Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping is a perfect addition to grilled plant-based sausages, veggie hot dogs, even carrot dogs!
5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of cooking time are all you need for this quick and easy recipe.
Perfect for your 4th of July cookout or Oktoberfest celebration!
I have been making this sauerkraut topping every 4th of July holiday for years and recently added it to my Oktoberfest menu collection of recipes.
My favorite way to serve this is on top of grilled vegan sausages in pretzel buns. There is just something about that distinct combination of flavors – sausage, pretzels, and sauerkraut – that I love.
I like this recipe because the sauerkraut actually doesn’t have a strong sour taste to it. The bitterness so frequently associated with sauerkraut is reduced significantly by rinsing it thoroughly with water then draining well prior to cooking.
Ingredients for Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping
You will need:
- 16 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
How to Make Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping
STEP ONE: In a medium-size saucepan over low heat, stir together the sauerkraut, relish, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and fennel seed.
STEP TWO: Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes, or until heated through then serve.
Quick Tip For Success
Do not skip rinsing the sauerkraut! This step is critical to the success of the recipe! Failure to thoroughly rinse the sauerkraut will result in a strong sour and acidic taste that some might find overpowering.
Drain the sauerkraut! This step is just as important as rinsing. You want the sauerkraut drained well, to the point that it is no longer dripping when you pick it up. Failure to adequately drain the sauerkraut will result in a mixture that has too much liquid and no one wants to eat a grilled veggie hot dog or sausage on wet bread.
FAQ
Can this be made in advance?
Yes! This sauerkraut topping can be made a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- German Style Carrot Dogs
- Vegan Sausage and Sauerkraut Stuffed Potatoes
- Crockpot Sausage and Sauerkraut
- German Potato Salad
- Vegan Pub Style Beer Cheese Dip
Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping
Ingredients
- 16 ounces sauerkraut rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
Instructions
- In a medium-size saucepan over low heat, stir together the sauerkraut, relish, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and fennel seed.
- Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes, or until heated through then serve.
Ashley
Yummy!! I don’t eat much sauerkraut but this sounds perfect for a hot dog topping! 🙂
thiswifecooks
Yes! This is my go-to topping when we do veggie dogs as part of a cookout.
Katie
The perfect hot dog topping! This is absolutely delicious!
nancy
what a great recipe for bbq parties
Matej @ CookWeWill.Com
I love sauerkraut and it goes really well with a hot dog! The fennel seeds give it an extra layer of flavor, I love it!
thiswifecooks
I agree! Thank you so much!
Natalie
These hot dogs are a hit lately in our home. Kids loved it and keep asking when will I make it again, thank you for a lovely recipe!
thiswifecooks
Lol, I love it! Keep those kids happy! 🙂
Gina
YUM! Wonderful way to top at dog!
Katie
I love sauerkraut, and this was fantastic! It tastes great on hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers!
Nancy
Perfect hot top or burger topping I can make ahead. Everyone kept asking for more at our annual bbq party. Thanks
Big John CHA
This looks Super Bowl-perfect. If I can’t get fennel seed in time, I hope celery seed will work.
thiswifecooks
Great idea! I haven’t tried this with celery seed but it sounds good. Which did you go with?
Helen Singleton
I tried this quick recipe last year for my Louisiana Oktoberfest party, but added some Bavarian sweet mustard during the final taste test. Was a HUGE hit, made dem brats sing! Using it again this year, thanks for sharing!
thiswifecooks
That does sound good! I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks, Helen!