How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut

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Canned sauerkraut, with its tangy kick, might not be the first thing on your mind for a quick side dish. But let me tell you, once you master the art of how to cook canned sauerkraut in a skillet, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in a snap.

Canned veggies are a kitchen superhero—shelf-stable, convenient, and budget-friendly. The best part? They cook up in a flash.

Canned fermented cabbage, loaded with all the zesty freshness of its counterpart, allows you to whip up a tasty side anytime without making a grocery store dash.

So, folks! With a well-stocked pantry and the nifty tips from this post, along with my How To Make Canned Refried Beans Better and How to Cook Canned Carrots recipes, you’re all set to elevate your veggie game instantly. Quick, easy, and pantry-perfect – because pantry cooking for the win is the name of the game!

What Is Sauerkraut?

It is a fermented cabbage dish often associated with German cuisine but enjoyed in various forms worldwide.

To make sauerkraut, finely shredded cabbage is fermented by lactic acid bacteria. The fermentation process gives it its distinctive tangy flavor and allows it to be preserved for an extended period.

Why Make This Recipe

• Time-Saver – This how-to-cook sauerkraut from a jar recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also a time-saving hero. With minimal effort, you can whip up a dish that adds flavor to your meals, saving you precious cooking time.
• Versatile – Whether serving a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is your ticket to pleasing a crowd. Its universal flavor profile makes it a hit with various meals.
• Tastes excellent – Take your everyday main meal to the next level with this recipe. Its tangy and savory notes bring a gourmet touch to the simplest meals.

Check out these fantastic canned food guides if you love incorporating canned food into your weekly meals.

Ingredient Notes

• Sauerkraut – Opt for high-quality for the best flavor. Canned works, but consider checking the ingredients for added flavors or preservatives.
• Bacon – Choose your preferred variety – smoked or maple for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your preferences.
• Onion – A finely diced onion adds depth to the dish. Experiment with red or sweet onions for subtle flavor variations.
• Caraway Seeds – These aromatic seeds bring a unique earthy flavor to the recipe. Toast them briefly for intensified taste.
• Apple Sauce – Opt for unsweetened apple sauce to balance the tanginess of sauerkraut. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
• Brown Sugar – Enhance the glaze with a touch of brown sugar. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
• Black Peppercorns – Freshly ground black pepper elevates the overall flavor. Adjust accordingly for a hint of warmth.
• Chicken Stock – Use chicken stock sparingly for a flavorful simmer. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred sauciness.

Ready to cook sauerkraut so it tastes even better? Gather your sauerkraut and other ingredients, and I will show you…

How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Start by draining the kraut from those two 14 ½ ounce cans.
2. Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, then remove it from the skillet. Please keep it on standby; we’re bringing it back shortly.
3. Let’s sauté the finely diced onion in that same large skillet until it’s golden.
4. Now, place in the caraway seeds for about 30 seconds. After that, sprinkle in some black pepper, add around half a cup of apple sauce (make sure it’s not too watery), toss in a teaspoon of brown sugar, and finally, the drained sauerkraut. Don’t forget half a cup of chicken stock.
5. Cover it up and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing all those flavors to combine in the pan.
6. Give it a try and check it is tender. Adjust the salt if needed, and enjoy your side dish.

Expert Tips 

• Toast the caraway seeds before adding them to the mixture. This enhances their aroma and additional depth.
• Opt for high-quality sauerkraut for the best results. Look for options with minimal additives or preservatives.
• Control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar and apple sauce based on your sweetness preference.
• Experiment with different types of bacon. Smoked or maple can add unique dimensions.
• Allow the sauerkraut mix to simmer for the full 5-7 minutes. This time is crucial for the flavors to meld.
• Use chicken stock sparingly. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for a saucier or drier side.
• Always adjust the seasoning before serving. Sauerkraut can vary in intensity, so make sure it is salted to your liking.
• Use a great can opener to open canned food easily and smoothly.
• Please do check out some of my favorite things to use to cook sauerkraut. Do you have some of these already?

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Kick – For those who like it hot, introduce a touch of heat by stirring in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Apple – Introduce a fruity note by tossing in diced apples along with the sauerkraut. The sweet and tart of apples complements the tanginess of sauerkraut.
• Mustard – Amp up the tanginess by incorporating a spoonful of your favorite mustard. Dijon or whole-grain mustard adds a zesty kick. Experiment with your favorite condiments.
• Beer-Braised – Swap out some or all of the chicken stock with your favorite beer. The malty richness of beer adds depth to the sauerkraut.
• Creamy – Finish off the sauerkraut with a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream. This creamy addition adds richness and a silky texture.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead –  Simplify your cooking process by chopping the onions in advance.
• Store  – Store any leftover sauerkraut in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 4 days.
• Reheat – Reheat in a flash, and you’ve got another round of sauerkraut goodness ready to enjoy.
• Freeze –  Planning for the future? Sauerkraut is freezer-friendly! Transfer cooled sauerkraut to a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a sauerkraut fix, thaw it out in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• How To Cook Canned Corn.
• How To Cook Canned Peas.
• How To Cook Canned Carrots.
• How To Cook Canned Chickpeas.
• How To Make Canned Green Beans Taste Better.

Canned Food Collections

And be sure to check out this collection of 21 Canned Chicken recipes, the 21 Best Canned Tuna Recipes, and these easy Canned Salmon Recipes.

Serve Sauerkraut With:

• Italian Sausage – Combine it with air-fried Italian sausage for a hearty, down-home meal. You can also use Polish sausage or your favorite sausage.
• Air Fryer Pork Chops – The rich flavors of pork chops and the sauerkraut’s is a match made for the taste buds. And then add some crunchy salads for a great, easy meal.
• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes– Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes. The textures collide, and it is so good.

You can add it to soups, hot dogs, a stew, and more. So, have I convinced you to try sauerkraut yet?

Recommended Tools

• An awesome can opener to open cans easily at the push of a button.
• Great saucepans for even cooking sauerkraut.
• A good set of spices and seasonings to upgrade your food.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 3 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my How To Make Sauerkraut In A Jar recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

How To Cook Canned Sauerkraut