Hearty German-Inspired Sauerkraut Bake
Transport yourself to the heart of Germany with this delicious Hearty German-Inspired Sauerkraut Bake. Although inspired by traditional dishes, this modern twist balances hearty flavors without overwhelming heaviness. Combining tender pork chops and savory sausages with sweet apples and tangy sauerkraut, all nestled atop layers of potatoes and crunchy cabbage, this dish is a complete meal that offers warmth and comfort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's a flavorful reminder of 43 years of love and culinary exploration. Enjoy the beautiful harmony of flavors, and relish a taste of cherished memories!
4-6
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork chops
4 (Salt and peppered to taste)
Cooked sausages
4 (Of your choice)
Red potatoes
8 (Thickly sliced)
Green cabbage
1 head (Sliced)
Onion
1 large (Thinly sliced)
Apples
2 (Peeled, cored, and sliced)
Sauerkraut
1 (16 ounce) package (Drained)
Caraway seeds
1-2 tablespoons (To taste)
Chicken broth
3/4 cup (None)
Apple juice
3/4 cup (None)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and brown the pork chops on both sides. Set aside.
3
In a deep oven-safe pan, create a base layer using the thickly sliced red potatoes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
4
Next, layer the sliced green cabbage evenly over the potatoes.
5
Follow with a layer of thinly sliced onions, then arrange the sliced apples on top.
6
In a bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut with the caraway seeds; mix well and then spread this mixture evenly over the apple layer.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple juice, pepper, and ground cloves. Pour this mixture over all the layered vegetables.
8
Place the browned pork chops and cooked sausages on top of the layered vegetables.
9
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to create a steamy environment for baking.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the dish is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
11
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
16.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty German-Inspired Sauerkraut Bake?
It is a modern twist on traditional German cuisine that balances savory pork and sausages with sweet apples and tangy sauerkraut, layered over potatoes and cabbage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 16.7g of protein.
What type of meat is used in this sauerkraut bake?
The recipe calls for 4 pork chops and 4 cooked sausages of your choice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should the pork chops be prepared before baking?
Season them with salt and pepper, then brown both sides in a large skillet with oil over medium heat.
What type of potatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe specifies 8 red potatoes, thickly sliced, to form the base layer.
Is fresh cabbage used in addition to sauerkraut?
Yes, one head of sliced green cabbage is layered over the potatoes.
What kind of liquid is used for the baking base?
A mixture of 3/4 cup chicken broth and 3/4 cup apple juice is poured over the vegetables.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake covered for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Do I need to drain the sauerkraut?
Yes, use one 16-ounce package of sauerkraut and ensure it is drained before mixing with caraway seeds.
What spices provide the signature flavor?
The distinct flavor comes from 1-2 tablespoons of caraway seeds, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How are the apples prepared?
The recipe requires 2 apples that are peeled, cored, and sliced.
What is the order of the bottom layers?
Start with thickly sliced red potatoes, followed by sliced green cabbage, then thinly sliced onions, and finally sliced apples.
Why is the pan covered with aluminum foil?
Tightly covering the pan with foil creates a steamy environment essential for cooking the layers of vegetables.
Can I use any type of sausage?
Yes, you can use 4 cooked sausages of your choice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 main ingredients.
Is this dish considered a complete meal?
Yes, it is a hearty one-pan meal that combines protein, vegetables, and starches.
What kind of onion should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 large onion, thinly sliced.
How much apple juice is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of apple juice.
When should the meat be added to the pan?
The browned pork chops and cooked sausages are placed on top of the layered vegetables before the pan is covered and placed in the oven.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include choucroute garnie, sauerkraut, pork, german cuisine, comfort food, and one-pan meal.
Does the dish require any rest time?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
How much ground cloves are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a weeknight dinner because it is flavorful and comforting.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
Are the caraway seeds mixed with the sauerkraut?
Yes, the sauerkraut is combined with caraway seeds in a bowl before being spread over the apple layer.
Is this recipe considered slow-cooked?
Yes, it is tagged as a slow-cooked dish due to the hour-long baking time.
How is the seasoning for the broth mixture prepared?
Whisk together the chicken broth, apple juice, pepper, and ground cloves in a separate bowl before pouring.
What is the general flavor profile of the dish?
It features a harmony of tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and savory meats with warm spice notes from cloves and caraway.