Sausage

Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut

Name: Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoky pork sausage; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 cup of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed; 1 tsp of caraway seeds; 1 tsp of salt; 1/2 tsp of black pepper; 2 tbsp of butter; 2 tbsp of chicken broth; 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Sausage

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves4

A warm and comforting dish that never fails to hit the spot, Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut is a staple of European cuisine that combines the rich flavors of smoky pork, crispy bacon, and tangy sauerkraut. As a home cook, I've always been drawn to this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor, and I'm excited to share my take on this classic dish with you.

One of the things I love about Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut is the way the different components come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The smoky pork sausage provides a meaty, satisfying base, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of smokiness. The sauerkraut, with its tangy, slightly sour flavor, helps to cut through the richness of the dish and adds a welcome burst of freshness.

As a home cook, I've found that the key to making a great Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to cook each component just right. This means cooking the bacon until it's crispy, the sausage until it's browned and cooked through, and the sauerkraut until it's tender and slightly caramelized. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a dish that's truly greater than the sum of its parts.

So why make Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut? For one, it's a great way to warm up on a cold winter's night, and it's also a fantastic option for a casual dinner party or gathering. The dish is easy to scale up or down, and it can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover sauerkraut or sausage you may have on hand.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, I hope you'll give this recipe for Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut a try. With its rich, comforting flavors and hearty, satisfying texture, it's sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great option for a casual dinner party or gathering.
The dish is very forgiving, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
It's a great way to warm up on a cold winter's night.
You can make it ahead of time and reheat as needed.
It's a fantastic way to use up any leftover sauerkraut or sausage you may have on hand.
The combination of flavors and textures is truly harmonious and satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works

So what makes Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut so special? For one, it's the combination of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly harmonious dish. The smoky pork sausage provides a meaty, satisfying base, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of smokiness. The sauerkraut, with its tangy, slightly sour flavor, helps to cut through the richness of the dish and adds a welcome burst of freshness.

Another key factor is the way the dish is cooked. By cooking the bacon until it's crispy, the sausage until it's browned and cooked through, and the sauerkraut until it's tender and slightly caramelized, we can create a dish that's truly greater than the sum of its parts. This is because each component is cooked to bring out its unique textures and flavors, which then come together to create a rich and satisfying whole.

Finally, it's worth noting that Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut is a very forgiving dish, which makes it perfect for home cooks of all levels. Even if you're new to cooking, you can still achieve great results with this recipe, and it's a great way to build your confidence in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut, you'll need a few key ingredients, including smoky pork sausage, crispy bacon, and tangy sauerkraut. You'll also need some onions, garlic, and caraway seeds to add depth and flavor to the dish. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.

When it comes to the sausage, look for a smoky pork sausage that's made with high-quality meat and has a good balance of spices. For the bacon, choose a thick-cut, smoked bacon that will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish. And for the sauerkraut, opt for a tangy, freshly made sauerkraut that's packed with flavor.

1 lb (450g) smoky pork sausageLook for a sausage that's made with high-quality meat and has a good balance of spices. You can also use other types of sausage, such as knockwurst or bratwurst, if you prefer.
6 slices of thick-cut baconChoose a smoked bacon that will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, if you prefer.
1 large onion, slicedUse a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or a Maui onion, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of onions, such as yellow or white onions, if you prefer.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.
1 cup of sauerkraut, drained and rinsedOpt for a tangy, freshly made sauerkraut that's packed with flavor. You can also use other types of sauerkraut, such as caraway or dill, if you prefer.
1 tsp of caraway seedsUse whole caraway seeds for the best flavor. You can also use ground caraway seeds if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.
1 tsp of saltUse a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as table salt or Himalayan pink salt, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp of black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground black pepper if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.
2 tbsp of butterUse a high-quality butter, such as unsalted or European-style, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of butter, such as salted or browned, if you prefer.
2 tbsp of chicken brothUse a low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, if you prefer.
1 tsp of apple cider vinegarUse a high-quality apple cider vinegar, such as organic or artisanal, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as white wine or balsamic, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatulaTongs or slotted spoonColander or strainer

How to Make Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut

1
Start by cooking the bacon in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's crispy, stirring occasionally, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the dish.
3
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until they're softened and translucent, stirring occasionally, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant and slightly softened.
5
Add the smoky pork sausage to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
6
Add the caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
7
Add the sauerkraut, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8
Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the sauerkraut is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
9
Stir in the butter until it's melted and the dish is creamy and flavorful.
10
Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve hot.
12
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the sausage to stay juicy.
13
Serve the Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as smoky pork sausage and tangy sauerkraut, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the sausage, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the sausage to stay juicy.
Use a variety of spices, such as caraway seeds and black pepper, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage or sauerkraut to find your favorite combination.
Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs, to add flavor and texture to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the sausage, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unflavorful dish.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to become muted and the sausage to become dry.
Not using enough spices, which can result in a dish that's lacking in depth and complexity.
Not cooking the sauerkraut until it's tender, which can make it crunchy and unappetizing.
Not stirring the dish occasionally, which can cause the ingredients to burn or stick to the bottom of the skillet.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of sausage, such as knockwurst or bratwurst, for a unique flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Use a variety of spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced onions or chopped bacon, to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Try using different types of sauerkraut, such as caraway or dill, for a unique flavor.
Add a splash of beer or wine to the dish for added flavor and moisture.

What to Serve With Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut

Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cold winter's night. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a filling and flavorful meal.

Consider pairing the dish with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a green salad, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal. You can also serve it with a variety of condiments, such as mustard or relish, for added flavor and texture.

Serve with crusty bread or boiled potatoesPair with a green salad or roasted vegetablesAdd a side of sauerkraut or Braised Red CabbageServe with a dollop of sour cream or applesauceOffer with a side of mustard or relishGarnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet or oven until it's hot and bubbly.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it occasionally and add a splash of liquid, such as chicken broth or water, if it becomes too thick. You can also add a variety of ingredients, such as diced onions or chopped fresh herbs, to add flavor and texture to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut?

You can use a variety of sausages, such as smoky pork sausage, knockwurst, or bratwurst. Just be sure to choose a sausage that's made with high-quality meat and has a good balance of spices.

How do I cook the sausage without overcooking it?

To cook the sausage without overcooking it, be sure to cook it over medium heat and stir it occasionally. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage, which should be at least 160°F (71°C).

What type of sauerkraut should I use for Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut?

You can use a variety of sauerkrauts, such as tangy sauerkraut or caraway sauerkraut. Just be sure to choose a sauerkraut that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of flavors.

How do I store Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut?

You can store Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet or oven until it's hot and bubbly.

Can I make Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to reheat it properly and add a splash of liquid, such as chicken broth or water, if it becomes too thick.

What are some variations I can try with Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut?

You can try a variety of variations, such as using different types of sausage or sauerkraut, adding diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs, or serving the dish with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

Is Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut a hearty and satisfying meal?

Yes, Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cold winter's night. It's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of flavors and textures.

Can I serve Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut with a variety of sides?

Yes, you can serve Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a green salad, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

The Full Recipe

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