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    Home » Real Food » Appetizers » Easy Baked Sauerkraut Balls

    Easy Baked Sauerkraut Balls

    By Kristen Chidsey | 23 Comments | Published December 16, 2018 | Updated June 20, 2020 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    These easy Baked Sauerkraut Balls are a paleo, gluten-free, and healthier version of a classic appetizer. Baked instead of fried and full of meat and tangy sauerkraut--no bread crumbs needed. Served with an option of 3 different dipping sauces, these sauerkraut balls are guaranteed to be a welcomed remix of a classic recipe.

    These easy Baked Sauerkraut Balls are a paleo, gluten-free, and healthier version of a classic appetizer. Baked instead of fried and full of meat and tangy sauerkraut--no bread crumbs needed. Served with an option of 3 different dipping sauces, these sauerkraut balls are guaranteed to be a welcomed remix of a classic recipe.

    Baked sauerkraut balls on white platter served with creamy dipping sauce.

    Does your family have the tradition to ring in the new year with Sauerkraut for good luck? Maybe black-eyed peas? Or do you think greens or pork and sauerkraut will bring you good luck in the new year?

    My family has always rung in the new year with sauerkraut. Even though we are not at all superstitious. Go figure!

    We celebrated New Year's Eve with Sauerkraut Balls and New Years Day with Pork and Sauerkraut.

    Sauerkraut Balls were actually one of the first recipes a reader asked me to recreate--they were looking for a lighter, gluten-free Sauerkraut Ball that would be perfect to serve at a party.

    To take a battered and fried sausage ball and turn it into a lighter dish that was still tasty was certainly a challenge. But it is one, I am happy to say I accomplished--and that these Baked Sauerkraut Balls are just as tasty as the deep-fried version.

    I have created a Baked Sauerkraut ball that is flavorful, Paleo, gluten-free, and TASTY!!

    These easy baked sauerkraut balls are the perfect appetizer to ring in the New Year with--even if it is not your family tradition.

    How To Make Baked Sauerkraut Balls

    The basics of this recipe for Sauerkraut balls are easy.

    • Use high-quality sausage--or make your own!
    • Bake instead of deep fry.
    • Omit bread crumbs, for a gluten-free sauerkraut ball.
    • Serve with a delicious dipping sauce.

    Step One: Make Homemade Sausage

    This step is TOTALLY optional, you can purchase any high-quality spicy pork or turkey sausage you like, but making homemade sausage takes only 5 minutes of work and a little bit longer prep.

    • Mix 1 pound ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef with seasonings.
    • Cover mixing bowl and place in refrigerator overnight.
    • You can use sausage mixture right away, but it is best to let the flavor permeate the meat for 12 hours or more.

    Step Two: Prepare Sauerkraut Balls

    • Mix together sauerkraut and egg.
    • Add in the seasoned meat mixture.
    • Shape into 1 inch balls.
    • Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned.

    Step Three: Prepare Dipping Sauces

    A good cocktail meatball is all about the sauce or glaze that you serve them with. For these sauerkraut balls, I have 3 sauces that are equally delicious--take your pick.

    • Mustard Beer Dipping Sauce (not Gluten-Free): A tangy, rich hoppy sauce made with dark beer and horseradish.
    • Horseradish Cream Sauce (not Paleo): Creamy sour cream flavored perfectly with Dijon and horseradish--simple yet perfect.
    • Horseradish Maple Sauce (Paleo and Gluten-Free): This sweet and tangy sauce is the perfect counterbalance to Baked Sauerkraut Balls.

    So ring in the New Year with good luck and a jump on those "healthy eating" resolutions by serving up my Baked Sauerkraut Balls 

    Baked sauerkraut ball being dipped into Creamy Horseradish mustard sauce

    Notes on Gluten-Free Sauerkraut Balls

    • Use any type of ground meat for making homemade "sausage." I prefer pork or beef, but chicken or turkey will work.
    • If the thought of making your own sausage seems overwhelming,  you can use any good quality nitrate-free, MSG-free ground sausage.
    • To prepare these Sauerkraut balls in advance, prepare as directed and then once cooled, freeze on the cooking sheet until solid. Then place into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To serve, bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
    • It is very important to thoroughly drain sauerkraut for these sauerkraut balls. Place in a strainer and push sauerkraut down with the back of a spoon to push out all the liquid from the sauerkraut.

    Looking for more New Year's Eve Appetizer ideas? 

    • Simple Greek Pinwheels with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
    • Easy Baked Vegetable Egg Rolls
    • Mini Taco Cups
    • Italian Baked Meatballs
    Baked sauerkraut balls in white dish with mustard sauce to the side

    Easy Gluten-Free Baked Sauerkraut Balls

    Simple gluten-free, paleo Baked Sauerkraut balls that are a perfect holiday appetizer. Served with 3 options for dipping sauces. 
    4.64 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 37kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • ½ pound ground meat pork, sirloin, turkey or chicken
    • ½ teaspoon rubbed sage
    • ¼ teaspoon thyme
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 16 ounce can sauerkraut, well drained and lightly chopped
    • 1 egg beaten

    For the Mustard Beer Sauce

    • 1 cup dark beer
    • ½ cup Dijon Mustard
    • 1 teaspoon horseradish

    For Horseradish Cream Sauce

    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon horseradish

    For Maple Horseradish Sauce

    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon horseradish
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    For the Baked Sauerkraut Balls

    • Mix together meat and seasonings. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor, but not necessary.
    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet.
    • Mix together sauerkraut and egg into meat mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls. Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned.

    For Mustard Beer Sauce

    • For sauce, reduce beer over low heat until it is reduced to ½ cup. Once beer is reduced, stir in Dijon mustard and horseradish.

    For Horseradish Cream Sauce

    • Mix all ingredients together.

    For Maple Horseradish Sauce

    • Mix all ingredients together. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 37kcal | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 74mg | Vitamin A: 30IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

     

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. afra

      January 26, 2022 at 4:10 pm

      4 stars
      Really loved the combination of mince and sauerkraut. Never even thought of it before. I did not try the sauces but they look lovely. Thanks for the healthy, tasty inspiration!

      Reply
    2. Elizabeth Bach

      December 03, 2021 at 11:17 am

      How many meatballs does this recipe make?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 03, 2021 at 1:08 pm

        24 🙂

        Reply
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