Bavarian Pork & Sauerkraut Delight
Experience a heartwarming tradition with Bavarian Pork & Sauerkraut Delight, a rich melding of flavors that brings the comfort of family gatherings right to your table. Originally created by my mother for good luck on New Year's Day, this delicious one-dish meal combines tender smoked sausage, crispy bacon, and the sweet tang of Granny Smith apples with succulent Bavarian sauerkraut. The addition of sweet potatoes enhances the flavor profile while offering a satisfying heartiness to every bite. This recipe has been perfected over the years and has become a cherished favorite, not only in my household but also among friends and family who rave about its unique taste. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen as well!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
3 slices (fried until crisp and crumbled)
Potatoes
3 small (peeled and cubed)
Granny Smith Apples
2 small (cored, peeled, and cubed)
Smoked Sausage (Eckrich Skinless)
1 lb (sliced)
Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Flour
1 teaspoon (none)
Bavarian-style Sweet Sauerkraut
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) (1 can drained, 1 can with liquid)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, preserving the drippings in the skillet.
2
Sprinkle the flour into the bacon drippings, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Add the Bavarian-style sauerkraut along with the liquid from one can to the skillet. Mix well and sauté for an additional 5 minutes to warm through, stirring occasionally.
4
In the crock pot, combine the sauerkraut mixture with the crumbled bacon and sliced smoked sausage.
5
Add the cubed potatoes, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and water. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
6
Cover the crock pot and cook on the Low setting for 7 to 9 hours, until the flavors meld beautifully and the ingredients are tender.
7
Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper as necessary.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
22.5
Carbs
11
Protein
3.1
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bavarian Pork & Sauerkraut Delight?
It is a heartwarming one-dish meal combining smoked sausage, bacon, Granny Smith apples, and Bavarian sauerkraut, traditionally served for good luck on New Year's Day.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically mentions using 1 lb of sliced Eckrich Skinless Smoked Sausage.
How long does this dish need to cook in the crock pot?
It should be cooked on the Low setting for 7 to 9 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become tender.
What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their sweet-tart flavor profile perfectly complements the sauerkraut.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify using small potatoes that have been peeled and cubed.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Fry 3 slices of bacon in a large skillet until crisp, then set the bacon aside and preserve the drippings to make a roux.
Why is flour included in the ingredients?
The flour is stirred into the hot bacon drippings to create a light golden brown roux which helps thicken the sauce.
Should I drain the sauerkraut?
You should drain one can of the Bavarian-style sweet sauerkraut but keep the liquid from the second can to add to the mixture.
How much water is added to the crock pot?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to be stirred into the mixture before cooking.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this recipe considered a traditional German dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a German recipe and features traditional Bavarian-style ingredients.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, the description mentions that sweet potatoes enhance the flavor profile and offer satisfying heartiness.
What are the primary macronutrients in this dish?
Per serving, it contains 10g of fat, 22.5g of carbohydrates, and 11g of protein.
Is there fiber in Bavarian Pork & Sauerkraut Delight?
Yes, there is approximately 3.1g of fiber per serving.
When should I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as necessary just before serving, after the slow cooking is complete.
How many apples are required?
You will need 2 small Granny Smith apples, which should be cored, peeled, and cubed.
What size should the potato cubes be?
The recipe suggests using 3 small potatoes, cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I add extra sugar if I want it sweeter?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, but you can adjust this to your personal taste preference.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to fry the bacon over medium heat until it is crisp.
How long do I sauté the sauerkraut in the skillet?
Sauté the sauerkraut mixture in the skillet with the roux for about 5 minutes to warm it through before moving it to the crock pot.
Can I cook this on High instead of Low?
The recipe recommends the Low setting for 7-9 hours for the best results, but most slow cooker recipes can be adapted to High for 3-4 hours if needed.
Is this dish a good option for family gatherings?
Yes, the description highlights it as a cherished favorite for family gatherings and celebrations.
What makes the sauerkraut 'Bavarian-style'?
Bavarian-style sauerkraut is typically a milder, sweeter version of sauerkraut, often containing caraway seeds.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While it starts in a skillet to fry bacon and make a roux, it is primarily cooked and served as a one-dish crock pot meal.
Can I use skin-on smoked sausage?
The recipe specifies skinless smoked sausage, but skin-on varieties can be used if preferred.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for New Year's Day?
Yes, it was originally created by the author's mother to bring good luck on New Year's Day.
Does the recipe require any specialized equipment?
You will need a large skillet for the initial preparation and a crock pot (slow cooker) for the main cooking process.
How many cans of sauerkraut are needed?
The recipe requires two 14.5-ounce cans of Bavarian-style sweet sauerkraut.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is described as a rich, comforting melding of flavors with tender potatoes and sausage.