German Sauerkraut with Bacon

German Sauerkraut with Bacon

6 servings
German sauerkraut is the perfect side dish for all kinds of traditional meals.

Ingredients

  • sauerkraut
    32 oz.
  • bacon
    3 oz.
  • onion
    1 medium
  • butter
    2 tsp.
  • garlic paste

    or 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

    1 tsp.
  • caraway seeds
    ½ tsp.
  • sugar
    1 tsp.
  • bay leaves
    2
  • whole juniper berries
    2
  • whole all spice
    3
  • beef broth
    1 ¼ c
  • salt
    1 tsp.
  • pepper
    ¼ tsp.

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut bacon and onion into small cubes and add to a medium sized pot.

  2. 2

    Add garlic paste and butter, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the caraway seeds and sugar and let cook for another 2-3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add beef broth and spices and bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Add the sauerkraut and reduce to a simmer. (If using an American brand of sauerkraut, place it in a sieve and thoroughly rinse it. If you're using a German brand, you can add the sauerkraut right into the pot.)

  6. 6

    Allow to simmer for at least 1 hour.

German Sauerkraut with Bacon

German Sauerkraut with Bacon

75 min6 servings188 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the robust, tangy, and savory flavors of a classic German side dish? This authentic German Sauerkraut with Bacon recipe brings the hearty comfort of traditional cuisine right to your table, perfect for any occasion.

What sets this recipe apart is the careful layering of flavors that creates a truly authentic experience. Starting with crisp bacon, then simmering the sauerkraut with aromatic caraway seeds, bay leaves, juniper berries, and allspice in rich beef broth builds an incredibly deep and complex profile. This easy, traditional approach ensures a delicious result that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to achieve.

You can expect a wonderfully tender, tangy sauerkraut dish, deeply infused with the smoky richness of bacon and an aromatic complexity from the unique spice blend. The sauerkraut itself will be savory and slightly sweet, complemented by tender bits of onion and the delightful texture of crisp bacon pieces. It's a comforting, hearty side that provides a perfect counterpoint to richer main courses, offering a genuine taste of traditional German cooking.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines with bacon, you could experiment with smoked pork belly for an even richer flavor. For a slightly different twist, consider adding a grated apple during cooking to lend a touch more sweetness and subtle fruitiness to the sauerkraut. If you don't have beef broth on hand, chicken broth can be a suitable, lighter alternative.

This traditional German Sauerkraut with Bacon is the ideal accompaniment to classic German sausages, roasted pork, schnitzel, or even hearty potato dumplings, making any meal feel truly authentic and special.

Frequently Asked Questions