Crispy Sauerkraut and Sausage Bites
These Crispy Sauerkraut and Sausage Bites are a delightful twist on traditional appetizers that will impress your guests. Combining the savory goodness of crumbled sausage with the tangy flavor of sauerkraut, these flavorful morsels are enhanced with cream cheese, herbs, and spices. Perfect for parties or as a snack during game day, they offer a crunchy exterior and a creamy, zesty filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Even those who aren't fans of sauerkraut will be pleasantly surprised by how tasty these bites are!
6
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
sausage
8 ounces (crumbled or use beer and brat sausage)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
sauerkraut
1 (14-ounce) can (squeeze dry and snip fine)
breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for coating mixture)
cream cheese
1 (3-ounce) package (can use low fat)
parsley
2 teaspoons (fresh, chopped)
prepared mustard
1 teaspoon
garlic salt
to taste
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
eggs
2 (beaten)
milk
1/4 cup
breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut with the 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
3
In another bowl, blend the cream cheese, parsley, mustard, garlic salt, and pepper until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauerkraut and sausage blend, stirring until well combined.
4
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to form into balls.
5
Once chilled, preheat your deep fryer or a pot of oil to 350°F (175°C).
6
With your hands, form the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in flour, ensuring it is well-coated.
7
In a separate bowl, mix the beaten eggs with the milk. Dip each floured ball into the egg mixture, then roll it in the remaining breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
8
Fry the coated sauerkraut balls in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
9
Alternatively, for a healthier option, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the balls on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10
Serve hot as a delectable appetizer.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these bites?
They combine savory sausage with tangy sauerkraut and creamy cheese for a zesty and flavorful appetizer.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required to prepare these bites.
Can I use beer and brat sausage for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can use either crumbled sausage or beer and brat sausage.
How much sauerkraut is required?
You will need one 14-ounce can of sauerkraut.
Should the sauerkraut be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, you should squeeze the sauerkraut dry and snip it finely before use.
What role do the 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs play?
They are mixed directly into the sauerkraut and meat mixture to help bind it.
What is the purpose of the 1 cup of breadcrumbs listed later?
The larger portion of breadcrumbs is used for the final coating before frying or baking.
How much cream cheese do I need?
One 3-ounce package of cream cheese is required for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this a lower fat recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese and choose the baking method instead of deep frying.
What seasonings are included in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with parsley, prepared mustard, garlic salt, and pepper.
How long should I cook the onion and sausage?
Cook the crumbled sausage and finely chopped onion for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, it is important to drain any excess fat after cooking the sausage and onion.
What do I mix with the cream cheese before adding it to the main blend?
Blend the cream cheese with parsley, mustard, garlic salt, and pepper until smooth.
Why is refrigeration necessary for this recipe?
Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture firmer and easier to shape into balls.
What is the minimum refrigeration time?
The mixture should be chilled for at least one hour.
What is the target oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size should the sauerkraut balls be?
You should form the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
What is the first step in the coating process?
The first step is to roll each chilled ball in flour until it is well-coated.
What ingredients are used for the liquid coating?
The liquid coating is an egg wash made of two beaten eggs mixed with 1/4 cup of milk.
What is the final step of the coating process?
After the egg wash, roll the balls in the remaining breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated.
How long does deep frying take?
Fry the coated balls in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
How should I drain the bites after they are fried?
Remove the bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
What is the baking temperature for the healthier option?
If baking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long do the bites bake in the oven?
Bake the bites on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 8.3 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What is the total fat per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of fat.
Will people who dislike sauerkraut enjoy these bites?
Yes, the recipe description notes that even those who aren't fans of sauerkraut will be pleasantly surprised by the taste.