This is hands down the BEST Pork and Sauerkraut recipe ever! Succulent, tender pork is flavored with sauerkraut that has been sweetened with apples. This Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut is incredibly easy to make and delicious to eat.
This pork and sauerkraut is delicious served over mashed potatoes with a side of homemade applesauce.
If there was one meal I hated when I was growing up, it was Pork and Sauerkraut.
New Years Day always meant Pork and Sauerkraut at my house as a child. My parents always made me take one bite of the sauerkraut for good luck. I felt like the bite of sauerkraut was ANYTHING but lucky in my book--I truly hated it!
I loved the pork and the mashed potatoes that were served alongside the pork and sauerkraut but forget about the sauerkraut.
Don't tell the 10-year-old stubborn child I was, but it was in fact the sauerkraut that gave the pork all its delicious flavor. As the pork loin cooks in the sauerkraut, the sauerkraut helps to break down the pork into a juicy, succulent cut of meat.
And now that my taste buds have expanded a bit, I have to say, I enjoy the sauerkraut as well.
Secrets for the Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
There are two things that make this Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe the BEST!
- Time: Pork loin is best when it is braised over a long period of time with the sauerkraut, as the tenders in the meat are broken down and the pork loin becomes tender and juicy. I love to use my slow cooker when making pork and sauerkraut to set it and forget it for a hands-off meal.
- Sweetness: I also am a firm believer that the flavors in sauerkraut need to be balanced out with a bit of sweetness to round out the flavors. My mom always used a bit of brown sugar in her pork and sauerkraut recipe, but I am a firm believer in apple juice is KEY! The apple juice keeps the pork moist and flavors the sauerkraut with just the right amount of natural sweetness.
How to Make Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Step One: Season Pork Loin
- To ensure a really good flavor, liberally season the pork loin with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step Two: Sear Pork Loin
- Heat a large skillet or dutch oven over high heat. I like to use a dutch oven to keep oil from splattering on my stove.
- Sear pork loin for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and easy to flip.
- Place seared pork loin in the slow cooker.
Step Three: Slow Cook
- Add apple juice to the slow cooker.
- Add in apples, onions, and garlic around the pork loin.
- Top with sauerkraut.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Recipe Notes
- Be sure to drain the sauerkraut from the juices it is packaged in to control the sodium and tang in this recipe. Canned or bagged sauerkraut both work for this recipe.
- If you don't have apple juice, use chicken stock in its place, but add in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to help balance the flavors in this pork and sauerkraut. But I am telling you, the apple juice makes this dish incredible.
- 16 ounces of sauerkraut is enough for a 2-4 pound pork loin. For any larger pork loin, you will want to double the amount of sauerkraut.
- Leftover pork and sauerkraut can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Pork and sauerkraut is gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free, making it a great meal to serve to those with dietary restrictions.
- If you need a faster version of this classic recipe, try out Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut.
More Slow Cooker Pork Loin Recipes
If you tried this recipe, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below. I hope this recipe made you a believer in Pork and Sauerkaut.
Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 3 pound pork loin trimmed of excess fat
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 16 ounces sauerkraut drained
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 cup apple juice
Instructions
- Liberally season the pork loin with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or a dutch oven. Sear pork loin on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add seared pork into a slow cooker. Pour in apple juice. Place onions, apples, and garlic around the pork loin. Top with sauerkraut.
- Place lid on the slow cooker and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
- Remove pork and slice or shred and serve with cooking liquids.
Joy
It was decent but lacked flavor, or at least mine did. Maybe I’m missing something but I fixed it as directed.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Joy! I am surprised to hear you found this lacked flavor. The apple juice, apples, and sauerkraut usually add intense flavor.
Demetra
Would pork tenderloin work for this recipe?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Demetra! Pork tenderloin does not need as long to cook as a pork loin or pork butt roast and is best served sliced at medium-temperature. I would suggest cutting down the cooking time to 4 hours on low (5-6 hours if you want the meat to be well-done) and 2-3 hours on high.
Amy
Hi- can you please confirm the serving size
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Amy! This recipe serves 8, which is about 6 ounces of meat, along with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and kraut.
Peggy Chandler
Great recipe. We loved it. Thank you for sharing it.
Lyn
Hands Down, the best!!! The apple juice and apples did the trick and the meat not only fell right off, but tasted the best! OMG!! My boyfriend had three helpings!
Kristen Chidsey
That is the best compliment! Thanks for sharing.
Brad Thumudo
Made this for my family yesterday. All I kept hearing throughout the day was "what smells so GOOD" My kids are a bit picky (16 and 20) but they absolutely DEVOURED this! I'm sitting here at my desk eating leftovers for lunch as I type this. Outstanding recipe, and added to the meal rotation going forward.
Destiny
I don’t usually leave reviews on recipes but felt the need to for this one! This year my husbands family was sick (they usually make the pork and sauerkraut) so it was up to me to keep up with the tradition at home. It’s tough competition but let me tell you!! He said it was the best meal he’s ever had. It was so delicious, I love how the apple sauce didn’t dilute the sauerkraut too much but also had a very nice sweet flavor. I will be making this every year now.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing! I hope your husband feels better as well.
Melissa
This was so delicious! My husband who isn't a big saurkraut fan and turned his nose up when I mentioned this recipe absolutely loved it! the apple juice is definitely key! Thank you
Jene
I made this Pork n Sauerkraut recipe for my 2024 New Year's dinner in my slow cooker. It was fabulous! I didn't change one ingredient. Yes, the Apple Juice Was the Key. My family loved it.
lucy
Made this today Jan 1, 2024 (Happy New Year)
It was yummy yummy. Tender and flavors to make you want more. The only thing I might change next time is saute the onion just a tad. Maybe it was my onion, but it still had a little chunch to it.
A fan
Tender and delicious
Carolyn
Very good!
I love Sauerkraut but this recipe gives it a whole new flavor. Will make again.
Cathy
I’ve been doing it all wrong for years. Just fixed this today for New Year’s day. The pork loin was so tender it literally fell apart. I hate people who change wonderful recipes, but I did a couple things differently. I added a teaspoon of Caraway seeds. And, 1/4 cup butter to smooth out the taste. Everyone, try this recipe!
Linda
Yes, caraway seeds are a must for me too
Dorie deeley
Can you do this in oven? If so what temp and for how long?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Dorie! I would cook in a covered roasting pan at 300 degrees F for 3-4 hours.
Jann
This was amazing!!🤩 I never put apples in it before just the apple juice and this was p
erfect.
Jen Lau
Great recipe! Quick question, I don’t have quite enough time for the full time on low, is it possible to start it on low for like 6 hours and finish on high for around an hour?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes! That should work well