Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut recipes are not usually on my to-do list, but after experimenting with this Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut recipe, it may have to be something I am making far more often! It is a great condiment to have in the fridge.

overhead shot of beer and bacon sauerkraut in pan with wooden spoon


 

Gather This

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this beer and bacon sauerkraut recipe! A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

  • Refrigerated sauerkraut – You can make your own sauerkraut base at home if you are feeling adventurous or you can easily use a brand you find in the store. Before simmering, you will wring out most of the liquid in the sauerkraut. This will allow you to add additional ingredients without making it a soggy mess. You can even try making sauerkraut from scratch with my easy step-by-step instructions! It is a bit of a time commitment taking take about a week, but it is a fun science project for the kids.
  • Sweet onion
  • Vegetable oil
  • Thick cut strips bacon
  • Garlic cloves
  • Chicken broth
  • Pilsner beer
  • Coarse sea salt
close up angled shot of wooden spoon

Perfect Pairings

Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut can be used on hot dogs, bratwurst, or most sausages, reuben sandwiches, inside pierogies, on to of soups, even on pizza!

I personally like to whip up a batch before a cookout at our house during the summer. If you have hamburgers and hot dogs coming off the grill, it is a fun and somewhat unusual condiment to be able to offer your friends and family.

close up shot of sauerkraut on hot dog
overhead shot of beer and bacon sauerkraut in pan with wooden spoon

Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut

4.39 from 13 votes
Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut is made from drained sauerkraut reconstituted with the flavors of beer and bacon. Top on hamburgers or hot dogs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Drain the 2 pounds refrigerated sauerkraut, rinse with cold water and then then squeeze any excess water out so it's dry. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat, stirring in the thinly sliced 1 cup sweet onion and 4 thick cut strips bacon Cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes, or until bacon starts to cook. Stir in the minced 4 garlic cloves, sautéing 1 minute.
  • Add the 1/2 cup chicken broth, 12 ounce Pilsner beer and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, stirring well.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Nutrition

Calories: 125 kcal, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 8 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 7 mg, Sodium: 1170 mg, Potassium: 267 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 20 IU, Vitamin C: 19.1 mg, Calcium: 42 mg, Iron: 1.8 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Formicola
Calories: 125
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American, Irish
Keyword: homemade sauerkraut, sauerkraut
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Storage and Freezing

How to store beer and bacon sauerkraut?

You can any leftovers of this sauerkraut dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can I freeze beer and bacon sauerkraut?

Yes! It is perfect for freezing, but keep in mind that the sauerkraut might not be as snappy when thawed.

overhead shot of pan beer and bacon sauerkraut

More Easy Condiments

If you know me, you know I like things saucy! Here are some of my favorite sauces that I know you’ll love too.

collage of beer and bacon sauerkraut
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.39 from 13 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! I use an Irish red ale and use this exclusively for our homemade reuben sandwiches. So good.

  2. Never heard of sauerkraut here in my country is it the same as kimchi from Korea? Well anyways, photos look mouth-watering and if I had the ingredients here right now I’ll definitely try them out. Thanks for sharing a wonderful recipe!

    1. Hi, it is very similar, but not spicy like kimchi. Still a fermented cabbage. You can make it easily yourself as long as you have cabbage, I’ll actually be posting a homemade version soon! Sign up for the email list to make sure you get it!

  3. Wow, this sounds amazing! I like regular sauerkraut, so this sounds unbelievably good! I’m definitely going to have to try this with the jar of Bubbies I have in the fridge. Thanks so much for sharing!