Pork and sauerkraut is a no-fail recipe when you have your slow cooker!
This recipe is easy and mouth-watering!
The origin of Pork and Sauerkraut
I did not realize this, and perhaps you are in the dark as well, but apparently, pork and sauerkraut are popular food for New Year’s Day. Eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day is a long-standing German tradition.
It is thought that the sauerkraut will bring blessings and wealth and the pork (representing the pig) is a symbol of good luck and well-being. That is a fabulous tradition, but what if you just like pork and sauerkraut and what to eat all year long?
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pork roast. – I used a boneless roast or pork tenderloin for this recipe. When shopping for your roast, you want to assume ½ lb per person. We’ll be using a 2-3 lb pork loin roast.
Sauerkraut – I used a jar, but canned or bagged would be fine. You do want the brine, so I would not use cabbage for this recipe.
Spices – Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic, Powder, Onion Powder, and Celery Seed (this makes all the difference).
Slow Cooker – A 6 qt slow cooker works well for this recipe.
For the exact measurements needed, please see the recipe card below.
How To Make Pork and Sauerkraut In The Crockpot
This recipe could not be any easier! This recipe starts with a pork loin roast that is seasoned with salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Lightly sear pork in a skillet until lightly browned and then move it to the crockpot.
I used a jar of sauerkraut in its juice (bagged sauerkraut is also acceptable) and I poured it over the pork then seasoned the whole lot with celery seed and pepper.
Cook the pork for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours until it is cooked through. The pork is ready when a meat thermometer inserted into the pork reaches 145 degrees. This cooking method will give you the most tender pork!
Slice up the pork and serve the sauerkraut over top!
Recipe Tips
Don’t want to use pork roast? Good news! Pork chops can also be used for this recipe. I recommend sticking with the thicker cut chops (the ones about 1.5-2 inches thick) and making sure that they are boneless too. To make this recipe using pork chops simply adjust the cooking time. On high pork chops should be fully cooked in about 3 or 4 hours.
Caraway Seeds can also be added to the spice mix. For added flavor go ahead and add in a bit of Caraway seeds to the seasoning mix. This is always a delicious option but it’s completely optional.
Apples. A lot of people like to put sliced apples in their pork and sauerkraut and I don’t blame them, it’s delicious. I wanted to keep this recipe more savory and less sweet which is why I didn’t put any into the crockpot but you are more than welcome to if you would like.
FAQs
Do I Have to Cook Pork and Sauerkraut in a Slow Cooker?
Nope, while it is a low hassle and easy way of making dinner you can just as easily make this dish in a Dutch oven or in an Instant Pot. Simply adjust for the times and cook it up as desired. I recommend browning the pork roast in the dutch oven on the stove before adding the remaining ingredients and cooking in the oven until finished. This will add a bit more flavor to the meal.
Can Pork and Sauerkraut Be Frozen?
Yes! Ideally, you should place your leftover pork and sauerkraut (with juices) in a large gallon-sized freezer-safe zip-top bag. Place the bag on its side and squeeze out any air.
Storing frozen items this way, keeps freezer burn at bay and allows for more room in your freezer.
Frozen pork and sauerkraut can be thawed in the fridge and warmed via your preferred method (oven or microwave).
What Goes with Pork and Sauerkraut?
This meal can go with so many side options but to keep it simple for the holiday you might want to try something light like this easy spinach salad, and red potato salad, or these cheesy mashed potatoes!
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How To Pork and Sauerkraut (Slow Cooker)
Pork and sauerkraut is a no-fail recipe when you have your slow cooker!
This recipe is easy and mouth-watering!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 2-3 lb pork loin roast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 32 oz jar sauerkraut
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- 1.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Heat pork just until browned on all sides. Remove pork to slow cooker.
- Pour sauerkraut (with juice) over pork.
- Season with pepper and celery seed. Cook pork on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Kellie says
We always have pork and sauerkraut for New Year’s….and always in the slow cooker! I love your version, it’s sooo easy!
Jamielyn says
This is one of my favorites for fall/winter. So yummy!
Aimee Shugarman says
What a delicious flavor combo!!
Robert LaFaye says
I make this a lot with different variations, one of my favorites is apple slices
I would like a chance at that
With this recipe, you can pretty much put other ingredients.
1 pound frozen black-eyed peas or fresh soaked overnight
1 cup chicken broth (I use Fat-Free & Reduced Sodium)
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch (6 to 8) green onions, thinly sliced
8 ounces diced ham or more to your liking
some coarsely ground black pepper (I use at least a tsp)
some Creole seasoning (I use at least a tsp)
some hot sauce (I use at least a tsp)
Tanya Schroeder says
I know lots of people add the apple, I wanted it to be completely savory! I like your suggestions, thank you!
Becca Reaume says
Barbecue beans. 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 Tbsp Brown sugar. 3/4 cup Salsa
2 cans black beans. Rinse beans add all together in crock pot and cook on low
2 cans northern beans. For 8 hours.
1 can diced chilies Enjoy
1 8oz tomato sauce
Tanya Schroeder says
Sounds delicious!
Billy says
Sauerkraut is so underrated and just so dang good. This recipe looks and sounds amazing!
Tanya Schroeder says
It really is overlooked!
Stef says
My favorite crockpot recipe is making crem brulee in the crock pot. I can never believe how easy it is. I want to try your recipe though! Great giveaway!!
Tanya Schroeder says
What??? I need to try this!
Nicki Miller says
Thanks for the background on this dish, didn’t know the history.
Lisa Huff says
I love Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese in my slow cooker! This pork dish looks great!
Lindsay Cotter says
This is so easy with loads of flavor! A total win-win for dinner!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I need to give this a try! Looks really amazing!
Jillian Too says
I like Crock Pot Balsamic Pork Roast.
Twila Yanak says
Well my first recipe would be yours but I add apples and onion. My second easy pork recipe for pork in a crockpot would be Pork country spare ribs in BBQ sauce. Very easy in the crock pot. Just slice some onion and place in bottom of crock pot. Place your ribs on top of the onions, season with salt and pepper. Pour in about 1/2 cup of beer , 1/4 cup cider vinegar, and 3/4 cup of beef stock or French onion soup. Top ribs with bottle of your favorite bbq sauce. Cook on high for 4 hours or 7-8 on low. If sauce is too watery, once the meat is done you can pour it into a saucepan and reduce it to thicken it up.
Tanya Schroeder says
Sounds fantastic, I will have to try this!
Andrea Suchter says
After browning the pork, and removing it to crock pot, I add chunks of potatoes around roast, then drain the sauerkraut over the roast, and sauté the drained sauerkraut and lots of onions in the pan drippings and some bacon fat and a little kitchen bouquet. I then scrape that pan over the top of the roast and potatoes, using a silicon spatula to get EVERY bit out of the pan!
I apologize! I guess I should’ve posted this as an entirely different recipe! Didn’t mean to be rude. This is one of my favorite meals growing up.? passed down from my mom.❣️Whenever any of us visit her, she knows what to make!?❤️
beth says
This was delicious! I made with 2 thick cut pork chops and a half pound kielbasa, both browned in skillet with onion before adding to crockpot. I like the browned meat. I added an amount of beer to the pot to add liquid to the cooking mix. It was exactly what i wanted. Will definitely make again…..Thank you for the recipe! Saved to my Tried & True Pinterest board so i don’t lose it!