Kielbasa and Kraut Recipe Crock Pot: Set-It-and-Forget-It Savory Supper

This hearty dish combines smoky kielbasa with tangy sauerkraut for a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

With minimal prep and a crock pot doing the work, you’ll enjoy tender sausage and perfectly seasoned kraut in just a few hours.

Ingredients for Kielbasa and Kraut Recipe Crock Pot

Smoky sausage and tangy kraut come together for a nearly hands-off, flavor-packed meal.

[recipe_ingredient_scaler]

The kielbasa is the star—Hillshire Farm or Johnsonville are my go-tos for consistent smokiness. Look for sauerkraut in the refrigerated section (not shelf-stable) for the best texture and tang. Whole Foods has great organic options if you want to avoid preservatives. The apple adds subtle sweetness to balance the acidity, so pick one that’s firm and tart (Granny Smith is perfect).

No caraway seeds? Fennel seeds at half the amount work in a pinch. Out of Dijon? Yellow mustard plus a pinch of turmeric gets you close. If you’re skipping the apple, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. For a richer dish, swap the chicken broth for apple cider—it complements the sausage beautifully.

This keeps well in the fridge for about 4 days and tastes even better the next day. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months (the sauerkraut softens a bit but still holds flavor). Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

This hands-off method delivers tender sausage and tangy kraut with minimal effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base

In your slow cooker, melt the 2 tbsp Butter on high heat if your model allows, or simply add it cold. Stir in the 1 whole Yellow Onion (thinly sliced) and 1 whole Granny Smith Apple (peeled, cored, and diced).

Cook for 10-15 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the apple begins to soften. This builds a sweet-savory foundation that balances the sauerkraut’s tang. If your slow cooker doesn’t sauté, skip this step—it’ll still work, but the depth of flavor will be milder.

Step 2: Layer and Season the Ingredients

Add the 2 lb Sauerkraut (drained and rinsed slightly) to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Nestle the 1 lb Kielbasa Sausage (sliced into rounds) into the sauerkraut. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Caraway Seeds, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper evenly over the top.

Pour the 0.5 cup Chicken Broth around the edges, not directly over the sausage, to avoid washing off the spices. Stir in the 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, then tuck the 1 whole Bay Leaf and 4 pieces Juniper Berries (lightly crushed) into the mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauerkraut is tender and the sausage has absorbed the flavors of the broth and spices. The apple will dissolve slightly, adding a subtle sweetness.

Resist the urge to stir too often—this keeps the sausage rounds intact and prevents the sauerkraut from breaking down into mush. Halfway through cooking, give it one gentle stir to redistribute the liquids.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

Remove the 1 whole Bay Leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—though the flavors should be perfectly balanced. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or broth and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.

Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the juices. The sausage should be juicy, the sauerkraut tender but still with a slight bite, and the sauce rich with a hint of sweetness from the apple and brown sugar.

Dietary Considerations for This kielbasa and kraut recipe crock pot

Gluten-Free Friendly

This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify your kielbasa and Dijon mustard labels. I always check Hillshire Farm or Johnsonville for gluten-free certification. Most sauerkraut brands are safe, but avoid any with added malt vinegar. 💡

Low-Carb Option

With only 10g net carbs per serving (mostly from the apple and brown sugar), this fits well into a low-carb diet. For even fewer carbs, reduce the brown sugar to 1 tbsp or omit the apple entirely.

Dairy Considerations

The 2 tbsp butter is the only dairy here. For a dairy-free version, swap it for olive oil or dairy-free butter—Earth Balance works well. The dish won’t lose its richness.

Sodium Awareness

Sauerkraut and kielbasa can be high in sodium. To reduce it, rinse the kraut thoroughly and choose low-sodium chicken broth. I also look for low-sodium kielbasa options at Whole Foods.

Vegetarian Adaptation

Replace the kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage (like Beyond Meat). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The caraway and juniper will still shine.

Allergen Notes

Check labels for mustard allergies—Dijon mustard contains mustard seeds. For nut allergies, ensure no cross-contamination in your sausage brand. Always verify processing facilities on packaging. ❤️

Frequently Asked Questions