• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • Instant Pot
  • 30-Minute Meals
  • All Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili
      • Vegetarian
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Kid-Friendly
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Snacks
    • Pantry Staples
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Plant-Based
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
  • Meet Kristen
  • Subscribe
  • Instant Pot
  • 30-Minute Meals
  • All Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili
      • Vegetarian
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Kid-Friendly
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Snacks
    • Pantry Staples
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Plant-Based
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
  • Meet Kristen
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • 30-Minute Meals
  • All Recipes
  • Meet Kristen
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Real Food » Slow Cooker Recipes

    Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut

    December 23, 2019 | By Kristen Chidsey | 204 Comments | *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    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. It also happens to be a crock pot meal that is gluten free, paleo friendly, and dairy free.

    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.

    Shredded Pork and Sauerkraut on white plate

    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.
    Seared pork loin in skillet

    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.
    Pork Loin with Sauerkraut in slow cooker

    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

    • Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
    • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 
    • Slow Cooker Apple Pork Roast

    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.

    Bowl of Pork and Sauerkraut

    Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut

    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. 
    4.92 from 205 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 267kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    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
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.
    Text Ingredients To Phone

    Instructions

    • Liberally season the pork loin with salt and pepper on all sides. 
    • Heat oil in large skillet or 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.

    Equipment Needed

    • 6-8 quart Slow Cooker

    Notes

    • Be sure to drain the sauerkraut from the juices it is canned in and 
    • If you don't have apple juice, use chicken stock in it's 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. Any larger pork loin, you will want to double the amount of sauerkraut.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 808mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1.9mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    This post was originally published in December 2018, was updated in December 2019 with a new video and pictures. 

     

    Pin
    Share
    « Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
    Instant Pot Settings (What do all these buttons mean?!) »

    Categorized Under: Allergy Friendly Recipes, Dairy-Free Recipes, Easy Pork Recipes, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Main Courses, Real Food, Slow Cooker Recipes

    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. Brandon Peters

      January 20, 2023 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      Kristen,

      This was fantastic. My mom loved this recipe and so when I came across yours I knew what was for dinner. She died two years ago. The New Years Eve before she wanted to try throwing a Rosemary sprig on top. Ever since, I’ve done that and it adds a unique flavor. Thank you!

      Brandon

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 20, 2023 at 4:29 pm

        Hi Brandon! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe and thank you for sharing that precious memory of your mom. I love how food can still connect us to those we have lost. I

        Reply
    2. Mary M

      January 04, 2023 at 1:03 pm

      Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 04, 2023 at 2:45 pm

        As long as you use drinking apple cider NOT apple cider vinegar, it will be perfect. People often get those two things confused. Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Eva

      January 03, 2023 at 8:24 pm

      Hi! I got everything to make this for dinner tomorrow and realized I got a pork tenderloin rather than pork loin. Can you recommend a cooking time for tenderloin?
      Thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 04, 2023 at 6:44 am

        Hi Eva! 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. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • Eva

          January 04, 2023 at 9:16 am

          Thank you so much, Kristen!

          Reply
    4. Susie

      January 03, 2023 at 8:27 am

      5 stars
      My adult daughter said this was the best one I ever made! I usually make it with caraway seeds so I guess we will just leave those out from now on.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 03, 2023 at 9:06 am

        I love hearing this is now a favorite! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Casey VanFleet

      January 02, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      This was delish. Saving to use for years to come. Thank you so much & happy new year!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 02, 2023 at 4:37 pm

        Happy to hear you enjoyed, Casey! Happy New Year to you as well!

        Reply
    6. Kit

      January 02, 2023 at 11:05 am

      I was excited to make this for New Year's day, but the cooking time is way too long. The pork was dried out. I'd recommend cutting this time in half.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 02, 2023 at 4:38 pm

        Hi Kit! I am sorry you found the pork to be dried out. Did you happen to use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin? Pork Tenderloin cooks up much faster than pork loin.

        Reply
    7. Kathi B.

      January 02, 2023 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      I made this New Years Day. I grew up in PA.and sauerkraut was our tradition. I love sauerkraut, however I’m always looking for ways to enhance the flavor. This is the ticket. So easy and so delicious. The Apple juice is a game changer. Plus I never knew to drain the sauerkraut. The pork was fall apart tender. Mine was done in 6 hours, first hour on high then 5 hrs on low ( I didn’t have 8 hours). This will be my go to recipe going forward. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 02, 2023 at 8:05 am

        Thank you for sharing, Kathi! Happy New Year!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

    5

    SECRETS

    TO CUT FOOD COST

    Bag of fresh groceries.





    Instant Pot Favorites

    • Instant Pot Yogurt
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Instant Pot Pot Roast
    • Instant Pot Whole Chicken
    • Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt
    • Instant Pot Beans
    • Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)
    • How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

    Reader Favorites

    • Chili Seasoning Recipe
    • Easy Baked Salmon
    • Instant Pot Chicken Wings
    • Easy Homemade Latte Recipe
    • Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice
    • The Best Stuffed Shells
    • The Best Baked Meatballs
    • Air Fryer Potatoes

    Footer

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM