This slow cooker sausage and 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.
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.
How To Make Sausage And 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.
- Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sausage Recipes
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Sausage, Potatoes & Green Beans
-
Sausage, Bell Peppers And Onions
-
Spicy Chicken & Sausage
-
Sausage, Bean, Vegetable Soup
-
Hoppin’ John
-
Cajun Turkey or Chicke Sausage Soup
I used a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.
PrintSlow Cooker Sausage And Sauerkraut
This slow cooker sausage and 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.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 - 2 pounds smoked kielbasa or sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 28-32 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
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 2-3 hours, LOW 4-6.
- 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.
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Put 1 cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
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Add the sauerkraut, apple, Dijon, in a single layer on the bottom of the IP.
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Cut the sausage into chunks and place it on top of the sauerkraut.
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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
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13 thoughts on “Slow Cooker Sausage And Sauerkraut”
Made this recipe as written, excellent flavor! This will now be our family’s go to recipe for sauerkraut and sausage. So easy to make and delicious.
Just made this and it’s SO good!!!!! I didn’t change a thing! I’m definitely keeping this as my go to recipe!!!
Can this be doubled?
Yes but you will need a large slow cooker. I used a 6-quart and it was pretty full.
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!
Does the sauerkraut liquid go into the slow cooker or does it need draining first?
Liquid goes in as well. I’ll update the recipe so that is more clear. Enjoy!
The liquid goes in as well. I’ll update the recipe so that is more clear. Enjoy!
No do not drain the liquid that is what makes the dish work
Bavarian Style Sauerkraut is not as sour as regular Sauerkraut or you can rinse it first to make it less sour.
Good to know, thank you!
This looks delicious! My husband throws a fit if there is fruit in his dinner and we are doing a Whole30 so added sweetener is out…is it essential? I could probably add a couple spoonfuls of applesauce without him noticing, but I don’t want to make it sweet.
Thank you! You don’t need the apple. Since you’re doing whole30 (congrats, I just finished) I suggest substituting sweet potato or regular potato. Enjoy!