Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples: A Delicious and Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Pork and sauerkraut is a classic comfort food dish, often enjoyed around the holidays or on a chilly evening. Adding apples brings a touch of sweetness and brightness that elevates this simple meal to something truly special. And the best part? Making it in a slow cooker is incredibly easy and hands-off! This recipe for Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples will become a family favorite, guaranteed.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work. Simply prep the ingredients, toss them in, and let it simmer. No constant monitoring required!
* **Flavor Infusion:** The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deep and complex taste.
* **Tender and Juicy Pork:** The slow cooker transforms even a tougher cut of pork into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be easily adapted to your preferences. Use different types of apples, add other vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors actually improve as it sits!

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork Roast:** 3-4 pound pork shoulder (butt) roast or pork loin roast. A pork shoulder will result in a more tender and flavorful result due to its higher fat content. If using a pork loin, be careful not to overcook it as it can become dry.
* **Sauerkraut:** 32 ounces (about 2 jars) of sauerkraut, rinsed and drained. Rinsing the sauerkraut helps to reduce its acidity and saltiness. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can skip the rinsing.
* **Apples:** 2-3 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work well. Using a combination of tart and sweet apples adds complexity.
* **Onion:** 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions are suitable for this recipe.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic adds the best flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder if needed (about 1 teaspoon).
* **Caraway Seeds:** 1 tablespoon. Caraway seeds are essential for the classic pork and sauerkraut flavor. Don’t skip them!
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon (optional). Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the sauerkraut.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Adds brightness and helps to tenderize the pork.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Provides moisture and flavor during the cooking process. You can substitute with water if needed.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Adds subtle depth of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon, for searing the pork (optional).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot):** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet (Optional):** For searing the pork roast.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and apples.
* **Knife:** For chopping and slicing.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For handling the pork roast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Prep the Ingredients:**

1. **Prepare the Pork:** If using a pork shoulder roast, you can trim off any excess fat if desired. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. This helps it to brown better if you choose to sear it.
2. **Chop the Vegetables and Apples:** Chop the onion into medium-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. It’s best to chop the apples just before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent browning.
3. **Rinse the Sauerkraut:** Rinse the sauerkraut in a colander under cold water. Drain well. This helps to remove some of the acidity and saltiness. If you prefer a more intense sauerkraut flavor, skip this step.

**Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):**

1. **Heat the Oil:** Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
2. **Sear the Pork:** Season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper. Place the pork roast in the hot skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Searing the pork adds a depth of flavor and helps to create a nice crust. If your skillet isn’t large enough to sear the entire roast at once, sear it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

**Assemble the Slow Cooker:**

1. **Layer the Ingredients:** Place the chopped onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help to prevent the pork from sticking and add flavor to the dish. Top with half of the rinsed and drained sauerkraut.
2. **Add the Pork:** Place the seared (or unseared) pork roast on top of the sauerkraut.
3. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped apples, caraway seeds, and brown sugar (if using) over the pork roast. Top with the remaining sauerkraut. Tuck the bay leaf into the sauerkraut.
4. **Pour in Liquids:** Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

**Slow Cook:**

1. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork roast. Check the pork for doneness after 6 hours and adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. **Cook on High (If Necessary):** If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.

**Shred the Pork and Serve:**

1. **Remove the Pork:** Carefully remove the pork roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Discard the bay leaf.
2. **Shred the Pork:** Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauerkraut and apples.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples hot. It’s delicious on its own or served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rye bread. A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a nice tang.

Tips and Variations

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, potatoes, or parsnips. Add them along with the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
* **Use Different Meats:** While pork is traditional, you can also use other meats like beef chuck roast or sausages. If using sausages, brown them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Add Juniper Berries:** For a more traditional German flavor, add a tablespoon of juniper berries to the slow cooker.
* **Use Apple Cider:** Substitute some of the chicken broth with apple cider for an even stronger apple flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the pork with plant-based sausages or smoked tofu for a vegetarian option. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Thicken the Sauce (If Desired):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let the sauce simmer and thicken.

Serving Suggestions

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing with pork and sauerkraut. The creamy mashed potatoes complement the tangy sauerkraut and tender pork perfectly.
* **Egg Noodles:** Another traditional accompaniment. The egg noodles soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a comforting base for the dish.
* **Rye Bread:** Serve with slices of rye bread for dipping into the sauce and scooping up the pork and sauerkraut.
* **Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a nice tang and creaminess to the dish.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pork and sauerkraut.
* **Spaetzle:** A German-style egg noodle that is a great alternative to traditional egg noodles.
* **Dumplings:** Potato dumplings or bread dumplings are also delicious with this dish.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Prep the Ingredients:** You can chop the vegetables and apples, rinse the sauerkraut, and sear the pork roast ahead of time. Store the prepared ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the slow cooker.
* **Assemble the Slow Cooker:** You can assemble the entire slow cooker dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply place the slow cooker insert in the slow cooker base and cook as directed.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, transfer the leftover pork and sauerkraut to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the pork and sauerkraut in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Slow Cooker:** Reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Varies depending on the ingredients and portion size.
* Protein: Varies depending on the amount of pork.
* Fat: Varies depending on the cut of pork.
* Carbohydrates: Varies depending on the amount of apples and sauerkraut.

Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples**

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (butt) roast or pork loin roast
* 32 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
* 2-3 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for searing)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the pork roast dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. (Optional) Sear the pork in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
3. Place the chopped onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half of the sauerkraut.
4. Place the pork roast on top of the sauerkraut.
5. Sprinkle the garlic, apples, caraway seeds, and brown sugar (if using) over the pork roast. Top with the remaining sauerkraut. Tuck the bay leaf into the sauerkraut.
6. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth over the ingredients.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
8. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauerkraut and apples.
10. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rye bread.

Enjoy Your Delicious Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples!

This Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The combination of savory pork, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or sweeteners. And remember, the flavors only get better as it sits, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or variations you’d like to share. Happy cooking!