German Style Kraut with Pork Chops

Here’s a hearty, tangy, and savory recipe for German-Style Kraut with Pork Chops — a traditional-style dish that combines seared pork chops with flavorful sauerkraut, onions, apples, and classic German seasonings. Perfect for cool weather and pairs great with mashed potatoes, rye bread, or spaetzle.

🇩🇪 German-Style Kraut with Pork Chops

🍽️ Serves: 4

🕐 Total Time: ~1 hour

(can also be adapted to slow cooker or oven braise)

🧂 Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)

• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 1 apple, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith works well)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional but traditional)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for depth)

• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth

• 1 (24–32 oz) jar or bag sauerkraut, drained (but not rinsed unless it’s very salty)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional, to balance tang)

• Optional: 1/4 cup cooked bacon pieces or smoked sausage (for a meaty boost)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Season & sear pork chops:

   • Pat pork chops dry. Season with salt, pepper, and a little paprika.

   • Heat oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

   • Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics:

   • In the same pan, add sliced onions and apples. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened.

   • Add garlic and caraway seeds. Cook 1 minute more.

3. Deglaze:

   • Pour in wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

4. Add sauerkraut mixture:

   • Stir in sauerkraut and brown sugar/honey (if using). Mix well.

   • Nestle pork chops into the kraut mixture.

5. Simmer or bake:

   • Stovetop: Cover and simmer gently for 30–40 minutes on low heat until pork is tender.

   • Oven: Transfer to a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake covered for 45 minutes.

   • Slow cooker option: Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.

6. Finish & serve:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning (add more sugar or salt if needed).

   • Serve with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or crusty rye bread.

🥨 Serving Suggestions:

• German potato salad

• Mashed or buttered potatoes

• Soft pretzels or rye bread

• Braised red cabbage

• Beer or dry Riesling for an authentic pairing