Crockpot Pork and Sauerkraut is a beloved comfort dish that’s both hearty and full of rustic flavor. This recipe slow-cooks tender pork with tangy sauerkraut, aromatic onions, and a touch of apple for natural sweetness. The long, gentle simmering allows the flavors to blend beautifully — the pork becomes fall-apart tender, while the sauerkraut mellows and soaks up the savory juices. It’s an old-fashioned family favorite that tastes like home, especially on chilly days or festive gatherings.
2. Ingredients
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2 ½ to 3 pounds pork loin or pork shoulder roast
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 large onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (32 oz) jar sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
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1 large apple, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for mild sweetness)
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½ cup chicken broth or water
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1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
3. Instructions
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Season and sear the pork: Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and adds richness to the dish.
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Layer in the crockpot: Spread half of the sauerkraut in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sliced onions, garlic, and apples. Place the seared pork roast on top. Add the remaining sauerkraut over the meat.
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Add liquid and seasoning: Sprinkle in caraway seeds, brown sugar, and paprika if using. Pour chicken broth (or water) around the edges — just enough to create gentle steam while cooking.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the pork is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.
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Shred and serve: Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Return the meat to the sauerkraut mixture and stir well. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness before serving.
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Serve warm: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, boiled baby potatoes, or crusty bread.
4. Preparation & Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cooking time: 8–9 hours (Low)
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Total time: About 9 hours 15 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 6 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 870 mg
7. Tips
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Don’t rinse the sauerkraut — keeping a bit of its brine gives the dish authentic tang.
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For a sweeter flavor, add a second apple or increase the brown sugar slightly.
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If you prefer a crispier texture, brown the shredded pork briefly in a skillet before serving.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
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Add a few baby potatoes or carrots directly into the crockpot for a full one-pot meal.
8. Final Thought
Crockpot Pork and Sauerkraut is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your plate with rich, satisfying flavors. It’s simple, traditional, and heartwarming — proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Perfect for family dinners or cold-weather weekends, it’s a dish that brings warmth to every bite.
