma and crisp texture.

Also, the process of fermentation preserves sauerkraut as it does not require cooking after preparation.

Sauerkraut is usually served with meat dishes and pasta in Europe, especially in Germany, often added to sausage or even hot dogs.

It also goes well with goulashes and roasts, which are prepared using pork or beef.

However, in the United States, it is often served with grilled dishes like burgers, hot dogs, etc.

In this article, we will list the eight best side dishes that go well with sauerkraut.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Sauerkraut?

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (1)

Sauerkraut is a popular food in Europe, but it is often overlooked in the United States.

Sauerkraut is an excellent addition to any meal because of its unique flavor and a wide variety of health benefits.

As more people understand the importance of eating healthy, sauerkraut’s popularity will continue to grow.

To get the most out of sauerkraut, knowing how to best pair it with foods is essential.

Sauerkraut goes excellent with a number of side dishes besides the usual bread and potatoes.

Another benefit of serving sauerkraut with different dishes is that it adds flavor to otherwise unsavory meals.

Sauerkraut can be served with several types of meat, including turkey and pork.

Sauerkraut has been a favorite for thousands of years as an accompaniment to pork.

In addition to being served with meat, sauerkraut also tastes great when paired with poultry.

This is why it is often served with chicken.

What to Serve with Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (2)

Once you start experimenting with sauerkraut, you will be surprised by how it can vary the taste of otherwise mundane meals.

Sauerkraut is generally served cold to bring out its unique flavors.

It pairs well with most side dishes because it has a tart flavor that adds zip to any meal.

Here are eight side dishes that you must try with your next serving of sauerkraut.

1 – Sweet Potato Fries

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (3)

Sauerkraut and sweet potatoes go great together because the flavors balance each other.

Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet flavor that complements sauerkraut’s sour taste, making them a natural pairing.

They are also very healthy side dishes that are low in calories.

If you are looking for a new way to prepare sweet potatoes, try pairing them with sauerkraut.

You can also use the same recipe to prepare regular potatoes.

When you eat sauerkraut with sweet potatoes, add a little bit of brown sugar and cinnamon to bring out the natural flavors in both dishes.

2 – Roasted Carrots

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (4)

Aside from sauerkraut, carrots are probably the best food to eat with the dish.

Add a little bit of honey and some salt and pepper to bring out the natural sweetness for the best possible flavor.

Although sauerkraut is not necessarily nutritious, it enhances the health benefits of carrots by adding some vitamins to your meal.

To make this dish, you must first roast the carrots.

This process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable.

Once you have roasted your carrots, it is as simple as mixing them with a bit of honey and some salt and pepper.

3 – Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (5)

Mac and cheese are some of the most popular comfort foods globally, but they can be very unhealthy.

If you are looking for a way to make this dish healthier and tastier, try pairing it with sauerkraut.

The tart flavor of sauerkraut adds a unique element to mac and cheese that will leave your friends and family asking for seconds.

The cauliflower will add a bit of creaminess to the dish, making it seem even more indulgent.

To make this recipe, you will need to boil your cauliflower.

Once your cauliflower is boiling, add in some milk and cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts, and add salt and pepper for seasoning.

4 – BBQ Pulled Pork

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (6)

One of the most popular dishes in North America is pulled pork.

This savory dish tastes excellent on its own, but it can also be used to make tacos and sandwiches.

If you are looking for a new way to serve pulled pork, try pairing it with sauerkraut.

The tart flavor of sauerkraut enhances the flavor of pulled pork, making it taste even better.

One way to make this dish is to cook the meat in your slow cooker overnight with some barbecue sauce.

Once you are ready to serve the dish, mix in some sauerkraut and enjoy.

Since most people only eat pulled pork for special occasions such as holidays or birthdays, sauerkraut is an excellent way to bring out the best flavors in the dish.

5 – Bratwurst

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (7)

Sauerkraut is a traditional accompaniment to bratwurst because the dish tastes great with it.

The main reason why you should consider pairing these two dishes together is that bratwurst has a naturally sour taste.

Since sauerkraut also has this flavor, they complement each other perfectly.

To serve bratwurst with sauerkraut, heat the bratwurst and heat some sauerkraut.

Serve the bratwurst on a bun or piece of bread and top it with sauerkraut to create a delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

If desired, you can add some mustard to the dish.

6 – Cabbage Soup

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (8)

If you are looking for a way to make your cabbage soup taste better, pair it with sauerkraut.

The combination of sauerkraut and cabbage soup is trendy in Germany because the two dishes have similar flavors.

To make this dish, heat some cabbage soup.

Then, add in some sauerkraut until the soup is the desired flavor.

There are many ways to make cabbage soup to be used as a base for many recipes.

You can also cook some vegetables in your cabbage soup.

7 – Pork Chops

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (9)

Pork chops are one of the most popular types of meat on Earth because they taste great with many sides.

One of the best ways to make pork chops even better is by pairing them with sauerkraut.

Pork chops are naturally sweet but also have a bit of sourness that makes sauerkraut taste great.

To make this dish, heat some pork chops and add some salt and pepper for seasoning.

