Slow Cooker Pennsylvania Dutch Ham and Sauerkraut Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you prefer a more pronounced sweet and sour profile, you can increase the brown sugar by an additional tablespoon. This creates a more caramelized flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the tang of the sauerkraut.

Conversely, if you enjoy a more savory dish, you can reduce the sugar or add a small amount of caraway seeds, which are a traditional addition to sauerkraut dishes and add a lovely herbal note.

Consider serving this dish with a side of crusty rye bread or a simple mustard-based side salad to provide a textural contrast. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth that accumulates at the bottom of the slow cooker.

If you have leftovers, they often taste even better the next day as the ingredients have more time to marinate in the juices, making this an excellent choice for meal planning.

Variations

• Apple and Ham Variation: Add two thinly sliced tart apples, such as Granny Smith, when layering the sauerkraut. The apples provide a fresh, fruity sweetness that complements the smoked ham and balances the acidity of the sauerkraut beautifully.
• Caraway Seed Variation: Sprinkle one teaspoon of caraway seeds over the potatoes before adding the broth. These seeds add an earthy, aromatic profile that is a hallmark of traditional European sauerkraut preparations and enhances the overall depth of the dish.

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.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality. When storing, keep the ham, sauerkraut, and potatoes together in their juices to prevent the meat from drying out.

This dish is perfect for making ahead as the flavors continue to develop over time. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle. This method saves time and ensures you have a hot, delicious meal ready whenever you need it.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a large serving bowl. Use a slotted spoon if you prefer to drain some of the broth, or a ladle if you want to serve the dish with plenty of the savory juices.

It is traditionally served as a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans or roasted carrots if you wish to add more vegetables to your plate.

For a complete dining experience, offer a selection of mustards on the side. A grainy stone-ground mustard or a sharp Dijon provides a wonderful contrast to the mellow, sweet-and-sour flavor of the sauerkraut and ham.

Place the serving bowl in the center of the table and allow guests to serve themselves, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion of the tender ham and soft, flavorful potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pennsylvania Dutch Ham and Sauerkraut

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs smoked ham chunks
• 24 oz sauerkraut
• 4 large potatoes, quartered
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the smoked ham chunks into the base of your slow cooker stoneware. Layer the sauerkraut and quartered potatoes evenly over the ham.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the potatoes and sauerkraut. Pour the chicken broth carefully over the entire mixture.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. Before serving, ensure the ham is heated through and the potatoes are fork-tender, reaching an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

1200 mg

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