Start the new year right with a lot of pork chops and sauerkraut! Made in the slow cooker, they have the traditional flavor you crave without all the fuss…
<img src="https://unsophisticook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pork-Chops-and-Sauerkraut.jpg" alt="pork chops and sauerkraut made in the
slow cooker with a black and white towel” />This recipe was created in partnership with Wesson Pure Canola Oil, also known as the healthiest cooking oil in the world. Thank you for supporting me and the brands I love! Slow pot pork chops and sauerkraut
Being of German/Hungarian descent, pork and sauerkraut were practically a given for New Year’s Day dinner when I was growing up. My mother’s pork and sauerkraut recipe was comprised of bone-in pork chops and smoked garlic sausages that were slowly cooked together in a sauerkraut mixture (canned only! NO jars according to my mother) all day in a giant old toaster oven until it is tender and succulent.
Everything was served with one side of hot creamy mashed potatoes with sour cream, and the sauerkraut juices were turned into a kind of sauce that was spooned on top… Mmm, I’m hungry just to write about it!
The slow cooker of pork and sauerkraut is a New Year’s tradition that I have continued with my own family, with some minor changes. I still use bone-in pork chops, but we skipped the sausage. I still used the same canned sauerkraut that my mother always made, but I stir some caraway seeds to add a little style. And often, instead of mashing potatoes, I just throw some yellow potatoes with the pork and sauerkraut.
This pork
chop and sauerkraut recipe is guaranteed to start the new year right! <img src="https://unsophisticook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pork-Chops-With-Sauerkraut.jpg" alt=
“ingredients for pork chops with sauerkraut” /> Ingredients for pork chops with sauerkraut When you get to the point, you really only need three ingredients for this traditional
pork and sauerkraut
recipe. I have seen many recipes that have a much longer list, adding onions, apples, brown sugar, spices, etc. But when it comes down to it, sauerkraut is where all the flavor is, so let’s let it work its magic. Not bad?
So here’s what you do… Head to Walmart and pick up the following
:
- Bone-in pork chops: Preferably a thick-cut shoulder chop or a sirloin chop, but a center-cut chop that seems to have a lot of marbling will work too
- 2 cans (27 oz.) of grated sauerkraut, as I mentioned, my mother swears by canned things, so I’ve never used anything else.
- 1 bag (24 oz.) baby potatoes — I think yellows taste the best buttery, but you can also use one of the mixed bags if you prefer a little more color.
.
Beyond this, you’ll need a neutral-tasting oil to seal pork chops, such as Wesson Pure Canola Oil. Its light and delicate flavor makes it the perfect cooking oil for all your favorite holiday dishes!
Did you know that canola oil is known as the healthiest cooking oil in the world? It contains the least amount of saturated fat of any common edible oil on the market. We’re talking about 0 grams of free trans fat and cholesterol, making it ideal for grilling, frying, baking, and more. Pick up Wesson Pure Canola Oil on the Walmart website or at the Walmart store near you in the cooking oil section.
Optional: You may also want to take some caraway seeds, but it’s definitely not a requirement for the recipe. We enjoy the unique texture and flavor it adds, but if you don’t take care of it, you can skip it altogether. Also, some sauerkraut already contain caraway seeds, so be sure to check the ingredients.
<img src="https://unsophisticook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/How-To-Make-Pork-and-Sauerkraut.jpg" alt="How to make pork and sauerkraut by browning pork chops in
a pan” /> How to make
pork and
sauerkraut
First things first, to
get the most flavor in your pork chops, you need to spend 10 minutes burning them so that they are pretty and golden on both sides before braising them in the slow cooker. Yes, it’s a bit messy and inconvenient, but it makes a big difference in the final dish!
Drizzle about two tablespoons of pure Wesson canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dry the pork chops on both sides, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and seal each side until golden brown. You may need to do this in two batches, because you don’t want to clutter the pan.
Keep in mind that the goal is NOT to cook pork chops at this point. We’re simply looking to get some caramelization outside, so keep a close eye on it.
<img src="https://unsophisticook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pork-and-Sauerkraut-Slow-Cooker.jpg" alt="Slow cooker ingredients of pork and sauerkraut layered
with yellow baby potatoes” /> Pork and sauerkraut
in the slow
cooker
Once you’ve browned the pork chops, it’s time to layer everything in your slow cooker. Start with about half a can of sauerkraut at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Then add a layer of pork chops, topped with more sauerkraut, and then another layer of pork chops, and so on…
When you reach the last layer, tuck the baby potatoes around the pork chops and cover everything with a final layer of sauerkraut. Pour a cup of water over everything, and if desired, you can sprinkle a teaspoon of caraway seed over the top.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and simmer until the pork chops are tender, about 8 hours. How easy is that?!
Bone-in pork and sauerkraut chops
for a crowd
If you’re planning to host an open house on New Year’s Day for friends and family, this recipe works (and even triples or more) extremely well. As I mentioned, my mother always used a giant 18K electric toaster oven. to prepare pork and sauerkraut for a crowd.
It is not necessary to make major changes to the recipe when increasing it. Just keep laying layers of pork chops and sauerkraut as instructed, and add several more bags of baby potatoes. Be sure to increase the water to make sure there is enough stew liquid, and the cooking time should remain the same.
What side dishes go with
pork and sauerkraut? I
feel like this slow cooker of pork and sauerkraut is a complete meal in itself, but I know sometimes you want to offer a little variety. So here are some side dishes that pair well with it
: Make mashed potatoes:
- Whether you’re giving up baby potatoes or just want an extra side of potato, this creamy mashed potatoes made with cream cheese
- Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad – This simple cucumber salad with light and creamy sour cream is a staple on our table!
- Winter Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is the perfect balance for classic homemade food. It’s filled with the seasonal flavors of tangerines, kiwis, green apples, and pomegranate arils, all along with the most delicious lemon poppy and honey seed dressing!
- Homemade applesauce: Pork and apples go together, so a classic homemade applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon is always a perfect accompaniment.
and sour cream is definitely the way to go!
P.S. Do you want another recipe for pork chops totally tasty and easy? Try these Hungarian pork chops: tender and juicy pork chops topped with a spicy and creamy paprika sour cream sauce… SO good served with egg noodles or even with this fried cabbage and noodle recipe!
I’d love to see how your pork chops and sauerkraut turn out… Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