Then, take the pork chops out of your pan and add sauerkraut to create a delicious sauce.

The combination of pork chops with sauerkraut creates an irresistible flavor that you will want to eat again.

8 – Beef Tacos

What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (10)

Beef tacos can be very delicious, but they also tend to be greasy and unhealthy.

If you are looking for a way to make beef tacos taste better without adding too many calories, try pairing it with sauerkraut.

The tart flavor of sauerkraut adds a lot of flavor to your taco, making it taste even better.

To make this dish, heat some beef and add some cheese and guacamole on top of it.

Finally, add in some sauerkraut to create a delicious taco that anyone will enjoy.

If you are looking for more ways to cook beef tacos, try making them on the grill, so they turn out extra crispy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sauerkraut is a traditional German side dish that is great with many main dishes.

Also, it can be used to make delicious tacos and soups that taste amazing.

When you paired sauerkraut with other foods such as pork chops and pulled pork, you will find out why this food has gained popularity over the years.

So, if you are looking for a delicious side dish that tastes great with many main dishes, try pairing sauerkraut with these eight best foods.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Roasted Carrots
  • Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
  • BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Bratwurst
  • Cabbage Soup
  • Pork Chops
  • Beef Tacos

Instructions

  1. Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
  2. Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
What To Serve With Sauerkraut? 8 BEST Side Dishes | EatDelights (2024)

FAQs

What side dish goes well with sauerkraut? ›

The best side dishes for pork and sauerkraut are applesauce, buttery mashed potatoes, bread dumplings, or Waldorf salad. For a vegetable side, try creamy corn casserole, English peas and bacon, or roasted turnips. I also really like garlic butter rolls and Southern baked beans.

What accompanies sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut can be added to soups and stews; cooked with stock, beer or wine; served with sausages or salted meats, and is especially good with smoked fish, like hot-smoked salmon.

What do Germans eat with sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut and Bratwurst

One of the main ways that people in Germany enjoy eating bratwurst is with a big helping of sauerkraut. This is a German sausage that is typically made with meats like pork or veal. The combination of the flavors, along with a nice fresh bun make sauerkraut and bratwurst a popular food option.

What is a good side dish for kielbasa and sauerkraut? ›

Here's the short answer. The best dishes to serve with kielbasa are sauerkraut, haluski, pierogies, potato pancakes, and sauteed peppers. You can try shrimp skewers, kimchi fried rice, frittata, and green bean casserole for unusual yet tasty options.

Should you drain and rinse sauerkraut before cooking? ›

You do NOT need to rinse sauerkraut (unless it's overly salty). Drain it thoroughly before cooking or using raw. Chop your sauerkraut roughly before cooking (or putting in a salad) so it's easier to combine with other ingredients.

How do you serve and eat sauerkraut? ›

Different Ways to Eat Sauerkraut
  1. Make it a Side to Your Larger Meal. The delicious, tangy taste of sauerkraut is a great side dish. ...
  2. Make it a Guacamole Topping. ...
  3. Put it on Your Morning Egg Scramble. ...
  4. Spice Up Your Avocado Toast. ...
  5. Top Your Salad or Sandwich. ...
  6. Rice Bowl. ...
  7. Add to Potatoes. ...
  8. Use as a Dip.
11 Dec 2020

Do you serve sauerkraut warm or cold? ›

Sauerkraut can be eaten cold or hot. While it is often served hot with pork dishes, it is also a favourite hot dog topping in America, and is used in deli sandwiches such as Reubens. You can buy it canned, jarred or fresh in bags in the chiller sections of some supermarkets and delis.

What is eaten with most German meals that is not considered a side dish? ›

Bread is served usually for breakfast (often replaced by bread rolls) and in the evening as (open) sandwiches, but rarely as a side dish for the main meal (popular, for example, with Eintopf or soup).

What do you serve at a German dinner party? ›

Oktoberfest Dinner Menu 1
  • German Ham-Wrapped Figs With Marinated Bean Salad & Hazelnuts.
  • Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Mustard Crust, Potato Pancakes, Brussels Sprouts Leaves with Black Forest Ham and Dark Beer Sauce.
  • Creamy Sauerkraut.
  • Vanilla Bean Custard with German Sour Cherry Sauce.
  • Pepper Brie and Radicchio Salad.

What is a good side dish for kielbasa and cabbage? ›

What to Serve with Kielbasa [10 Best Side Dishes]
  • Sauerkraut.
  • Green Bean Casserole.
  • Fried Onions.
  • Kapusniak (Cabbage Soup)
  • Bigos.
  • Creamy Polenta.
  • Rice Skillet.
  • Mac & Cheese.
21 Jul 2022

Do you cook sauerkraut covered or uncovered? ›

Simmer: Bring to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

How long should you cook sauerkraut? ›

Empty the contents of a bag of sauerkraut into a large skillet (include sauerkraut juice). Add spices or seasonings, as desired. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately!

Do Germans eat sauerkraut warm or cold? ›

Sauerkraut is eaten both warm and cold as a side dish, often in place of a salad and as the only vegetable served. Sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and some form of meat are the stereotypical serving.

