There are slow cooker meals that are convenient, and then there are slow cooker meals that transport you to another time and place. This Slow Cooker Amish-Style Sauerkraut Supper is the latter. It is a humble, hearty, deeply flavorful dish that combines tangy sauerkraut, smoked sausage or kielbasa, tender potatoes, and sometimes pork or beef—all slow-cooked to perfection. This is the kind of meal that has been warming farmhouse kitchens for generations, especially in Pennsylvania Dutch country.
Amish cooking is known for its resourcefulness and its ability to turn simple, shelf-stable ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Sauerkraut—fermented cabbage—has long been a staple in Amish and German-American households. When paired with smoked sausage and potatoes, it becomes a complete, one-pot meal that is tangy, savory, and surprisingly complex. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors into a dish that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day.
This Slow Cooker Amish-Style Sauerkraut Supper is perfect for busy weeknights, for using up pantry staples, or for any time you crave a warm, comforting, old-world meal. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, and watch it disappear.
Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker Amish-Style Sauerkraut Supper
· Tangy, savory, and deeply satisfying: Sauerkraut and smoked sausage are a perfect pair.
· Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
· Hearty and filling: Packed with sausage, potatoes, and sauerkraut.
· Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients.
· Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
· Customizable: Add apples, caraway seeds, or different meats.
· Perfect for cold weather: Warm, comforting, and nourishing.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for Slow Cooker Amish-Style Sauerkraut Supper:
The Base:
· 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch rounds
· 1 (32-ounce) jar or bag sauerkraut, drained (but not rinsed)
· 1½ pounds baby potatoes (or Yukon Gold, halved or quartered)
· 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
· 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
· 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, traditional)
Optional Add-Ins:
· 1 pound boneless pork chops or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
· 2 apples (Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Serving:
· Crusty bread or mashed potatoes
· Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little oil.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the sliced smoked sausage in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the drained sauerkraut, potatoes, onion, and garlic. If using pork chops or apples, add them now. Sprinkle with brown sugar and caraway seeds (if using). Pour the chicken broth over everything.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the sauerkraut supper hot, with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips and Pro Tips for Best Results
· Do not rinse the sauerkraut: Rinsing removes much of the tangy flavor that makes this dish special. Simply drain the liquid.
· Use a mix of meats: Smoked sausage is traditional, but adding pork chops or pork shoulder makes the dish even heartier.
· Add apples for sweetness: Sliced apples balance the tanginess of the sauerkraut beautifully.
· Caraway seeds are optional but traditional: They add an authentic old-world flavor.
· Do not lift the lid: Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time. Trust the process.
· Make it a complete meal: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Variations and Substitutions
· Pork and sauerkraut: Add 1 pound of pork shoulder or boneless pork chops.
· Apple sauerkraut supper: Add 2 sliced Granny Smith apples.
· German-style: Use bratwurst instead of kielbasa. Add caraway seeds and serve with mustard.
· Beef and sauerkraut: Use smoked beef sausage or corned beef.
· Add potatoes: Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds work best.
· Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Amish-Style Sauerkraut Supper is delicious served:
· With crusty bread: Essential for sopping up the savory broth.
· Over mashed potatoes: The creamy potatoes balance the tangy sauerkraut.
· With a dollop of sour cream: Adds creaminess and cuts the tang.
· With a side of mustard: Whole grain or Dijon mustard is a classic pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover sauerkraut supper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
· Stovetop method (best): Reheat in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
· Microwave method: Heat individual portions for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through.
· Slow cooker method: Reheat on LOW for 1 to 2 hours.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings, with kielbasa and potatoes):
· Calories: 480
· Protein: 22g
· Fat: 28g
· Saturated Fat: 10g
· Carbohydrates: 36g
· Fiber: 6g
· Sugar: 8g
· Sodium: 1280mg
· Vitamin C: 25% DV
· Iron: 15% DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut?
No. Rinsing removes much of the tangy, fermented flavor that is essential to this dish. Simply drain the liquid from the jar or bag.
Can I use fresh sauerkraut?
Yes. Fresh sauerkraut from the refrigerated section of the grocery store works beautifully.
Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?
Yes. Baby potatoes or halved Yukon Golds work best. Add them at the beginning; they will become tender and absorb the flavors.
Can I make this without meat?
Yes. Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written. Ensure your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
Can I use apple juice instead of broth?
Yes. Apple juice adds sweetness that balances the tangy sauerkraut.
How do I reduce the sodium?
Use low-sodium broth, choose low-sodium sausage, and rinse the sauerkraut briefly (though this will reduce tanginess).
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. LOW is preferred for the most developed flavor.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Amish-Style Sauerkraut Supper is the kind of meal that makes you feel connected to the past—to farmhouse kitchens, to generations of resourceful cooks, to the simple pleasure of a warm, hearty meal shared with family. The tangy sauerkraut, savory smoked sausage, and tender potatoes come together in a dish that is both humble and deeply satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, for meal prep, or for any time you crave a warm, comforting, old-world meal. The slow cooker does all the work, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, and watch it disappear.
So drain that sauerkraut, slice that sausage, and let your slow cooker work its magic. In a few hours, you will have a dish that tastes like love. That is the beauty of Amish cooking—simple ingredients, patient heat, and a whole lot of flavor. Enjoy.