Crispy Sauerkraut & Sausage Bites
A delightful twist on classic German cuisine, these Crispy Sauerkraut & Sausage Bites are perfect for any gathering. Inspired by a beloved recipe from the Hey Hey Bar and Grill in Columbus, Ohio, these savory snack balls combine the robust flavors of bulk sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and smooth cream cheese, all wrapped in a golden breadcrumb crust. Ideal as appetizers or party snacks, they provide a unique fusion of taste and texture that is sure to impress your guests. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the savory crunch in every bite!
8-10 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulk sausage
1/2 lb (ground, uncooked)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
sauerkraut
1 (16 ounce) can (drained and pressed)
fine dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for filling)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely snipped)
sweet-hot mustard
1 tablespoon (to taste)
garlic salt
1 dash (to taste)
black pepper
1 dash (to taste)
all-purpose flour
1/3-1/2 cup (for dredging)
eggs
2 (beaten with water)
water
2 tablespoons
fine dry breadcrumbs
1/3-1/2 cup (for coating)
cooking oil
as needed (for deep frying)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bulk sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is translucent, breaking the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2
Drain the sauerkraut in a fine mesh strainer or colander, pressing out as much liquid as possible to prevent sogginess.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut, cooked sausage mixture, 2 tablespoons of fine breadcrumbs, softened cream cheese, snipped parsley, sweet-hot mustard, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5
When ready to prepare, set up a breading station. Place flour in a shallow container for dredging. In another shallow container, beat together the eggs and water until well combined. Pour the fine breadcrumbs into a third container.
6
Using about 2 tablespoons of the chilled sauerkraut mixture, shape it into balls. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs.
7
In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat cooking oil to 365°F (185°C). Fry the sauerkraut balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown.
8
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Transfer to a baking sheet with sides and keep warm in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) until ready to serve.
9
Enjoy these savory Crispy Sauerkraut & Sausage Bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Sauerkraut & Sausage Bites?
They are a savory appetizer inspired by the Hey Hey Bar and Grill, featuring sausage, sauerkraut, and cream cheese in a golden breadcrumb crust.
What type of sausage is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of bulk sausage, which should be ground and uncooked before starting.
How should the sauerkraut be prepared?
It should be drained in a fine mesh strainer and pressed to remove as much liquid as possible to prevent sogginess.
Why is the mixture chilled before frying?
Chilling the mixture for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to shape into balls.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The cooking oil should be heated to 365°F (185°C) before frying the sauerkraut balls.
How long do the bites need to fry?
Fry the balls in batches for approximately 2-3 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What is the breading process for the balls?
Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in an egg and water mixture, and finally coat in fine breadcrumbs.
How do I keep the bites warm once they are fried?
Transfer them to a baking sheet and keep them in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) until ready to serve.
What kind of mustard is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sweet-hot mustard, which can be adjusted to taste.
What is the purpose of adding cream cheese?
Cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that binds the sausage and sauerkraut together.
How much onion is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
Are the onions cooked beforehand?
Yes, the onions are cooked in a skillet with the sausage until they are translucent.
What spices are used to season the bites?
The mixture is seasoned with a dash of garlic salt and a dash of black pepper.
What is the egg wash composed of?
The egg wash is made by beating 2 eggs together with 2 tablespoons of water.
Can I use any type of breadcrumbs?
The recipe specifically calls for fine dry breadcrumbs for both the filling and the outer coating.
How big should each sauerkraut ball be?
Use about 2 tablespoons of the chilled mixture to shape each ball.
What herb is used in the mixture?
Two tablespoons of finely snipped parsley are added to the filling mixture.
What should I do after browning the sausage and onion?
You must drain any excess fat from the skillet before mixing it with other ingredients.
Is there flour in the filling?
No, flour is used only for dredging the balls during the breading process.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
It is described as a twist on classic German cuisine and falls under the category of comfort food.
Can I fry all the balls at once?
It is recommended to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even cooking.
What tool should be used to remove the bites from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and then drain them on paper towels.
How much flour is needed for dredging?
You will need approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
What is the inspiration for this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a version served at the Hey Hey Bar and Grill in Columbus, Ohio.
Can the mixture be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, the recipe suggests chilling the mixture for several hours or even overnight.
What consistency should the cream cheese be?
The cream cheese should be softened so it incorporates evenly into the mixture.
How much sauerkraut is used?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce can of sauerkraut.
What is the ideal way to serve these bites?
Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce as an appetizer or party snack.
Is the sausage fat used in the breading?
No, the sausage fat is drained away after cooking the meat and onion.