How to Make Homemade Sauerkraut (Just 4 Ingredients)

User Reviews

4.8

262 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    70 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Salad

  • Cuisine

    Ukrainian

How to Make Homemade Sauerkraut (Just 4 Ingredients)

This homemade sauerkraut recipe uses just cabbage, carrots, sugar, and sea salt to create a tangy, fermented condiment. The cabbage is shredded and massaged with salt and sugar alongside grated carrots, then weighed down for several days at room temperature to ferment. The process produces crisp, sour kraut with a bright, fresh flavor that complements many dishes.

Description

Making sauerkraut from scratch involves shredding cabbage and mixing it with grated carrots, sugar, and fine sea salt. Massaging the cabbage softens its texture and helps release juices necessary for fermentation. After packing the mixture into a container and weighing it down, natural fermentation occurs at roughly 77°F over several days, allowing beneficial bacteria to develop the characteristic sourness.

During fermentation, monitoring daily ensures any surface bubbles or scum can be addressed, and the kraut reaches the preferred level of tanginess, commonly around day three. Once ready, transferring it to a clean jar and refrigerating slows the fermentation process, preserving the sauerkraut for up to two months. This method produces a probiotic-rich, flavorful side suitable for sandwiches, salads, or as a condiment.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 lb cabbage shredded
  • 3 carrot grated, large
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 4 tbsp salt fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage into long strips and place it in a large bowl or large plastic container with a lid. Massage the cabbage with your hands for a few minutes until the cabbage softens a bit.
  2. Grate the carrots on the large side of the grater. Add the grated carrots in with the shredded cabbage.
  3. Add in the sugar and salt to the veggies and massage the seasoning into the veggies. Press all the ingredients down with your hands and place a couple of large cabbage leaves on top.
  4. Place a plate large enough to cover the bowl or container on top. Place something heavy on top of the plate to weigh it down. Place the container in a warmer part of the house, where it's about 77°F.
  5. Check the sauerkraut on a daily basis. Day #3 is typically the best. Once it's to your liking, transfer it to a clean jar and refrigerate it for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 70kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 3524mg (147%) Potassium 267mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 3933IU (79%) Vitamin C 43mg (48%) Calcium 55mg (6%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 70 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 70kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 3524mg 147%
Potassium 267mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 3933IU 79%
Vitamin C 43mg 48%
Calcium 55mg 6%
Iron 1mg 6%

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

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