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.
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
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
Easy Gluten-Free Baked Sauerkraut Balls
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
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
Susan Quint
I am making these today! My husband loves anything with sauerkraut. Have you tried these in an air fryer?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Susan! I hope you all enjoy the sauerkraut balls. As for cooking in the air fryer, I have not tried that yet, so can not give you directions on how to proceed. If you give it a go, let us know how it works out.
Camille
WOW!! Made these with lentil beans instead of meat; AND I AM IMPRESSED!! Very tasty and healthy! Sauteed cooked lentils in olive oil and a little butter with onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, dried sage & basil, black pepper; then mixed with drained sauerkraut, added eggs, and baked!!
Excellent recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh my goodness, I can't wait to make these with lentils myself.so glad you loved the base of this recipe.😘
Sauerkraut Billy
My family would kill for these! They love these types of finger foods and I think these are definitely going to be the next ones I make. Love this! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kristen Chidsey
YAY!!!! Enjoy!
Sarah
Can these be frozen?
Kristen Chidsey
Absolutely Sarah. It is best to prebake them. And then just reheat in oven at 350 until warmed through.
Cathy
What a great flavor combination happening here!! Perfect appetizer for New Year's or game day!
Cathy
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Cathy--it is really very flavorful.
Christie Campbell
These sound right up our alley! We love kraut and mustard and beer! Yum!
Kristen Chidsey
Then this is totally for you!!
Analida's Ethnic Spoon
My husband's family always eats sauerkraut and pork for the new year. I love the kraut balls with the sauce!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you give these a try 🙂
Faye Wilkerson
Why sauerkraut for the New Year? Love the mustard beer dipping sauce with these.
Kristen Chidsey
I gave no idea what started the tradition truthfully. I just do what my family says 😉
Carol Borchardt
I have never heard of sauerkraut balls but these look insanely delicious! I can't wait to make these for the German side of my family.
Kristen Chidsey
Your German family will LOVE LOVE them 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny
I love sauerkraut balls but grew up eating them deep fried. Love the idea of making them just a little healthier 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Deep fried is great, but oh so unhealthy! These are still so tasty!!