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.
Sandi
We have family in Germany and this recipe sounds absolutely delicious. I can't wait to try it.
Gramdog
Pork and sauerkraut is a favorite meal of my brothers. The rest of us in the house like it fine, but don’t love it. Today I decided to change that by enhancing how it’s cooked. Your recipe captured my interest the most, and I used it to prepare the pork loin in my crockpot right now. I KNOW it will be delicious. Thanks
Kristen Chidsey
I am so excited for your family to try this and enjoy!! I hope you all love it!
Darryl
I made this with a few twists from a 1940 American Woman's cookbook for Thanksgiving 2020. Most yummy winner. My great grandma, who was German, would have agreed.
Kristen Chidsey
Well, now that is a huge compliment! Thank you for sharing Darryl!
Leo
How do you think this will work with two tenderloins tied tightly together?
William League
Recipe is great > i added a cup of raisins
Kristen Chidsey
What a great addition! I am going to try that myself, William! Thank you for sharing!
Gramdog
What a great suggestion. I was surprised when I read it, but after a moment to think about it, it sound grand. Will definitely try it.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you! Apple juice really balances out the flavors.
Erica
Delicious. Thank you.
Erica
Hi! If I use a pork loin larger than 4lbs I will double the sauerkraut, but should I double the garlic, onion, apple, and apple juice as well? I'm planning on using a larger loin and want to make sure I prepare it the right way. Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
I would suggest doubling the other ingredients as well. Enjoy
Erica
Thanks! Also, do I peel the apple or leave the skin on?
Kristen Chidsey
It is a personal preference. I leave mine on, but many people prefer to peel to blend in with the sauerkraut a bit better.
Erica
I left the skin on as well. By the time 9 hours of blissful slow cooking went by, I didn't even know the peel was still in there. So yummy.
Kristen Chidsey
I love that you enjoyed so much Erica! Thanks for sharing!
Carol Anne bennett
Can we use pork butt instead of pork loin??
Kristen Chidsey
Absolutely Carol. I would cook for an extra 10 minutes. Enjoy
Marilyn
I substituted organic hot dogs for the pork loin but kept the rest of the recipe as is. I absolutely loved it!!! The apple juice really made the recipe just as you said. The apple juice, apples and onions really made this my new favorite sauerkraut recipe. I tired the bag of sauerkraut for the first time base on your recommendation and loved it. Thank you!!
Kristen Chidsey
What a great idea for a quick meal!!
Becca
This turned out wonderfully! I was a little short on the sauerkraut, but I added a bunch of onion to make up for it.
Question: can you successfully freeze this recipe? For two people, I don't think we'll be able to finish it all before it goes bad!!
Thank you! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Becca! I am so glad you enjoyed! I freeze the leftovers all the time to enjoy later--it freezes perfectly.
Deb
There are so many varieties of apples! What works best in the pork roast with sauerkraut?
Kristen Chidsey
Great question Deb--I like a sweet, firm apple that holds up well when cooked. McInstosh, Gala, or Honeycrisp are all good choices. I would not use red delicious apples as they get mealy when cooked.
Jeanette
I am making this pork tomorrow, I don't really care sweet apples. Have you ever heard of anyone making with granny smith apples?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes, you certainly can use granny smith 🙂 It will still give a nice flavor, just not as sweet. enjoy!
Sandy
Trying this recipe today, so excited!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you enjoy!
Julie
Can I use canned sauerkraut with juice and also add the apple juice as well?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes, I personally like to drain off some liquid, but even if you leave it this dish stands to benefit from the apple juice.
AngieMommie
I would like to make this in my insta pot. How do I adjust the timing for this recipe? Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi there! Here are my directions for the Instant Pot: https://amindfullmom.com/instant-pot-pork-and-sauerkraut/ enjoy!!
AngieMommie
Thank you! Happy New Year
Tisha
Slow cooker meals are teh best! Your house smells amazing all day! This pork and sauerkraut sounds like an amazing combo!
Kristen Chidsey
I agree Tisha--I love how easy this is to make!
Helen
Amazing!
You had me at slow cooked pork, but add the apples into the mix and you've got me drooling all over my keyboard!
Merry Christmas!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Helen, so glad you enjoyed. I am right there with you, the apple juice makes this incredible!!! Merry Christmas to you as well.
Melissa Griffiths
I'm thinking I need to try my hand at Sauerkraut again! Looks so yummy.
Kristen Chidsey
This will make you a believer Melissa--the apple juice makes a world of difference!