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Slow Cooker Sausage & Sauerkraut

This slow cooker sausage & sauerkraut recipe only has a few ingredients and comes together easily. Apple & Dijon mustard are added to this tasty sausage recipe that’s low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible.  You can also make this sausage & kraut in the Instant Pot. 

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Ingredients For Sausage & Sauerkraut

There are only 5 ingredients in this slow cooker sausage & sauerkraut recipe. 

  • Sausage: You will need a cooked sausage like a smoked sausage or kielbasa.
  • Sauerkraut: Use anywhere from 28 ounces to 32 ounces of sauerkraut. Do not drain the juice, it’s added to the recipe as well. 
  • Apple: Use your preferred type of apple but some work better than others. I like to use a granny smith apple.
  • Onion: You can use your preferred type of onion. 
  • Dijon mustard: If you’re not into mustard, simply omit this ingredient. 
  • Caraway seed: If caraway seeds are unavailable, substitute fennel seed or even dill seed. 

collage of ingredients for Slow Cooker Sausage & Sauerkraut

How To Make Sausage & Sauerkraut In The Slow Cooker

This is a true set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe. You add all the ingredients, give it a good stir, and let it cook. 

  1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well. 
  2. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6.  
uncooked Slow Cooker Sausage & Sauerkraut in the slow cooker

before

What Type Of Sausage To Use

Sausage & sauerkraut is made with cooked sausage. Something like a smoked sausage or kielbasa. What type of cooked sausage you want to use is up to you. I used a generic smoked sausage brand from my local grocery store. In order for this recipe to be Whole30 compliant, you will need to use a compliant sausage. For a list of other Whole30 compliant sausage brands, click HERE.

cooked Slow Cooker Sausage & Sauerkraut in the slow cooker

after

Sauerkraut To Use 

Should you rinse and drain your sauerkraut?  Personally I do not rinse or drain it. Having said that, I understand that sauerkraut can be overpowering to some people. Rising it will remove a certain amount of the strong flavor ( and also sodium content) so if you want to you can. 28 to 32 to ounces of sauerkraut are needed. Exactly how much sauerkraut to use in this recipe depends on you. I found 14.5-ounce cans of sauerkraut. I used two cans for a total of 29 ounces. 

overhead shot of Sausage & Sauerkraut in a white bowl

Adding Potatoes

To make this a heartier meal, add up to a pound of potatoes to this recipe. I suggest you use waxy potatoes like baby potatoes, red potatoes, or yellow potatoes because they their shape well during the long cooking time. 

close up of Sausage & Sauerkraut in a bowl

Storing Leftover Sausage & Sauerkraut

Leftover slow cooker sausage & sauerkraut should be stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, add the leftovers to an air-tight, freezer-friendly plastic bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

close up side view of Sausage & Sauerkraut in a white bowl

Sausage Recipes

Sausage, Potatoes & Green Beans

Sausage, Bell Peppers & Onions

Sausage, Spinach & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Spicy Chicken & Sausage

overhead shot of Sausage & Sauerkraut in a white bowl

I used a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.

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overhead shot of Sausage & Sauerkraut in a white bowl

Slow Cooker Sausage & Sauerkraut

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/22 pounds smoked kielbasa or sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2832 ounces sauerkraut (with juice)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 large apple, diced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons caraway or dill seeds
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (for Instant Pot only)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for Instant Pot only)

Instructions

Slow Cooker

  1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
  2. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours, LOW 4-6.

Instant Pot

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add the oil and the sausage. Cook 5-7 minutes or until the sausage is browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  2. Put 1 cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
  3. Add the sauerkraut, apple, Dijon,  in a single layer on the bottom of the IP.
  4. Cut the sausage into chunks and place it on top of the sauerkraut.
  5. Seal the IP. Cook it on Pressure Cook high for 15 minutes.

 

Notes

I used 1.75 pounds of smoked sausage & 28 ounces of sauerkraut

  • Author: Shannon Epstein
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hours

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive money if you make a purchase using one of the links. For more about my disclosure policy see here: https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/about/disclosure-policy/.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Kelly

Monday 1st of January 2024

Just made this and it’s SO good!!!!! I didn’t change a thing! I’m definitely keeping this as my go to recipe!!!

Brian Losekamp

Thursday 27th of September 2018

Can this be doubled?

Fit SlowCooker Queen

Monday 1st of October 2018

Yes but you will need a large slow cooker. I used a 6-quart and it was pretty full.

Sauerkraut Billy

Thursday 10th of August 2017

This looks so amazingly delicious. This reminds me so closely of slow-cooker kielbasa and kraut my grandpa used to make for our family when I was younger! Cannot wait to try this at home for the family and report back with how it turned out! Thanks so much for sharing!

Sonja

Saturday 8th of July 2017

Does the sauerkraut liquid go into the slow cooker or does it need draining first?

Scott K

Thursday 11th of January 2018

No do not drain the liquid that is what makes the dish work

Fit SlowCooker Queen

Saturday 8th of July 2017

The liquid goes in as well. I'll update the recipe so that is more clear. Enjoy!

Fit SlowCooker Queen

Saturday 8th of July 2017

Liquid goes in as well. I'll update the recipe so that is more clear. Enjoy!

Brenda Hobbs

Wednesday 15th of March 2017

Bavarian Style Sauerkraut is not as sour as regular Sauerkraut or you can rinse it first to make it less sour.

Fit SlowCooker Queen

Friday 5th of May 2017

Good to know, thank you!