Best Pennsylvania Dutch Pork and Sauerkraut Crock Pot Recipe

Embrace the wholesome culinary heritage of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine with this delicious Crock-Pot Pork and Sauerkraut recipe. 

Rooted in German tradition and cherished for its savory flavors, this dish is a testament to the hearty and comforting meals that have graced Pennsylvania tables for generations.

You may also like my PA Dutch Chicken and Waffles or PA Dutch Fastnachts recipes. 

You may be wondering what an authentic Italian food cook like me knows about PA Dutch cooking! You’ll be glad to know that I was born and raised one hour from Lancaster County  a.k.a. Amish country in Pennslyvania and have lived here my whole life.

I’ve been to Shady Maple (restaurant and grocery store) more times than I can count and absoultely LOVE their vanilla icing-topped Long John donuts! Check out my delicious Mini Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.

Also, I live twenty minutes from Hatfield, PA which is where Hatfield Meats is located and have grown up eating their pork products.

Additionally, both my husband and former ex-fiance are both from German decent so, I learned to cook PA Dutch from their families. You may also LOVE my Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork recipe as well!

Is pork and sauerkraut a Pennslyvania Dutch thing?

Pennsylvanians from German decent who live in Lancaster County (a.k.a. Amish country) and surrounding areas (1 1/4 hours from Philadelphia) commonly eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day for good luck. The tradition stems from German culture and was brought to Pennsylvania by German early settlers in the 1700s.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links and I’m an Amazon affiliate. If you may a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.

Let your slow cooker do the work as you bring the essence of PA Dutch cooking into your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s not only delicious but also a journey through time and tradition of German cuisine.

Serving pork on New Years Day is a sign of good fortune and Pork and Sauerkraut is a traditional dish that is a beloved comfort food by many, whether you’re of German decent or not. 

It is your personal preference as to how sweet, salty or sour you’d like your pork and sauerkraut dish to be. Keep that in mind when reading the ingredients.

Cut of Pork

​You may use the following cuts of pork for this recipe:

• Pork loin roast or boness pork loin
• ​Pork tenderloin
• Bone-in pork shoulder 
• Pork chops
• pork butt

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds boneless pork loin, pork tenderloin (boneless pork shoulder can be used)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 32-ounce jar sauerkraut with sauerkraut juice
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar 
• 1 Macintosh apple, peeled, cored and chopped (or Granny Smith apples)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. First, prepare the Pork: Season it with salt and pepper. Place the pork loin, fat side up on thebottom of the crockpot. If it hits the sides, it’s o.k. as it will cook down.
2. Next, place the thinly sliced onion on top of the pork followed by the chopped apple. The onions apple will season the pork as it cooks slowly. Add caraway seeds if you’ve decided to use them.
3. Then, place sauerkraut with sauerkraut juice (brine) on top of the pork loin so the juices can be absorbed into the pork.
4. Next, add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to add additional sour flavoring. NOTE: If you prefer this dish to be more sweet, add 1/4 cup of apple juice or a bit of  brown sugar (2 tbsp)to it. The fruity notes of the cider complement the savory pork and tangy sauerkraut, creating a delightful flavor combination.
5. Then, cover the slow cooker and set the slow cooker on low heat. Allow the ingredients to meld and simmer with an 8-9 hours cook time window, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If possible, stir at least once midway through cooking.

Subsitutions

• Use refrigerated, bagged saurkraut with brine for this recipe instead of jarred.
• Add brown sugar in place of the chopped apple if that’s what you have on hand or if you want it sweeter.
• Use apple juice instead of chopped apple.
• Nearly any variety of apple will work in this recipe, but, tangy apple varieties work best.
• Use boneless pork shoulder instead of pork loin or pork tenderloin
• Boneless pork chops can be used instead of pork loin or pork tenderloin
• Bone-in pork chops or bone-in pork shoulder can be used but, be careful to remove the bones before serving
• Use white onions or vidalia (sweet) onions instead of yellow onion if that’s what you have on hand.

What to serve with Pork and Sauerkraut

Serve with pork and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, spaetle, pierogi. 

Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans is a good green side dish for pork and sauerkraut. It tastes great with pickled eggs too!

This dish tastes just as good, if not better, the second day after the pork has sit in the juices even longer. Also, it freezes well so you can have it another time when you don’t have time to cook.

The tender meat, flavorful sauerkraut, and aromatic spices will bring back the nostalgia of PA Dutch cooking you enjoyed as a child and back to the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country!

Experience the warmth and comfort of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking with this Crock-Pot Pork and Sauerkraut recipe. It’s a great recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night at home, this dish encapsulates the essence of tradition and delicious flavor. 

As the slow cooker works its magic, savor the anticipation of a meal that pays homage to the culinary legacy of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Enjoy a taste of history with each bite, especially in the winter months when comfort food will help lift your spirits on cold, rainy and overcast days!

You may also like:

PA Dutch Chicken and Waffles

PA Dutch Fastnachts

Easy Pickled Eggs Recipe Without Pickling Spice

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Kielbasa, Pierogies and Fried Cabbage Recipe

Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Recipe

 See more Pork recipes.