5 Simple Recipes with Sauerkraut

Have an open jar of sauerkraut and need a little inspiration? These five simple recipes with sauerkraut include quick lunches, a warm Reuben sandwich, and small batch sides. Choose a recipe below based on what you're craving, and how much sauerkraut you have left.

Sauerkraut with caraway seeds, vinegar, oil and sugar in a large glass mixing bowl.

One of the reasons I love cooking with sauerkraut is that it's incredibly easy to use; no chopping required. Better yet, it lasts for a while so it's one of those rockstar ingredients I always try to have on hand. (Of course, always look at expiration dates before using.)

Which sauerkraut recipe should you make?

If you want…	Choose…	Sauerkraut used	Yield
A quick sandwich	Tuna sauerkraut sandwich	2 tablespoons	1 sandwich
A warm, hearty lunch	Classic Reuben	¼ cup	1 sandwich
Two light lunches	Tuna and sauerkraut salad	⅓ cup	2 servings
A side that uses more of the jar	Classic sauerkraut salad	1 cup	2 side servings
A crisp, savory side	Sweet potato latkes	¼ cup beet kraut or regular sauerkraut	2 side servings

Recipes with Sauerkraut

Old fashioned sauerkraut salad with caraway seeds.

Classic Sauerkraut Salad (Easy Small Batch Side Dish)

Have a larger amount of sauerkraut to use? This small batch side combines a full cup with crunchy vegetables and a sweet-tangy dressing. Allow time for chilling, and serve it alongside a burger or sausage.

Tuna salad and sauerkraut sandwich on a white plate.

Tuna Sauerkraut Sandwich

This 10-minute lunch uses just two tablespoons of sauerkraut, making it a handy choice when you're near the bottom of the jar. Creamy tuna salad and crunchy vegetables balance the tangy topping.

Tuna sauerkraut salad in a white serving bowl.

Tuna and Sauerkraut Salad (Easy Lunch Recipe)

Choose this one for a light lunch with leafy greens instead of bread. One can of tuna makes two servings; prepare the tuna mixture ahead and add the greens and sauerkraut when you're ready to eat.

Sweet potato latkes with sides of beet kraut and sour cream.

Sweet Potato Latkes with Beet Kraut

These crisp little latkes pair sweet potato with tangy kraut and sour cream. Regular sauerkraut works too, so you don't need to buy beet kraut especially for this recipe. Serve the kraut alongside the latkes just before eating.

Two halves of a Reuben sandwich stacked on a white serving plate.

Classic Reuben Sandwich

For a warm lunch, layer sauerkraut with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and dressing, then toast the sandwich in a skillet. Drain the kraut well first to keep the bread from becoming soggy. Use gluten-free bread if needed.

More ways to use leftover sauerkraut

Only have a spoonful or two left? You don't need a whole recipe to put it to use.

Top a burger: Add drained sauerkraut and a little mustard to a turkey or veggie burger.

Fill a hummus wrap: Layer hummus, crunchy vegetables, and a small spoonful of drained kraut in your favorite wrap.

Dress up a baked potato: Add sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, then finish with sauerkraut.

Round out a simple plate: Serve a little kraut alongside roasted potatoes and your favorite protein.

Start with a small amount and add more to taste; the tanginess and saltiness vary between jars. Follow your sauerkraut's label for storage instructions after opening.

Continue exploring

Hopefully these simple recipes with sauerkraut have given you some inspiration for putting that jar to good use. If you're feeling extra inspired, you can even try making your own homemade sauerkraut! There's nothing more rewarding than making that first successful batch of real, raw sauerkraut in your own kitchen.

Looking for more single-serve inspiration? Browse my recipes for one for fresh, easy meals and small-batch baking recipes.

5 Simple Recipes with Sauerkraut

Which sauerkraut recipe should you make?

Recipes with Sauerkraut