This sweet sauerkraut pork is slow cooked with apples and brown sugar. It's a super easy recipe that is full of flavor!
Table of Contents
What is Sweet Sauerkraut Pork?
Sweet and Sauerkraut Pork is one of my favorite slow cooked recipes.
It's the perfect balance between sweet, salty, tangy and meaty.
The brown sugar and the sweetness from the apples cook right into the the tangy sauerkraut and the salty pork -- and the combo is divine!
The recipe itself was graciously given to me by my aunt and Grandma.
They make it all the time and interchange pork chops with country pork ribs which is also awesome.
I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Boneless Pork Chops - You don't have to use boneless pork chops - you could use bone-in pork chops, pork ribs or even a pork loin. It's up to you! Just be sure to sear it to lock in flavor first.
- Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds - Bavarian store bought sauerkraut with caraway seeds is what I always use but you could use your own homemade sauerkraut and a sprinkle of caraway seeds if you'd like.
- Brown Sugar - Light brown sugar is what works best. I haven't tried it with white sugar so I don't recommend it.
- Red Apple - Any crispy, sweet red apple works! Heck, you could use any type of apple you like - just make sure it's sweet and tart!
How to make Sweet Sauerkraut Pork
Making this sweet and sour-kraut pork is beyond easy! It's one of those recipes that takes mere minutes to prepare and then it's put in the oven, covered in foil, until tender and perfect!
The first thing you'll want to do is preheat your oven to 275F degrees.
After that, it's time to prep the pork. Season your pork with salt and pepper on both sides and get a pan super hot.
Once the pan is heated, add about 2 tbsps of a neutral oil and add the pork chops.
Let them sear on each side until golden brown - they don't need to be cooked through - just seared!
Once the pork is browned on both sides, set it aside.
Now get ready to assemble your baking dish.
I like to use a smaller baking dish - maybe an 8x8 or a 10x7.5 - just big enough to fit 4 chops.
Pour half of the sauerkraut (don't drain it!) right into the baking dish.
Then add your browned pork chops.
Then add the rest of the sauerkraut, the sliced apple, and a thick layer of brown sugar.
Cover the baking dish with foil and put it in the oven at 275 for 1 hour.
Then remove the foil and bake for 1 more hour.
I like doing this because the sugars caramelize on the top layer which makes an amazing sweet and tangy crust.
What goes with sweet sauerkraut pork?
I think this sweet and sauerkraut pork recipe goes perfect with these white cheddar mashed potatoes, this kale apple slaw, and these honey sriracha roasted carrots.
If you'd like another slow cooked recipe, try these mojo chicken tacos or this guinness corned beef and cabbage!
Save this recipe for later
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Recipe
Sweet and Sauerkraut Pork with Apples
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless pork chops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoon neutral oil
- 2 16 oz jars sauerkraut with caraway seeds NOT drained!
- 1 large red apple roughly chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275F degrees.
- Heat a pan over medium-high and salt and pepper the pork chops on both sides.
- Once the pan is hot, add the oil and move it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add seasoned pork chops and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. They do not need to be cooked through - just browned. Once they’re browned on all sides, remove them from the heat and set aside.
- Now grab a baking dish (I’m using a 10x7.5) and add half of the sauerkraut (NOT drained) into the baking dish. Then top with the browned pork, the remaining sauerkraut, the chopped apple, and the brown sugar.
- Cover the dish with tinfoil and bake for 1 hour (or more depending on the thickness of your pork chops). Remove the foil and cook for one more hour so the top can brown. Let rest for 10 minutes then enjoy!
