Golden Sauerkraut and Sausage Bites
A quintessential family favorite, these Golden Sauerkraut and Sausage Bites are an absolute must for festive celebrations and holiday gatherings. These delicious morsels, filled with tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, are encased in a crunchy breadcrumb coating that makes them utterly irresistible. Passed down through generations, this beloved recipe marks the heartbeat of our family holiday feasts. They may take a little time to make, but trust us, it’s worth every moment. Perfect for preparing ahead and freezing, they're ready for any occasion when you need a quick, delicious bite. Experience the joy of sharing these delightful treats, whether with family, at parties, or any get-together. Beware, though, their addictive taste will keep you reaching for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground sausage
1 lb (browned)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
sauerkraut
14 oz can (drained well and finely chopped)
breadcrumbs
2 tbsp (as binding agent)
cream cheese
8 oz package (at room temperature)
dried parsley
2 tbsp (used)
prepared mustard
2 tsp (added)
garlic salt
1/2 tsp (incorporated)
cracked black pepper
1/4 tsp (added)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
eggs
2 (well-beaten)
milk
3 tbsp (mixed with eggs)
breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add ground sausage and onions, and cook until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease by transferring to a plate lined with paper towels.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage mixture, finely chopped sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, dried parsley, mustard, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
4
Once chilled, shape the mixture into small balls using either a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon for consistency.
5
Prepare three separate bowls: place all-purpose flour in one, the beaten eggs combined with milk in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
6
Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, ensuring each is fully covered at each stage.
7
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat at least 1/2 inch of oil to medium-high. Fry the balls in batches for 30-45 seconds until golden brown, turning as needed.
8
Remove the fried balls and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
9
To store for later use, allow the balls to cool slightly and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
10
To reheat from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
11
Serve warm but exercise caution, as the centers will be hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Sauerkraut and Sausage Bites?
These are delicious appetizers made from a savory mixture of ground sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and cream cheese, breaded and fried until golden brown.
What is the primary flavor of these sausage bites?
They offer a quintessential balance of tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and creamy cheese with a crunchy exterior.
How should the ground sausage be prepared for the recipe?
The sausage should be browned in a skillet with onions and then drained of any excess grease.
What size can of sauerkraut is needed?
You will need one 14 oz can of sauerkraut.
How do I prepare the sauerkraut before mixing?
The sauerkraut needs to be drained very well and finely chopped.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Why are breadcrumbs used inside the mixture?
A small amount of breadcrumbs (2 tablespoons) is used within the mixture to act as a binding agent.
What should the consistency of the cream cheese be?
The 8 oz package of cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it mixes thoroughly with the other ingredients.
What spices and seasonings are added to the bites?
The mixture is seasoned with dried parsley, prepared mustard, garlic salt, and cracked black pepper.
Do I need to chill the mixture before shaping?
Yes, you should chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and make it easier to shape.
What is the best way to shape the sausage balls?
Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon helps maintain consistency in size.
What is the three-step coating process?
Each ball is rolled first in flour, then dipped in an egg and milk mixture, and finally coated in breadcrumbs.
What is the egg wash made of?
The egg wash consists of 2 well-beaten eggs mixed with 3 tablespoons of milk.
How much oil is required for frying?
You should heat at least 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan.
What temperature should the oil be?
The oil should be heated to medium-high.
How long do the bites take to fry?
They only need to fry for about 30 to 45 seconds until they reach a golden brown color.
How should I drain the bites after frying?
Remove the fried balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Can I freeze these sauerkraut bites?
Yes, they are freezer-friendly. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
How do I reheat the bites from the freezer?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the frozen bites for 15 to 20 minutes.
Is it necessary to drain the sausage grease?
Yes, draining the grease helps ensure the balls hold their shape and are not overly oily.
What occasions are these bites best for?
They are an absolute must for festive celebrations, holiday gatherings, and parties.
Are these bites spicy?
No, they are savory and tangy, though you can adjust the pepper or mustard if you prefer more kick.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried parsley, you can use fresh parsley, typically using a larger amount than the dried equivalent.
What is the purpose of the flour coating?
The flour helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere better to the sausage ball.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients including the coating and frying components.
Can the mixture be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, chilling the mixture for longer than an hour is fine and can help save time on the day of your event.
What warns the cook when serving?
The recipe notes to exercise caution when serving because the centers of the bites will be very hot.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a beloved recipe passed down through generations.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely, they are perfect for preparing ahead and freezing until needed.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard.