Easy Gluten-Free Baked Sauerkraut Balls: A 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. Paleo. Gluten-Free.

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 will bring you good luck in the new year.

My family has always rang in the new year with sauerkraut. Even though we are not at all superstitious. Go figure. My parents tortured us for years making us eat a spoonful of boiled sauerkraut each year. It was horrible.

So I grew up thinking I hated sauerkraut. Just like I grew up hating Brussels Sprouts. Now I love them both, in fact Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad and Roasted Brussel Sprouts are two of my favorite dishes.

When it comes to sauerkraut and brussel sprouts it is totally about HOW they are prepared–why, it took my mom so long to catch on to this, who knows? 

Anyways, I think the first time I decided sauerkraut was not all bad was when I had a sauerkraut ball.

You know, one full of sausage and breaded and deep-fried? Yep–how can that taste bad?!!

And while certainly not bad tasting, Deep Fried Sauerkraut Balls are certainly bad for you!

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.

Easy Gluten-Free Baked Sauerkraut Balls

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.

These Paleo Sauerkraut Balls are the perfect tandy bite to get in your dose of good luck!

How To Make Paleo Sauerkraut Balls:

The basics of this remix are easy. First off, bake instead of deep fry. That is a no brainer.

But while I was at it, I decided to NOT bread these for an even lighter appetizer, and if I was keeping the bread crumbs off the exterior, I decided to forgo them in the meat mixture as well–might as well keep it gluten-free!

Finally, instead of overly processed pork sausage, I made my own “sausage.” Sounds daunting?

Making your own sausage is incredibly easy!

Mix up your choice of ground meat (turkey, pork, chicken, beef) with a few spices and let sit for an hour or overnight. Yep, making homemade sausage is that easy!. See–no reason to buy sausage full of MSG, corn syrup, and excess sodium.

So mix, mix and shape into 1 inch shaped balls and bake. Easy, peasy.

And what goes better with sauerkraut than mustard?! Come on, all my Cleveland friends–sausage with kraut and mustard is where it is at!! So I reduced down a rich lager and mixed in some Dijon mustard. Spicy, tangy, and incredibly deep in flavor. I choose beer to add to the mustard because most choose to pair their sausage and kraut with a cold beer. I just am serving mine warm and on the side–trust me, it works!!

So ring in the New Year with good luck and a jump on those “healthy eating” resolutions by serving up my Baked Sauerkraut Balls with Mustard Beer Sauce. 

Dipping Sauces to Serve with Baked Sauerkraut Balls:

A good cocktail meatlball 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.

Notes on Gluten-Free Sauerkraut Balls

• Use any type of ground meat for making homemade “sausage.” I prefer pork or beef, but chicken or turky 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 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 strainer and push sauerkraut down with back of spoon to push out all the liquid from the sauerkraut.

5 from 3 votes

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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. 

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground meat pork, sirloin, turkey or chicken
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/2 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
• 1/2 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon horseradish

For Horseradish Cream Sauce

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

For Maple Horseradish Sauce

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon horseradish

Instructions

For the Baked Sauerkraut Balls

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

For Mustard Beer Sauce

1. For sauce, reduce beer over low heat until it is reduced to 1/2 cup. Once beer is reduced, stir in Dijon mustard and horseradish.

For Horseradish Cream Sauce

1. Mix all ingredients together.

For Maple Horseradish Sauce

1. Mix all ingredients together. 

Nutrition Facts

Easy Gluten-Free Baked Sauerkraut Balls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 37 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1g 2%

Cholesterol 25mg 8%

Sodium 116mg 5%

Potassium 74mg 2%

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 0.6%

Calcium 0.4%

Iron 2.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Old picture:

Looking for more New Year’s Eve Appetizer ideas? 

Greek Pinwheels

Easy Baked Vegetable Egg Rolls

Mini Taco Cups

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