Autumn Crockpot Apple Sauerkraut
Introduction
Autumn Crockpot Apple Sauerkraut is a perfect marriage of tangy sauerkraut and sweet apples, slowly simmered to create a cozy, flavorful side dish or main course. This recipe shines with comforting fall flavors, and its “set it and forget it” approach makes it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to simplify weeknight dinners. The slow cooker gently melds the tartness of sauerkraut with the naturally sweet essence of apples, resulting in a dish that is rich in probiotics and autumn warmth.
Deliciously Unique Autumn Crockpot Apple Sauerkraut
What makes this recipe a standout? It’s the irresistible blend of sweet, tart, and savory—all in one pot. Apples soften and meld into the sauerkraut, transforming its tang and taking the edge off with a mellow sweetness. Add onions, caraway, and your favorite smoked sausage or pork (optional), and you have a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and crowd-pleasing. Serve it as a vibrant holiday side or let it star as a main when paired with crusty bread.
Preparing the Perfect Crockpot Blend
The secret to this dish is layering flavors. Start by draining and rinsing the sauerkraut to remove excess brine. Then, combine it with chopped apples, thinly sliced onions, and caraway seeds. For depth of flavor, add a splash of apple cider or broth. If you desire a heartier dish, nestle slices of smoked sausage or pork chops in the mixture. As it cooks low and slow, the apples impart their sweetness while the kraut’s sharpness mellows to perfection.
Assembling Your Autumn Crockpot Apple Sauerkraut
Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker: sauerkraut on the bottom, then apples and onions, followed by caraway seed and brown sugar. If including sausage or pork, tuck it among the layers. Pour over a bit of apple cider or broth, cover, and let the Crockpot work its magic for several hours. By dinner, you’ll have a warming, aromatic dish with flavors that taste like fall.
Serving Suggestions for a Show Stopping Autumn Dish
This sauerkraut is delicious served hot as a side to roasted meats, or as a main dish alongside mashed potatoes and rye bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of Dijon mustard for a bright, tangy contrast—a simple way to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving is typically around 150-250 calories, depending on the protein choices (or none), apples, and sweetener. It’s a fiber-rich, probiotic-powered dish perfect for supporting digestive health as the weather cools.
Deliciously Unique Autumn Crockpot Apple Sauerkraut (Recap)
If you’re searching for a fuss-free fall dish that brings comfort and unique flavor, this Crockpot apple sauerkraut is your answer. It’s sweet, savory, tangy, and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn evening.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- If using pork chops or sausage, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meat on both sides (optional, but adds flavor). Set aside.
- Drain and briefly rinse the sauerkraut. Squeeze out excess liquid.
- Layer the sauerkraut in the bottom of the crockpot. Top with apples, onions, caraway seeds, and brown sugar.
- Add smoked sausage or pork, if using, nestling it into the mix.
- Pour the apple cider or chicken broth over everything. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking if possible.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with bread or potatoes.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe makes a fantastic addition to any fall meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe to add it to your weekly rotation and generate a smart, consolidated shopping list for all your meals.
Planning Benefits:
– Instantly calculates ingredient quantities for single or double batches
– Groups all grocery list items by store section for faster shopping
– Reduces duplicate purchases—CookifyAI checks ingredient overlaps if you’re planning other apple or sausage dishes
– Enables you to prep, cook, and enjoy cozy meals with less effort all autumn long
Pro tip: Planning multiple crockpot or comfort meals? Schedule recipes in CookifyAI to optimize your shopping and reduce waste—ingredients like apples, onions, and broth will be tallied for you!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
Enjoy the taste of autumn any night of the week with this easy, crowd-pleasing crockpot recipe!
