Slow-Cooked Pork and Sauerkraut Delight
This Slow-Cooked Pork and Sauerkraut Delight is a cherished New Year's Day tradition in my family that brings warmth and comfort to every gathering. While we often enjoy making this dish with homemade sauerkraut, store-bought options work marvelously too. Tender, succulent pork shoulder melds beautifully with the tangy, flavorful sauerkraut and hot dogs, creating a dish that is both savory and satisfying. The result is mouthwatering perfection that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. Adjust the ingredient quantities based on your crock pot size for the perfect family feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork shoulder
2-3 lbs (seasoned with salt and pepper)
sauerkraut
3 (1 quart) jars (undrained)
hot dog
1 lb (cut into pieces)
onions
2 (halved and quartered)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
oil
2 tablespoons (for browning)
Instructions
1
Start by seasoning the boneless pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2
In a pan, heat the oil over medium-low heat and lightly brown the pork shoulder on all sides to lock in the juices and develop a rich color.
3
Once browned, transfer the pork shoulder to your crock pot, placing it at the bottom.
4
Layer half of the quartered onions over the pork followed by a generous layer of sauerkraut. Continue to add alternating layers of onions and sauerkraut until the crock pot is nearly full; adjust the amounts as necessary to prevent overflow. If the sauerkraut produces too much liquid, feel free to drain a little before adding more.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours. After about 6 hours, you can gently stir the mixture to promote even cooking and add a bit more liquid if needed.
6
During the last hour or two of cooking, add the hot dogs (or bratwurst/knockwurst) on top of the sauerkraut and allow to heat through.
7
The dish is ready when the pork shoulder easily shreds with a fork. Serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes, toasted hot dog buns, and your favorite mustard for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Pork and Sauerkraut Delight?
It is a savory, comfort-food dish featuring boneless pork shoulder, sauerkraut, onions, and hot dogs, typically served as a New Year's Day tradition.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2-3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How long should I cook the pork and sauerkraut?
The dish should be cooked on the low setting of a slow cooker for 8-10 hours.
Can I use store-bought sauerkraut?
Yes, while homemade sauerkraut is excellent, store-bought options work marvelously for this recipe.
Should I drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the crock pot?
The recipe suggests using undrained sauerkraut, but you can drain a little if it produces too much liquid during the layering process.
When do I add the hot dogs?
Add the hot dogs to the top of the sauerkraut during the last hour or two of cooking to allow them to heat through.
Can I substitute hot dogs with other sausages?
Yes, you can use bratwurst or knockwurst instead of hot dogs.
How do I know when the pork is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the pork shoulder is tender enough to easily shred with a fork.
Why do I need to brown the pork shoulder first?
Browning the pork on all sides in a pan helps lock in the juices and develops a rich color and deeper flavor.
What are the best side dishes for this meal?
It is best served with creamy mashed potatoes, toasted hot dog buns, and your favorite mustard.
Is this a traditional holiday dish?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a cherished New Year's Day tradition.
How much sauerkraut is required?
The recipe calls for three 1-quart jars of sauerkraut.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use two onions that have been halved and then quartered.
Can I adjust the recipe size?
Yes, you can adjust the ingredient quantities based on your specific crock pot size to prevent overflow.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it cooks?
After about 6 hours of cooking, you can gently stir the mixture to promote even cooking.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The pork is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
How much oil is needed for browning?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of oil to brown the pork.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and is a simple slow-cooker preparation.
How should I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Place the browned pork at the bottom, then layer half the onions, then sauerkraut, and continue alternating layers until full.
Should I add extra liquid to the slow cooker?
If the mixture looks dry after 6 hours, you can add a bit more liquid as needed.
How are the hot dogs prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of hot dogs cut into pieces.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as comfort food and a pork-based slow cooker dish.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While specific nutritional data is not provided, the use of sauerkraut and onions typically provides dietary fiber.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include slow cooker, comfort food, sauerkraut, new year's day, family recipe, easy dinner, crock pot, pork recipe, and holiday dish.
Can I use a larger pork shoulder?
The recipe suggests 2-3 lbs, but you can use a larger cut as long as it fits in your crock pot and you adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is the sauerkraut drained or undrained?
The ingredient list specifies 'undrained' jars of sauerkraut.
Can I serve this on buns?
Yes, serving the mixture on toasted hot dog buns is a recommended serving option.
What heat level should I use for browning the meat?
The instructions recommend heating the oil over medium-low heat to brown the pork.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe requires 2 onions.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.