Slow Cooker Pennsylvania Dutch Ham and Sauerkraut

Discover the timeless comfort of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking with this simple slow cooker meal. This recipe combines smoky ham, tangy sauerkraut, and hearty potatoes in one pot, creating a deeply flavorful dish that requires almost no active effort from the cook.

Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is renowned for its heartiness and the way it utilizes humble, flavorful ingredients to create satisfying meals. This ham and sauerkraut recipe is a classic example of that tradition.

By using a slow cooker, the flavors of the smoked ham permeate the sauerkraut, while the potatoes absorb the savory broth, resulting in a meal that is both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. It is the perfect solution for busy days when a warm, home-cooked meal is desired without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooking method is ideal for this dish because it allows the tough connective tissues in the smoked ham to break down slowly, ensuring the meat is incredibly tender.

As the ham cooks, it releases its smoky essence into the surrounding sauerkraut, which mellows the acidity of the cabbage. This long, gentle braise creates a harmonious blend of flavors that would be difficult to achieve with faster cooking methods.

Additionally, layering the ingredients prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy. By placing the ham at the bottom and the potatoes on top, the potatoes steam in the fragrant broth rather than boiling in it.

The brown sugar added near the top of the crockpot slowly dissolves and drips down through the layers, providing a subtle sweetness that perfectly cuts through the tang of the sauerkraut and the saltiness of the ham.

Notes and substitutions

When selecting ingredients for this dish, look for high-quality smoked ham. Because the ham is the primary source of seasoning, its quality significantly impacts the final result. If your ham is particularly salty, you might consider rinsing it briefly in cold water before adding it to the slow cooker, though this is usually unnecessary for most standard smoked ham products found in supermarkets.

For the equipment, a standard 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this quantity. If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to reduce the amount of potatoes to ensure the lid fits securely.

While the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can experiment with different liquids; a light-colored vegetable broth or even a splash of apple cider can add interesting layers of flavor that complement the sauerkraut beautifully.

• chicken broth: vegetable broth or even a light beer for a more traditional flavor profile
• smoked ham chunks: a smoked ham hock or thick-cut smoked pork shoulder

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Chef knife
• Cutting board