My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Cadry Nelson
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Today I’m talking about my favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes and uses – from veggie reubens, to salads, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (1)

When you think sauerkraut, two things usually come to mind – sausages & hot dogs.

So while sauerkraut itself is vegan, it’s often associated with some very non-vegan things.

What’s a kraut loving vegan to do?

No worries.

There are still plenty of ways to have your kraut and eat it too.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses.

In this post:

Jump to:
  • What is sauerkraut?
  • Where can I find sauerkraut?
  • Don’t forget about kimchi

What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut means sour cabbage in German.

Although, fun fact: It was actually invented in China!

Over 2,000 years ago, Chinese people were fermenting cabbage in rice wine.

Then in the 16th century, Europeans started fermenting cabbage in its own juices.

It is made by shredding fresh cabbage, adding salt, and pressing down the mixture. That releases water and causes fermentation.

It was created as a way of preserving cabbage.

Fermenting cabbage helps promote the growth of probiotics, like you might associate with yogurt.

Probiotics are known to help with digestion and balance your gut after a round of antibiotics.

In addition to its probiotic power, it is high in vitamin C.

Where can I find sauerkraut?

My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (2)

Look for sauerkraut in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.

It’s sold in glass jars or resealable bags.

Most canned sauerkraut has been pasteurized, which kills off the good bacteria.

So I recommend seeking out the fresh variety in the refrigerated section instead. Gold Mine is my favorite.

Prefer to make your own?

Check out this recipe from The Kitchn showing how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Sauerkraut recipes & uses

Here are my favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes and uses.

They will keep you digging in for more – jar after jar.

Vegan reuben

Of course, kraut is wonderful on a veggie reuben sandwich along with a drizzling of vegan Thousand Island.

As for the filling? There are plenty of options!

  • Make a reuben with a corned jackfruit filling using this recipe for a vegan reuben jackfruit sandwich (above).
  • Make a seitan reuben using the official Chicago Diner vegan reuben sandwich recipe.
  • Or have a cozy bowl instead with this jackfruit reuben nourish bowl.

Top your veggie sausage

My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (4)

Pile sauerkraut onto your favorite veggie sausage or veggie dog along with a slathering of mustard.

The kraut adds a cool, tart compliment to a savory sausage.

That’s an Herbivorous Butcher beer brat above along with an easy spinach salad.

Make beer brats with sauerkraut

Brown some vegan bratwurst in a skillet. Sauté onions, and add a healthy glug of beer.

Once it’s cooked off, add sauerkraut.

Serve the whole thing alongside mustard mashed potatoes or vegan pierogi.

Now, that’s some savory goodness!

Add kraut to a green salad

My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (6)

Kraut is a cool, crunchy addition to a big salad.

It fills out the plate, adding another contrasting flavor that mixes especially well with a kale salad and avocado.

Pizza topping

It makes a terrific pizza topping, especially if you prefer a cheeseless pie like I do. It gives zing to each slice.

Some people throw sauerkraut on the pizza before cooking. But I prefer to add it cold by the spoonful after the pie is cooked.

It adds a cool, crunchy element on top of a hot, steamy pizza.

And it means that the kraut maintains all of its probiotics which can be killed off by heat.

Sauerkraut goes well with lots of pizza toppings like onions, garlic, tomatoes, red bell pepper, mushrooms, potatoes, or seitan sausage.

Sauerkraut is also a terrific topping on a vegan chili dog pizza along with a drizzle of stoneground mustard and diced onions.

Pierogi quesadillas

Sauerkraut plays very nicely with potato and non-dairy cheese in this pierogi-style vegan quesadilla.

It has all of the flavor of a pierogi but without fiddling with dough for hours.

Vegan Philly cheesesteak

Use kraut as a briny addition to homemade vegan cheese.

I often like to make my own cashew cheese. Adding sauerkraut to the blender brings some rich, pungent undertones.

Use sauerkraut in this cheese sauce on top of your vegan Philly cheesesteak.

Don’t forget about kimchi

And while you’re adding fermented cabbage to your plate, don’t forget about kimchi!

This spicy Korean fermented cabbage can often be found near the sauerkraut in the refrigerated section. Or look for it next to the miso paste.

Just be sure to read the ingredient labels. Not all brands are vegan.

Here are some ways to use kimchi:

  • Bulgogi tofu bowls with kimchi
  • Bulgogi tofu sandwich with kimchi
  • Kimchi fried rice

Content updated January 18, 2023. Originally posted September 25, 2014.

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  • 28 vegan tofu recipes that everyone will love

About Cadry Nelson

Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadry’s Kitchen. She's also the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd edition. Cadry loves sharing vegan comfort food classics that come together quickly. Her work has been featured on NBC News, Mashable, Yahoo, Buzzfeed, Parade, Huffington Post, VegNews, and Vegan Food & Living.

Reader Interactions

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  1. nowyat

    This opened my mind, because, yeah, why not throw some in a sandwich or in soup! Maybe in a vegan cheese sandwich or in a salad!

    Reply

  2. Randi (laughfrodisiac)

    This is super helpful! We got some free jars of pickled red cabbage at Vegfest this weekend and I had forgotten about the glory of seitan reubens!!!

    Reply

    • Cadry

      Oh, excellent! There’s not much better than a good seitan reuben.

