Fried Sauerkraut

This recipe for fried sauerkraut with bacon is the perfect tangy side dish to enjoy with any meal. It only requires three simple ingredients and is ready to enjoy in minutes.

Fried sauerkraut is simply sauerkraut sauteed in butter and tossed with crispy bacon. This shouldn't be confused with deep-fried Sauerkraut Balls, which is a separate appetizer recipe that any sauerkraut fan would also enjoy.

Serve this easy recipe alongside a homemade pork roast, pork chops, or your favorite German sausage dish. Otherwise, my favorite way to enjoy it is piling a couple of over-easy eggs on top and letting the yolk melt into the tangy sauerkraut before diving in fork first.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Sauerkraut - You can used your favorite jarred sauerkraut, or this simple recipe is also fantastic with homemade fermented sauerkraut. Making your own homemade sauerkraut will always be the best tasting sauerkraut too, as the fermentation process creates the best texture and flavor! I eat that stuff right out of the glass jar by the forkfull!
• Butter - For a smokier flavor, using rendered bacon fat is a great choice instead.
• Bacon - I prefer regular cut bacon rather than thick cut bacon in this dish. Alternatively, some people use hot dogs or slices sausages instead.
• Seasoning - Kosher salt and black pepper.

How to make it

Begin this easy fried sauerkraut recipe by melting butter in a large frying pan or saute pan set over medium-high heat. Add the drained sauerkraut, chopped bacon, salt, and pepper, and cook sauerkraut mixture for five minutes.

Note: Medium heat can also be used, but medium high heat will make the sauerkraut crispier.

You place this tangy side dish in a large bowl and serve it as soon as everything is heated through, however, the longer you cook it the crisper the kraut becomes, so cook it to your individual tastes.

How to store leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within five days. The leftovers can quickly be reheated in the microwave. It is worth noting that bacon gets rubbery in the microwave, but since sauerkraut heats so quickly this shouldn't be much of an issue. Alternatively, leftovers can be reheated in a skillet as well.

Other Ways to make sauerkraut taste better

Adding the smoky flavor of bacon to your sauteed sauerkraut is just one delicious way to make kraut taste better. You can also fry up plain sauerkraut with a tablespoon of brown sugar to sweeten it up or add sauteed onion, or chopped apples.

Spices can be added as well. Caraway seeds, celery seed, juniper, and fresh dill are all flavors that pair nicely with sauerkraut. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions for an herbal finish. Finally, a splash of beer is always right at home in any Bavarian sauerkraut.

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