Classic Comfort Food Dinner
This recipe is a modern version of one I grew up with. My dad did most of the cooking in our house, and sausage with sauerkraut was a regular dinner through fall and winter. This slow cooker version keeps all those familiar flavors but adds an easy, hands-off approach that makes it perfect for weeknights.
It’s great for game days, Oktoberfest menus, or anytime you want a simple meal that takes care of itself while you go about your day.
Ingredients for Crockpot Sausage and Sauerkraut
Here’s what you’ll need. Exact amounts are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Baby Carrots – For color and a touch of sweetness.
- Red Potatoes – Sturdy and hold their shape during slow cooking.
- Sauerkraut – Fresh, refrigerated sauerkraut (usually found near the pickles or deli section) is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
- Vegan Bratwurst Sausage – I like Beyond Meat or Impossible Bratwurst for this recipe. Both hold up well in the slow cooker.
- Onion and Garlic – Cooked together to form a savory base that complements the sauerkraut.
- Dry White Wine – Adds depth as it simmers; vegan chicken-style broth or vegetable broth is a good substitute.
- Spices – Ground black pepper adds mild heat, and fennel seeds bring a subtle sweetness that echoes the flavor of traditional sausage and ties the whole dish together.
Make It Vegan 🌱
This recipe is easy to keep vegan. Use plant-based bratwurst and a vegan wine or broth, and everything else stays the same.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Sauerkraut
STEP ONE: Brown the sausage. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add sausage slices in an even layer. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside. Leave drippings in the pan.
STEP TWO: Add garlic. Into the skillet used for the sausage, add onion and saute 2 minutes, to soften. Add garlic and continue cooking an additional 1 minute.
STEP THREE: Add wine and seasonings. Add white wine, ground black pepper, and fennel seeds. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.
STEP FOUR: Layer into the crockpot. Into a 6-quart slow cooker, add baby carrots in a single layer. Add cubed potatoes over the carrots. Cover the potatoes with sauerkraut.
STEP FIVE: Over the sauerkraut layer, add the sliced sausage. Pour wine and onion mixture over the top.
STEP SIX: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until potatoes are tender, then serve hot.
Do I Need to Rinse the Sauerkraut First?
No. The brine adds flavor as the dish cooks, and rinsing can remove too much of its tangy character. If your sauerkraut tastes especially sharp or salty, you can give it a light rinse and drain it well, but for most varieties, using it straight from the jar works best.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave for individual portions.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Vegan Sausage and Peppers Pasta
- Vegan Sausage and Sauerkraut Potatoes
- Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping
- Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐ Star Rating ⭐️ and share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for being part of our home cooking community!
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Crockpot Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 2 cups red potatoes cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 16 ounces sauerkraut drained
- 14 ounces vegan bratwurst sausage links sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup white onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup dry white wine or chicken-style broth
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage slices in an even layer. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove sausage from pan and set aside. Leave drippings in the pan.
- Into the skillet used for the sausage, add onion and saute 2 minutes, to soften. Add garlic and continue cooking an additional 1 minute.
- Add white wine, ground black pepper, and fennel seeds. Bring just to a boil then remove from heat.
- Into a 6-quart slow cooker, add baby carrots in a single layer.
- Add cubed potatoes over the carrots.
- Cover the potatoes with sauerkraut.
- Over the sauerkraut layer, add the sliced sausage.
- Pour wine and onion mixture over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
Nutrition
Save this recipe to Pinterest! ⤵️ 📌
This post was updated on October 6, 2025.
Holly
This sounds fantastic and reminds me of my great grandmother! I will have to try it when my parents come to visit…hubby won't eat sauerkraut.
Holly
Lissaloo
Yummy, This looks great! Unfortunately my kids won't eat anything with that type of sausage in it, they are so weird. I might have to try making this for my dad though, he would love it!!
Linda
Came across this recipe and decided it sound easy enough to make and it was. Came out perfect and delicious!
thiswifecooks
Hi Linda – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much! 🙂
Michelle
This is such a creative recipe! A must try 🙂
Jacqui
This is such a fabulous recipe! 10/10 recommend
nancy
hooray to easy weeknight meals!