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.
Karen
That was the best pork ad sauerkraut recipe I’ve made.
I used a Granny Smith apple and actually Mamet it in my Instapot because I was called in to work.
Everyone loved it and those who thought they wouldn’t like it.
My new go-to recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! I love hearing you enjoyed so much Karen! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Maria
If you dont like the flavors that traditional pork and kraut give you, and you like the tradition more then the food, this recipe is for you. I decided to mix it up this year and try something different and I am disappointed, all the delicious flavors I love were not there.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Maria. I am sorry this did not meet your expectations. This is how my family made it for decades and we love the sweetness that the apple juice adds to tame down the bitterness of the kraut.
Kelly
Does the sauerkraut get soft: tender?!? I have a picky eater when it comes to consistently....?!? Likes cabbage just not crunchy things?!?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kelly! Sauerkraut is much softer than cabbage to begin with. When cooked all day it is SUPER soft.
Jamie
I made this today with a little of 2 pounds of pork tenderloin. I used two bags of sauerkraut, as I really like it. I mixed one bag of sauerkraut and a can of chopped tomatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Then I added the browned pork. Then added the other bag and can of tomato. I poured one cup of apple juice on the top. Turned out wonderful. The sugar in the apple juice cut down the acidity of the tomatoes and sourness of the sauerkraut. I cooked on high for 5 hours.
Martha A Carlin
Love this recipe! I have used cabbage as a substitute too when i didn't have any at home. Still excellent flavors!.
Joe of Blacklick, Ohio
Love this recipe! Easy to do.
Audrey Skilton
I found this to be really bland. I think the apple juice takes TOO much flavor out of the sauerkraut. I'll try some spices next time, and check other recipes to see what might be missing. Maybe reduce the apple juice. The pork was certainly tender, though.
Karen Brennan
Made it today for New Years! Yummy. You’re right about the apple juice. 👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Karen!
Kim
I am trying this recipe for the first time today, I have never made it with Apple juice or apple so hoping my family enjoys it,
Kristen Chidsey
Enjoy and Happy new year!
Christopher Smith
I have a 2lb pork tenderloin instead of pork loin. How does that change the recipe or cook time?
Kristen Chidsey
Pork tenderloin does not need as long to cook. I would suggest cutting down the cooking time to 4-5 hours on low (6 if you want the meat to be well-done) and 2-3 hours on high.
Enjoy and happy new year!
Mary Cait
Thankful for finding this recipe. My mom has always done P&S on New Year’s Day. This recipe looks spot on for how she would do it. She is on a ventilator in the hospital, so it’s my turn to take the reins for the family. Everything is in the slow cooker now!! Here’s to a much happier and healthier New Year!!!! Cheers.
Kristen Chidsey
Sending love and prayers to your mom!
Michelle
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Lots of prayers for all of you! I hope she makes a full recovery. 🙏🙏
sherrie
To Mary Cait
I know we don't know each other, but prayers are being sent your way concerning your Mother. Happy 2021
Tracy
Am making this today.
I am from the south where we tend to have blackeyed peas and collards with our pork. But I married a yankee and this is what his family has always served.
I am excited to see how it turns out!!!
Kristen Chidsey
Well I am a yankee living in the south--we have both 😉 Enjoy and Happy New Year!
Mary
Loved this recipe!❤️ So easy. This recipe deserves a spot in”My Favorites” binder from amindfullmom.
Kristen Chidsey
I LOVE hearing that Mary! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
Parmentor
What happened to celery seeds as a spice? That's a classic old recipe ingregient
Kristen Chidsey
Some like caraway as well, but this is how my family made the dish 🙂
Gary M
Drooling as I read this. I’m 77 and cannot remember a New Years without pork and kraut. My Dad generally made this, without the Apple, but recently I have added an apple. I’m quite sure he added a little clove also. (I do also when my wife is not looking). Checked with my four kids and three are making P&S for tomorrow. Fourth one voted down by his step kids.
Kristen Chidsey
Happy New Year Gary! I hope you get to enjoy your pork and kraut!
Darren
Thanks for this recipe! I'm trying it out today with a 4.3lb roast. I seared each side as instructed in a cast iron skillet, and used apple cider, and a bit of apple sauce. My mom's directions didn't include apples but my sis and I both think it will be a great addition to make the kraut a bit sweeter and tenderize the meat. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Kristen Chidsey
Happy New Year to you as well Darren!
Mandy
I’m going to get this started now! What kind of apple do you like to use?
Kristen Chidsey
I recommend a sweet, firm apple--Gala, Honey Crisp, or Fuji. A granny smith apple will work as well.
Tracey Mannozzi
What kind of apples did you use?
Kristen Chidsey
I typically use a gala or honeycrisp apple. Any sweet, firm apple does well in this recipe.
Robin Greenwald
If I use a smaller can of kraut do I half the other ingredients
Kristen Chidsey
I would, unless you don't want much sauerkraut to serve with the pork. Enjoy!
Carol Shannon
Can you use apple cider in recipe?
Kristen Chidsey
That would be a perfect substitute for the apple juice. Enjoy!
Katie
Looks so good. Can't wait to try this one!