What is the best time of day to eat sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut is a fermented dish best consumed in the morning at about one tablespoon to 10 grams per day. Sauerkraut is a highly nutritious, probiotic-rich food, and you are recommended to eat about a tablespoon or 10 grams per day.

What is the healthiest way to eat sauerkraut? ›

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO EAT SAUERKRAUT?
  • Add to a bowl of slightly cooled soup (to keep the probiotics active)
  • Eat it as a simple side condiment (a tablespoon a day aids digestion!)
  • Top poached eggs.
  • Add it to the top of your avocado toast.
  • Sprinkle it on a crunchy salad.
  • Top your favorite burger.
  • Add to tacos.

Should you drain a jar of sauerkraut? ›

Leftover sauerkraut should be drained before storing it in the fridge where it can remain fresh for another week.

Can sauerkraut be eaten straight from the jar? ›

Raw sauerkraut can be enjoyed as is, by the forkful. Just take the jar out of the fridge, grab a fork, and enjoy the health benefits! Eat a forkful once or twice a day straight from the jar.

Is sauerkraut still good for you if you rinse it? ›

If you rinse and soak sauerkraut in cold water before you eat it, you can lower the sodium content considerably. Many peoples in the world, including Germans, Japanese and Chinese, consider it important to include fermented foods in their diets.

What do Germans eat with every meal? ›

Bread is enjoyed with most meals, especially breakfast and dinner, but also at lunch (usually considered the main meal of the day), which will often be served with rolls on the side. Germans enjoy a wide variety of bread including grain, Pumpernickel, rye, and white bread.

What is a side dish in Germany? ›

Who does not know the famous Traditional German Side Dishes? On the one hand, there are potatoes, Dumplings, Spaetzle, pasta, and rice. On the other hand, there are basic recipes for vegetables and Salads to complete a meal. Some of the side dishes served warm others served cold.

What is Germany's signature dish? ›

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is regarded as one Germany's national dishes and there are several regional variations in Franconia, Thuringia, Rhineland, Saarland, Silesia and Swabia. This pot roast takes quite a while to prepare, but the results, often served as Sunday family dinner, are truly worth the work.

What is a traditional German snack? ›

Crisp and salty pretzels and pretzel stick have been popular in Germany for centuries. Salzstangen (salty pretzel sticks) and Erdnussflips (peanut flips) are particularly popular snacks in Germany.

What is a traditional German dinner? ›

Dinner/Supper (das Abendessen/Abendbrot)

Abendbrot (“evening bread”) is the typical German supper. It is a light meal eaten usually between 18:00 and 19:00 and – like breakfast – consists of full grain bread and rolls, fine cheese, meats and sausages, accompanied by mustard and pickles.

What are the main dish of the German people in Christmas dinner? ›

The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!

What would happen if I ate sauerkraut everyday? ›

Eating sauerkraut may help you strengthen your immune system, improve your digestion, reduce your risk of certain diseases, and even lose weight. To reap the greatest benefits, try eating a little bit of sauerkraut each day.

Should I drain bagged sauerkraut? ›

Most bagged sauerkraut varieties do not require to be drained before cooking as they do not contain much in terms of liquid.

How many times a week should you eat sauerkraut? ›

How often should you eat fermented foods? The short answer is as much as you can. Eating fermented foods daily will strengthen your immune system, reduce bloating, control weight, and will help many digestive issues. If you are new to eating fermented foods start with 1 tablespoon of sauerkraut or 1 pickle a day.

What is the best way to eat sauerkraut? ›

Different Ways to Eat Sauerkraut
  1. Make it a Side to Your Larger Meal. The delicious, tangy taste of sauerkraut is a great side dish. ...
  2. Make it a Guacamole Topping. ...
  3. Put it on Your Morning Egg Scramble. ...
  4. Spice Up Your Avocado Toast. ...
  5. Top Your Salad or Sandwich. ...
  6. Rice Bowl. ...
  7. Add to Potatoes. ...
  8. Use as a Dip.
11 Dec 2020

Who should not eat sauerkraut? ›

If you're at risk of high blood pressure or are on a low sodium diet, salty sauerkraut may not be the best choice for you. That said, there's less than 1,000 milligrams of sodium in one cup, so it depends on what else you eat.

How long does it take for sauerkraut to heal gut? ›

When I did the sauerkraut protocol, it took me about 6 weeks to get through step 3 and about 2 months to get through all the steps. But everyone is different. Probiotics crowd out bad bacteria; anti-bacterials kill bad bacteria. To eradicate stubborn bad gut bacteria, try taking some anti-bacterial herbs.

What is a hot dog with sauerkraut called? ›

All the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a hot dog! These Reuben Hot Dogs have Swiss cheese topped hot dogs, sauerkraut, and a pickle spear in a hot dog bun, then topped with an easy homemade Russian dressing.

Do you serve sauerkraut hot or cold with bratwurst? ›

Sauerkraut can be served cold or hot. Sauerkraut is a pickled condiment made from shredded cabbage, vinegar, salt and spices, including juniper and caraway seeds. It originated in Germany and was traditionally eaten as an accompaniment to sausages.

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