When it comes to eating sauerkraut, the question isn’t whether it goes with everything. The question is, what goes with it?
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage. And like all fermented foods, it has a slightly bitter taste.
But that’s the good kind of bitter! The health benefits of sauerkraut have been celebrated for centuries, and for good reason.
One serving provides you with a good dose of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and fiber, among other nutrients. It’s also loaded with dietary probiotics, which help populate your gut with healthy bacteria.
Once you learn how to prepare sauerkraut, you’ll want to make it at home to get the most out of its benefits. Check out this guide to discover which meats go best with sauerkraut, as well as recommendations for how to make the most of it.
What Meat Goes Well With Sauerkraut?
Similar to kimchi, sauerkraut is best when paired with meat that has its own good amount of salt. And since sauerkraut is a fermented food, you can also pair it with deli meats. If you like your sauerkraut with a kick, go for some hot sauce or add a few dashes of red pepper flakes. And if you’re eating the sauerkraut alone, you can always Add some shredded cheddar cheese and chopped hard-boiled eggs for a breakfast sandwich.
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches
This is a classic combination of American foods. Bacon, eggs, and cheese are all staples of a hearty breakfast. And when you add sauerkraut to the equation, you get a classic taste combination. The acidity of the sauerkraut helps break down the proteins in the eggs while the fat in the bacon helps keep the sandwich moist. If you want to take it up a notch, try adding some sauerkraut to your scrambled eggs.
Chicken Salad
The tang of the chicken broth in this chicken salad helps balance out the intensity of the dill and sauerkraut. It’s a classic combination that goes great on a sandwich or as a snack. You can also try adding some teriyaki sauce for an Asian flair.
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Dinner Roll-Ups
Kielbasa, or Polish sausage, is a classic food in its own right. It may not be as well-known as other sausages, but it’s certainly no less delicious. And when you add it to sauerkraut in a dinner roll, you have yourself one heck of a dinner. Kielbasa is high in sodium, so limit yourself to a few pieces per day.
Easy Sautéed Pork Chops with Sauerkraut
Not only is sauerkraut good for you, but it’s a simple way to add flavor to your pork chops. While sautéing pork is usually a no-brainer, you may want to rethink that when you add sauerkraut to the mix. The savory flavor of the sauerkraut compliments the pork nicely and gives it a nice boost. You can also try this sauerkraut gravy on your pork chops instead!
Spicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
If you want to kick things up a notch, try adding some jalapeño peppers to the mix. The heat from the peppers balances out the sweetness of the sauerkraut, making for a great combination. And if you want to get even more creative with your sandwich, try adding some smoked cheddar cheese too!
Conclusion
Sauerkraut is a delicious food that’s great for your gut bacteria and has tons of health benefits. If you haven’t eaten it much, it’s definitely something to try out. When you learn how to make your own sauerkraut, you can be sure that it’s packed with beneficial bacteria and not packed with sugar and chemicals like many store-bought varieties. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home.
So, next time you’re in the mood for sauerkraut but don’t know which meat goes best with it, just remember: pork, kielbasa, and bacon.
