Sauerkraut And Wieners

So easy, so quick, yet so amazingly good is what you’ll be thinking the first time you make Sauerkraut And Wieners!

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Move over, buns: There are other ways of enjoying hot dogs, and one way is this recipe for sauerkraut and wieners—or, if you’re from the South, sauerkraut and weenies. Either way, it’s a new take on combining frankfurters or sausages and sauerkraut that you may not have tried before.

I’ve never made this recipe until now, as I typically cut my hot dogs into pieces and add them to baked beans when I’m not using buns. That’s one of my favorite ways to eat them. I let them simmer for about 30 minutes and then dig in. Now, I have another option, and one that I think is equally good and probably healthier.

You can throw this simple, salty, and savory dish together in less time, and since all you need is a bag of sauerkraut and a package of wiener sausages, shopping will be fast. Your checkout bill at the register will certainly not break the bank—budget, speed, and flavor all in one little recipe.

Of course, you can always use our recipe for sauerkraut and make it from scratch. Please note that it will take approximately one to two weeks for the sauerkraut to ferment before it is ready to use. If you want to make this dish sooner, consider purchasing premade sauerkraut from the store.

The secret to flavorful success

Every dish has its secret, that one step that elevates it above ordinary. It may be hard to imagine something as simple as sauerkraut and wieners having such a secret, but they do. Are you ready to find out what it is? Caramelizing the wieners! That’s right, cooking the pieces of sausage or hot dogs slowly until they turn brown on all sides brings out a vibrant flavor. Then, when you add the sauerkraut, the savory umami infuses its way into every part of the dish. You can’t beat it.

Oh, and if you want to kick it up even further, here are two more ideas. The first one is to caramelize some onions in olive oil in the pan before adding the wieners. That adds an extra layer of savoriness to every bite. The second option is to add one diced or chopped apple to the skillet for a sweeter taste.

How do I store leftovers?

After letting the leftovers cool to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or a skillet on the stove. Chilled leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or zippered bags and defrosted in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving suggestions

Choosing a starchy side dish is ideal for sauerkraut and wieners, and potatoes are often a traditional accompaniment in the South. Consider Amish Potato Salad, Old-Fashioned Potato Salad, or German Potato Salad for a cold side dish. Crispy Fried Potatoes, Air-Fryer Fingerling Potatoes, or even Fried Sweet Potatoes are great when you want a hot accompaniment. These Ranch-Style Beans are another great option. Enjoy a nice, refreshing Watermelon Fruit Salad for dessert, and you have a fun and easy meal.