Sauerkraut Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sauerkraut balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The tangy kraut balances beautifully with savory bratwurst and creamy cheese, while the crunchy breadcrumb coating makes them irresistible. They can be prepared in advance, fried just before serving, and dipped into mustard or your favorite sauce for a snack everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 bratwursts, removed from casings and crumbled
• 4 tablespoons minced onion
• 1 (14-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and chopped fine
• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon seasoned breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 heaping teaspoon stone ground mustard
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for cooking

Directions

1. In a skillet, cook the crumbled bratwurst with the minced onion until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the bratwurst mixture with chopped sauerkraut, 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, cream cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in size. Place on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Prepare a breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk in another, and place remaining breadcrumbs in a third.
5. Roll each sauerkraut ball in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the sauerkraut balls in batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
8. Serve warm with stone ground mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 sauerkraut balls, serving 6–8 people as an appetizer. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes chilling time. Cooking time is around 15 minutes, for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

• Use spicy bratwurst or Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
• Add shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese to the filling for extra richness.
• Bake instead of frying at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes for a lighter version.
• Swap parsley for fresh dill to enhance the German flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover sauerkraut balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

What dipping sauce goes best with sauerkraut balls?

Stone ground mustard, honey mustard, or creamy horseradish sauce pair especially well.

Can I make sauerkraut balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and bread them a day in advance, then fry just before serving.

Can I bake sauerkraut balls instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a great alternative. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Do sauerkraut balls freeze well?

Yes, freeze before frying or baking, then cook directly from frozen when ready to serve.

What type of sauerkraut works best?

A classic canned or jarred sauerkraut works well, but make sure it is well-drained and finely chopped.

Can I use sausage other than bratwurst?

Yes, Italian sausage, kielbasa can be used.

How do I keep the sauerkraut balls from falling apart?

Chilling them before breading and frying helps them hold their shape.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works best due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.

Are sauerkraut balls served hot or cold?

They are best served hot and crispy, straight from the fryer or oven.

Conclusion

Sauerkraut Balls are a delicious appetizer that combines German flavors with a crispy, satisfying bite. Easy to make ahead, versatile with variations, and perfect for dipping, they’re an excellent choice for parties or family gatherings. Tangy, savory, and crunchy, these little bites are sure to disappear fast.

Print