Creamy Ham and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker Soup Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor, toast the caraway seeds in a dry pan for one minute before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step releases the essential oils and deepens the earthy, citrusy notes of the seeds. Be careful not to burn them, as they can turn bitter quickly. Adding them directly to the soup allows the long, slow cooking time to fully extract their essence into the creamy broth.

Consider serving this soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers to complement the creamy texture. If you enjoy a bit of extra brightness, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream on top just before serving can add a nice contrast to the richness of the ham and creamy broth.

These small additions can elevate the final dish without requiring any extra cooking time or complexity.

Variations

• Smoked Sausage Variation: Replace the cubed ham with sliced smoked sausage. The smoky flavor of the sausage pairs exceptionally well with the tang of the sauerkraut, adding a deeper, more robust profile to the creamy soup base.
• Vegetable Boost: Add two cups of chopped carrots or celery during the layering process. These vegetables provide extra texture and natural sweetness, which helps to balance the acidity of the sauerkraut in the finished soup.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. As the soup cools, the potatoes may continue to absorb some of the liquid, so the soup might thicken.

When storing, ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the soup from absorbing other flavors in your refrigerator. Always cool the soup to room temperature within two hours of finishing the cooking process before refrigerating.

This soup is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the entire recipe as directed and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping on a weekend to enjoy throughout the busy work week.

Serving ideas

Serve the soup hot in deep bowls to retain the warmth. Because this is a hearty dish, it works well as a standalone meal, especially when paired with a simple side salad or a piece of crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.

The combination of textures from the ham, potatoes, and sauerkraut makes every spoonful satisfying and complete, requiring no additional main course or complex side dishes.

When plating, try to ensure each serving receives an equal distribution of the ham, potatoes, and sauerkraut. A ladle that holds about one cup is ideal for portioning.

If you are serving a group, you can keep the soup on the 'warm' setting of your slow cooker to ensure everyone gets a hot second helping if desired. The creamy, savory nature of the soup makes it a hit for casual family dinners and chilly evenings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Ham and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker Soup

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 2 cups gold potatoes, diced
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 4 cups creamy chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the cubed cooked ham at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the drained sauerkraut and the diced gold potatoes on top of the ham in an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the caraway seeds evenly over the potato and sauerkraut layer. Pour the creamy chicken broth over the ingredients until everything is well submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors are melded together. Serve hot in bowls.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

21 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.