      Reply

  3. Jojo

    Oh my goodness, I love sauerkraut on hot dogs and in mac and cheese and, of course, in seitan reubens but I’d never considered most of these other options! I wish they sold Gold Mine sauerkraut here, I’d totally try some!

    Reply

    • Cadry

      You can add it to the list for Austin! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Shell

    It hasn’t occured to me to use sauerkraut on homemade pizza. I’m going to try that!

    Reply

    • Cadry

      Yes, it’s such an easy and delicious way to use it! You’ll have to give it a go!

      Reply

  5. Susan

    I love sauerkraut, though sadly the rest of my family is not keen.
    We don’t have as many wonderful varieties as you do, I would love to find some garlic kraut!

    Reply

    • Cadry

      Luckily it lasts a long time, even if the jars are open. So you can take as much time as you need to polish off the kraut on your own. I hope you’re able to find some garlic kraut in your area! 🙂

      Reply

My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (2024)

FAQs

Is sauerkraut good for vegans? ›

As long as the initial ingredients, such as cabbage and salt, and any additional components used during fermentation are vegan, the sauerkraut remains vegan-friendly. So, whether you're a vegan or simply a sauerkraut enthusiast, you can enjoy this fermented delight without any concerns about its vegan status.

What can be added to sauerkraut to make it taste better? ›

Ten Delicious Kraut Additions
  1. Juniper Berries. Small and dark, these little raisin-sized berries pack a flavor punch. ...
  2. Beets. Peeled and grated or thinly sliced, even a tiny bit of beet stains the whole ferment fuchsia. ...
  3. Ginger. ...
  4. Lemon Peel. ...
  5. Dill. ...
  6. Caraway Seed. ...
  7. Fennel. ...
  8. Celery Root (celeriac)

Should sauerkraut be rinsed before using? ›

Buy good quality sauerkraut (ideally without preservatives). You do NOT need to rinse sauerkraut (unless it's overly salty). Drain it thoroughly before cooking or using raw. Chop your sauerkraut roughly before cooking (or putting in a salad) so it's easier to combine with other ingredients.

What does eating sauerkraut everyday do to your body? ›

Sauerkraut has been scientifically proven to have immune-boosting qualities. Creating equilibrium inside your gut results in a healthy gut lining, which allows the development of natural antibodies that keep your body secure and protected. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the healthiest way to eat sauerkraut? ›

The best time to eat sauerkraut for gut health is during or before a meal since stomach acid, and enzymes can aid in breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria. Incorporating sauerkraut into your diet regularly can be beneficial, aiming for at least 1-2 servings per day.

Does sauerkraut cleanse your liver? ›

The same “good” bugs that you enjoy in your yogurt, kraut, and kefir that promote smooth digestion and boost the immune system may also help diminish fat accumulation in the liver. Time to add fermented foods to the list of items that are good for the liver!

Is sauerkraut a prebiotic or probiotic? ›

Probiotics are in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements.

Is fermented sauerkraut anti inflammatory? ›

Anti-inflammatory effects

One 2021 review concluded that fermented foods such as sauerkraut could help promote greater gut bacteria diversity and protect against inflammation. Some animal research suggests that sauerkraut's anti-inflammatory effect may be due to reduced nitric oxide production.

What seasoning is good in sauerkraut? ›

Mustard, Coriander, and Poppy Seeds add bold flavor and texture to this fun and easy-to-make fermented cabbage.

What do you put in sauerkraut to make it less bitter? ›

A couple tablespoons of brown sugar and a can of beer. I'd go for unhoppy styles. (Don't start 2021 by being snooty and cooking with expensive beer...

Do you eat sauerkraut straight from jar? ›

Raw sauerkraut can be enjoyed as is, by the forkful. Just take the jar out of the fridge, grab a fork, and enjoy the health benefits! Eat a forkful once or twice a day straight from the jar. Buy unpasteurized sauerkraut from the refrigerator section of your grocery store.

Should you drink the liquid in sauerkraut? ›

Basically, kraut juice is rich in probiotics; it activates your digestion-relieving constipation; and it generally keeps your belly at ease. Sauerkraut juice is also a nutrient-dense by-product of the fermentation process.

Is it better to eat sauerkraut raw or cooked? ›

About 70 percent of your immune system is in your gut, which means you want to consume things that promote gut health. Eating raw sauerkraut is one of the best ways to do this, and it also contains vitamins K, C & B, calcium, magnesium, dietary fiber, folate, iron, copper, manganese, and potassium.

How long does sauerkraut last in the refrigerator? ›

If you are refrigerating your sauerkraut, it should stay fresh for about four to six months after opening. It's important to know when you're using it and sealing it after each use because if new bacteria come in contact with it, it can immediately become spoiled.

Can you drink the brine from sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut commonly comes packaged in a brine – usually the same liquid it was fermented in. There are many ways to use this juice, believe it or not, you can even just drink the liquid straight like a tonic!

How do Germans eat sauerkraut? ›

Depending on your taste, onions, bacon, juniper berries, caraway, and/or cream can be added to and cooked with the Sauerkraut. In many parts of Germany, pork ribs or pork cutlets are cooked in the Sauerkraut to give it a smokey flavor. The pork absorbs the liquid and becomes very soft and juicy.

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