What Meat Goes Well with Sauerkraut? (17 Meats)

Do you love sauerkraut?

But do you find it hard to know what kinds of meat go well with sauerkraut?

We know the feeling.

See Also: 17 Sauerkraut Recipes with Meat We Can’t Resist

There are so many possibilities, and it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to think of what to make for dinner.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorite meat and sauerkraut pairings.

We hope it helps!

What Meat Goes Well with Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is a delightful accompaniment to sausages and other meats.

The most traditional pairing is with smoked sausages, like bratwurst, Polish sausage, and kielbasa. However, you can also add it to your favorite meal of roast beef or pork chops and enjoy it alongside your meat.

It goes well with any meat that has a smokey flavor.

Sauerkraut is a pickled cabbage that is commonly served with sausages and pork, but what other meats work well with it?

1. Beef

Beef goes well with sauerkraut because of their similar textures.

Both are chewy, but not tough.

The flavor of beef complements the sourness of the sauerkraut, while the saltiness of the beef helps to balance out the sweetness from the cabbage.

2. Sausages

Sausages are an easy option that goes well with the tartness of sauerkraut and will give you a sweet and salty combination that’s hard to resist!

Try pairing it with bratwurst or kielbasa!

3. Chicken

Chicken is another easy option that pairs well with sauerkraut because it has a mild flavor that won’t overpower your meal, but it’ll still add some flavor to your meal.

If you’re looking for something low-calorie, chicken breast works great!

Chicken Thighs or Legs

You can also try pairing sauerkraut with chicken thighs or legs.

The milder flavor of chicken works really well with the tartness of sauerkraut, giving you a balanced meal without being too heavy on either end of the spectrum.

4. Pork chops

Pork chops are delicious on their own, but they’re also great when they’re paired with sauerkraut—especially if you chop up some apples and add them to the pan when you cook your pork chops.

The combination of apples and pork creates a hearty meal that’s sure to please!

5. Brisket

Brisket is a cut of beef that is known for its deep flavor, so it’s a perfect match for the tartness of sauerkraut.

It’s also something that you can eat at any time of day—it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

6. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is one of the easiest ways to cook up some meat for your family. You can even make it ahead of time, then take it out when you’re ready to eat!

The tenderness of this cut makes it a great choice if you’re looking to serve something delicious without much fuss.

7. Ham

Ham is another classic pairing for sauerkraut, because the tartness of the kraut cuts through the richness of the meat and adds another layer of flavor.

You can also try using smoked ham instead of plain ham!

8. Chicken Sausage Casserole

This is another great option for pairing sauerkraut with meat!

You can use chicken sausage links and add them right into your casserole dish before baking.

Then, mix up your own homemade white sauce—which usually contains flour, butter, milk or cream (or both), salt and pepper—and pour over everything before putting it in the oven at 350F for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

9. Other Cured Meats

Another type of cured meat that pairs well with sauerkraut is salami (and yes, you can eat both together!).

Salami has more spice than traditional ham so it stands up well against the sourness of sauerkraut while still providing some sweetness too!

10. Turkey

Turkey pairs perfectly with sauerkraut because its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the tangy cabbage condiment like other meats do.

Try roasting a turkey breast in your oven with some garlic cloves and olive oil before serving it alongside slices of sauerkraut on whole-wheat bread as an easy weeknight dinner option for your family tonight!

11. Duck Breast

Duck breast is another great option.

The richness of duck breast will balance out the sourness of sauerkraut, while also providing a nice fatty texture to contrast against the crunchiness of the cabbage.

12. Bacon

Bacon is another great option for pairing with sauerkraut—and they’re both already salty!

This combination works especially well if you’re making bacon-wrapped sausages, because then you have all the flavors of both in every bite.

13. Lamb shoulder

Lamb shoulder is a great cut for roasting, which means that it’ll be perfect when paired with sauerkraut—this meat tends to get tough if overcooked, so roasting at low temperatures will keep it tender while still allowing the flavor of the sauerkraut to shine through.

14. Hot dogs

Hot dogs are another great option for pairing with sauerkraut.

The hot dog will soak up the flavors of the sauerkraut, while the kraut adds spice to the otherwise bland hot dog.

15. Pepperoni

Not all pepperoni works well with sauerkraut – you’ll want something that’s got a bit more spice than sweetness so it balances out the flavors of your dish instead of overpowering them.

Try pairing it with spicy Italian sausage for a perfect combo!

16. Mortadella (Italian cold cut)

Mortadella works well because it has a similar flavor profile to sauerkraut—salty and sour—and will add another dimension of flavor to your meal!

You can add slices of mortadella on top of your sandwich or serve them alongside your favorite side dishes!

17. Corned beef

Corned beef has the same saltiness as sauerkraut, so they make for a perfect pair!

If you’re looking for something different, try adding some mustard or horseradish sauce (or both!) to really kick up the flavor profile.

Why Do Meats Go Well with Sauerkraut?

The answer lies in the delicate balance of acidity in the dish.

Sauerkraut is naturally acidic because of its fermentation process, which breaks down sugars in the cabbage and creates lactic acid.

This helps balance out the meat’s richness—the lactic acid gives your tongue a kick that makes the dish more exciting and interesting to eat!