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This slow cooker pork and sauerkraut is the simplest way to enjoy the New Year’s Day favorite. Get perfectly tender, juicy pork with no extra steps!
If you already have pork shoulder and sauerkraut, you only need to raid your pantry for some staples to make this lucky dish.
It’s way easier than other methods, and it’s pretty much a hands-off comfort food for winter.
Bring good luck to the new year, one delicious bite at a time, with this slow cooker pork and sauerkraut recipe!
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Who knew some dishes could be both cozy and lucky? Along with making recipes using sauerkraut, no prosperous feast feels complete without Hoppin’ John and black eyed peas!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe
- This Crockpot pork and sauerkraut is a dump-and-go meal, perfect when the kitchen gets busy during the holidays! No need to brown the meat or stir the dish.
- Not only is using the slow cooker convenient, but it also guarantees beautifully tender, juicy meat every single time.
- This pork roast and sauerkraut Crockpot recipe easily feeds a crowd! And if you’re just enjoying this as a cold-weather comfort food, the leftovers freeze well!
Ingredients
Pork shoulder – The best choice for this pork and sauerkraut recipe. You can use leaner cuts, but they are more prone to overcooking in the slow cooker. Who wants a dry Crockpot pork roast?
Sauerkraut – Even if you’re not usually a fan of sauerkraut meals, this pork and sauerkraut Crockpot recipe makes sauerkraut mellow and soft. Be sure to also rinse and drain it first to reduce the saltiness of the final dish!
Vegetable oil – Helps keep our sauerkraut and pork roast moist as it cooks slowly.
Paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves – Common pantry seasonings that give our slow cooker pork and sauerkraut depth.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Pork and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker Recipe
Pork chops
Besides a pork shoulder roast (like pork butt), you can also make this pork and sauerkraut Crockpot recipe with bone-in pork chops. Choose a cut with more fat so your meat doesn’t dry out in the slow cooker.
Spices, seasonings, and herbs
We kept the seasonings for this slow cooker pork and sauerkraut recipe simple for a classic taste, but feel free to add caraway seeds to the sauerkraut or season the dish with coriander seeds, brown sugar, and thyme for complexity.
Add-Ins
For a heartier take on the New Year’s Eve lucky dish, you can add baby potatoes, apples, and onions to the slow cooker!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Sear Your Meat
Got a few minutes to spare? Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork for 2 minutes per side. This extra step makes the pork more flavorful!
Serving Ideas
Enjoy your slow cooker pork and sauerkraut with vegetable sides like mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or your favorite green salad.
Storage Tips
You can store your Crockpot pork and sauerkraut in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Crockpot Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe FAQs
How long do you cook pork and sauerkraut for?
It depends on your slow cooker and cut of meat, but we cooked our pork sauerkraut dish on Low for 6 hours.
What is the best cut of meat for pork and sauerkraut?
Pork shoulder or pork butt roast makes the best slow cooker pork and sauerkraut. Look for cuts with plenty of marbling for tender, juicy pork sauerkraut. Lean cuts can end up dry and overcooked in the slow cooker.
Can I put raw pork in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This super-easy Crockpot pork and sauerkraut recipe’s pork goes straight into the slow cooker, and the low-and-slow method makes it deliciously tender. No need to sear!
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes. You can sear 1 and 1/2 pounds of pork, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, add 1 and 1/2 pounds of sauerkraut, 1/4 cup of oil, 1 cup of water, and seasonings, and bake for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours at 350°F. If you want to do it on the stovetop, use a Dutch oven, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
We haven’t tried it yet, but some pork roast with sauerkraut recipes start by browning the meat using the Instant Pot’s Saute function, then cooking it with the rest of the ingredients at High Pressure for 25 minutes per pound. Let it naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
- Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip with Frozen Spinach
- Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
- Crockpot French Toast Casserole
I found this recipe for Slow Cooker Fish Chowder that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 3 lbs sauerkraut, drained
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder roast dry, then season it with salt and ground pepper on all sides.
- Spread half of the sauerkraut on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the pork on top of the sauerkraut and cover the meat with the remaining sauerkraut.
- Add the bay leaves and sprinkle paprika on top. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or until tender.
- Pull the pork into pieces and serve with the sauerkraut. Enjoy!
Notes
- Got a few minutes to spare? Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork for 2 minutes per side. This extra step makes the pork more flavorful!
- Enjoy your slow cooker pork and sauerkraut with vegetable sides like mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or your favorite green salad.
- You can store your Crockpot sauerkraut pork in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
