If you’re craving an easy, hearty meal that practically makes itself, you’ve got to try this Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that just hits all the right comfort-food notes: tender potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and savory sausage slowly melding together to create pure magic. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro like me, you’ll find this recipe so satisfying and foolproof, it quickly becomes a weeknight or weekend favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-It-And-Forget-It Ease: Just toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it simmer while you relax or tackle your day.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s a nostalgic dish that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and a perfect balance of flavors.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: My crew goes absolutely wild for this — it’s simple but never boring.
Flexible and Forgiving: You can easily swap sausage types or adjust seasoning, making it your own without fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a black bowl filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer consists of pale yellow potato chunks with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. On top and mixed throughout are thick slices of reddish-brown sausage with a smooth, glossy casing, some slices showing a light pink interior. The dish is also topped with a generous amount of light, shredded sauerkraut, which has a pale off-white color and fine, stringy texture. The overall look is hearty and rustic, with visible seasoning specks on the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully — simple staples you can find at any grocery store, yet when combined, they make an unforgettable meal. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you get cooking.

Sauerkraut: I like using canned for convenience, but fresh or bagged works too. Undrained is key because that liquid adds flavor and moisture.
Potatoes: Large chunks of peeled potatoes cook evenly without disintegrating. Yukon Gold or Russets work great.
Water: Just enough to keep everything moist while slow cooking—don’t skip this!
Polish Sausage: The traditional choice, but smoked sausage or kielbasa are excellent swaps that add smoky depth.
Caraway Seeds: They bring a lovely, slightly sweet and nutty aroma that complements sauerkraut perfectly.
Bay Leaf: Adds subtle earthy notes — don’t forget to fish it out before serving!
Pepper: Just a bit to season and balance the tanginess.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe is—experimenting with different ingredients or tweaks makes it feel fresh every time you make it.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the sausage for extra smoked tofu or vegan sausages and add more smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: I’ve added a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on occasion, and my family loved the little surprise of heat.
Sweeter Touch: Sometimes I toss in a few sliced apples or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a subtly sweet contrast to the tangy kraut.
Herb Boost: Fresh dill or thyme sprinkled before serving adds an herbal brightness that’s delicious.

How to Make Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Sauerkraut and Potatoes

Start by adding your undrained sauerkraut right into the base of your crock pot, then spread the peeled and chunked potatoes on top. This layering lets the potatoes absorb all that tangy goodness without getting mushy. Make sure to spread everything evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Add Spices and Water

Sprinkle your caraway seeds, bay leaf, and pepper over the top, then pour one cup of water evenly around the edges. This ensures there’s enough moisture to slow-cook the potatoes and infuse the flavors without diluting the dish.

Step 3: Top with Sausage and Cook

Place your sausage chunks right on top—no stirring needed. Cover and let your crock pot work its magic for about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage is juicy and heated through.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe

Don’t Drain the Sauerkraut: Keeping the juice in adds moisture and enriches the flavor—trust me, this makes a huge difference.
Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Large, evenly sized chunks cook evenly without breaking down too much, keeping a nice texture.
Layering Matters: Putting the potatoes over the sauerkraut ensures they soak up those flavors without becoming soggy.
Check Early if Using Smaller Crock Pots: If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, potatoes might cook faster—start checking at 3 hours on high to avoid mushiness.

How to Serve Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a warm dish made of three main layers. The bottom layer is made of yellow chunks of soft potatoes, some pieces broken and mixed together. On top, there are small slices of brownish-red sausage, each slice showing a smooth texture inside with tiny specks. Covering the dish is a layer of pale yellow sauerkraut, looking shredded and slightly moist, mixed evenly with the potatoes and sausage. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a lace cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little chopped dill right before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous bite. A dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts if you crave a creamy contrast to the tangy sauerkraut.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like crusty bread or rye toast work beautifully since they soak up the delicious juices. I also serve it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served this recipe nestled inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. It makes such a cozy presentation and brings a festive charm to the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently in a covered skillet or microwave works perfectly to keep the potatoes from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! After cool down, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to regain moisture, then heat covered on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through—this keeps it juicy and tasty without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage in this Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! While Polish sausage is traditional, smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even bratwurst work beautifully. Just make sure the sausage is cut into chunks so it cooks evenly with the potatoes and sauerkraut.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut before cooking?

I don’t recommend rinsing the sauerkraut here—the juice adds important moisture and flavor that enriches the whole dish. If you prefer it less tangy, you can rinse lightly, but you might need to add a little extra seasoning or liquid.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Use the sauté setting to brown the sausage first, then layer the other ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Quick release and check that potatoes are tender.
How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?

Cut the potatoes into large, uniform chunks and avoid stirring throughout cooking. Also, cooking on low heat for the right amount of time ensures the potatoes soften without falling apart.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe turns out every single time. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and fills your home with comforting smells. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how effortless it was to pull together something so flavorful and hearty. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple you love to come back to—perfect for busy days or any time you want a satisfying, no-fuss dinner. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious bite!

Crock Pot Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes Recipe

4.5 from 74 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (High) or 6 hours (Low)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (High) or 6 hours 15 minutes (Low)
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting crock pot recipe featuring tender potatoes, flavorful Polish sausage, and tangy sauerkraut cooked together with warming spices for an effortless and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Sauerkraut and Potatoes

2 (14 ounce) cans sauerkraut, undrained (or 1 (2 pound) bag)
5 or 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 cup water
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Sausage

1 pound Polish sausage, cut into chunks (can substitute smoked sausage)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks. Cut the Polish sausage into bite-sized pieces.
Layer in Crock Pot. Place the sauerkraut and potatoes into the crock pot, and sprinkle the caraway seeds, bay leaf, and pepper over them. Pour in 1 cup of water to help the ingredients cook evenly and keep moist.
Add Sausage. Arrange the sausage pieces on top of the sauerkraut and potatoes in the crock pot.
Cook. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.
Serve. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Spoon portions onto plates, making sure to include sausage, potatoes, and sauerkraut in each serving. Enjoy your warm and flavorful crock pot meal!

Notes

This easy crock pot meal is wonderful, perfect for cold days and busy schedules.
You can substitute smoked sausage if Polish sausage is not available.
Adjust the cooking time based on your crock pot model for best results.
For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg