Slow Cooker Sausage and Sauerkraut with Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the flavor of this simple dish, consider adding a few whole caraway seeds or a couple of bay leaves to the sauerkraut layer. Caraway is a traditional pairing with cabbage and pork, offering a subtle, earthy anise flavor that cuts through the richness of the sausage.

If you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the natural acidity of the sauerkraut, you can toss a finely diced sweet apple, such as a Honeycrisp or Gala, in with the potatoes and cabbage. The apple will melt into the background, providing a delicate, fruity undertone that complements the smoky kielbasa beautifully.

For an extra layer of savory depth, you can lightly sear the sliced kielbasa rounds in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. While this adds an extra dish to wash, searing caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat, creating a deeper color and a richer, more complex flavor profile.

When layering, make sure to scrape any browned bits from the skillet into the slow cooker along with the sausage. If you find the final dish is a bit too tangy for your liking at the end of cooking, stirring in a teaspoon of brown sugar can help balance the flavors perfectly.

Variations

• Apple and Onion: Add one sliced sweet apple and one small sliced yellow onion to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for a sweet and savory flavor twist.
• Spiced Caraway: Stir one teaspoon of whole caraway seeds into the sauerkraut layer to add a traditional, earthy German flavor profile to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed, until steaming hot.

Allow any leftover sausage and sauerkraut to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight storage container. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers taste even better the next day. This dish keeps exceptionally well, providing a quick and comforting lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

This recipe is highly adaptable for meal prep and can be assembled in advance. You can dice the potatoes, slice the sausage, and measure out the sauerkraut the night before. Store the prepped potatoes in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning, then drain them thoroughly before layering.

Alternatively, assemble the entire slow cooker liner with the ingredients, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply place the liner into the slow cooker base, pour in the broth, and start cooking.

Serving ideas

This hearty slow cooker meal is a complete, satisfying dinner on its own, but it pairs beautifully with several classic sides. Serve it piping hot in shallow bowls with a generous dollop of spicy brown mustard or sweet German mustard on the side for dipping the sausage.

A basket of warm, crusty rye bread or pumpernickel with salted butter is perfect for wiping up the delicious, smoky broth left at the bottom of the bowl. For a green element, a simple, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors.

To drink, a cold, crisp German lager, Pilsner, or a dry Riesling pairs wonderfully with the smoky sausage and tangy sauerkraut, cutting through the richness beautifully. If you want to expand the meal for a larger gathering, consider serving it alongside roasted green beans or a simple cucumber dill salad. The rustic, comforting nature of this dish makes it ideal for casual family gatherings, game days, or cozy autumn and winter dinners where guests can help themselves straight from the warm slow cooker pot.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sausage and Sauerkraut with Potatoes

Prep 15 minCook 7 hTotal 7 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb golden potatoes, diced
• 24 oz sauerkraut, drained
• 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the diced golden potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, spreading them out into an even layer to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly over the potato layer, covering them completely to allow the juices to baste the potatoes during cooking.
3. Arrange the sliced smoked kielbasa sausage pieces in an even layer on top of the sauerkraut.
4. Pour the chicken broth gently over the sausage and sauerkraut layers, letting it settle at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

410

Protein

16 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

1450 mg

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