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Bavarian Sauerkraut
4.7 from 32 votes

Bavarian Sauerkraut

Bavarian sauerkraut – a regional recipe for the famous German sauerkraut. This is the perfect side dish for many German meat dishes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 130 kcal
Cuisine: German

Ingredients

  • 1 sauerkraut about 800 g/ 1.8 lb. (Note 1, canned
  • 1 tablespoon bacon fat Note 2
  • 1 onion about 75 g/ 2.5 oz
  • 2 oz Bacon 50 g, Notes 3,4
  • 1 apple about 150 g/ 3.5 oz, medium
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider Note 5
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • sea salt to taste, about ½ teaspoon, fine
  • black pepper to taste, about ¼ teaspoon

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare: Drain the sauerkraut. Finely chop the onions and cut the bacon into small cubes. Peel and dice the apple.1 can sauerkraut/ 800 g/ 1.8 lbs + 1 onion + 2 oz bacon/ 50 g + 1 medium apple
  2. Heat the fat in a saucepan. Cook the onions and the bacon for about 3 minutes on medium-low heat. Add the apple and stir for another 3 minutes.1 tablespoon bacon fat
  3. Caramelize: Sprinkle the sugar on top, stir, and let caramelize slightly for about 1-2 minutes.1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  4. Simmer: Add sauerkraut, salt, pepper, caraway seeds, cider/white wine/ apple juice. Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes.about ½ teaspoon fine sea salt + about ¼ teaspoon black pepper + 1 teaspoon caraway seeds + 1 cup apple cider/ 250 ml
  5. Serve immediately or reheat.

Notes

  • Sauerkraut: Either fresh (homemade or from the butchers), from a can, jar, or bag. Search for a German product for genuine taste and texture. I recommend Mildessa/Hengstenberg. (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab).
  • Fat: You can also use lard or schmalz, vegetable or olive oil. 
  • Bacon: I had lean bacon cubes, but regular bacon is also perfect. Preferably, the one sold unsliced, as it is nicer to have the cubes in the dish than some thin chopped slices.
  • Vegetarian or vegan version: Use oil and leave out the bacon.
  • Substitute apple cider with white wine or apple juice. If using dry white wine, you might want to adjust the taste with another ½ to 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Nutrition Information

Calories 130kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Cholesterol 10mg (3%) Sodium 1204mg (50%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 11g (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 130

% Daily Value*

Calories 130kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 1204mg 50%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 11g 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.