Sauerkraut Balls: A Crispy, Tangy Lunch You’ll Love

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If you wander into my West Lafayette kitchen around lunch, you might catch the tangy scent of sauerkraut mingling with sizzling onions as I shape warm, crispy sauerkraut balls. These little bites transform the sharp, probiotic goodness of sauerkraut into a cozy, snackable lunch you’ll look forward to. They’re packed with savory sausage, caramelized onions, and creamy cheese, all wrapped in a crisp coating. If you’ve ever wondered how to eat sauerkraut as a snack or want to add more probiotics to your routine, these sauerkraut balls are your new go-to for a comforting, quick lunch that feels fun and nourishing.

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Why Sauerkraut Balls Are the Ultimate Snackable Lunch

A Story From My Kitchen

It started with a jar of homemade sauerkraut in my fridge begging to be used beyond sandwiches. One chilly afternoon, I decided to experiment, mixing sauerkraut with sautéed onions, sausage, and cream cheese to form little balls I could fry until crisp. As they sizzled, the tang of sauerkraut mellowed, blending with the savory sausage and creamy cheese, creating a bite that was cozy, tangy, and satisfying.

Now, these sauerkraut balls are a staple lunch in my kitchen, especially on busy days when I want something comforting yet energizing. They’re easy to make ahead, freeze well, and can be reheated quickly for a warm, crisp lunch in minutes. Paired with a mustard dip or a simple green salad, they transform fermented cabbage into something fun and nourishing.

For more comforting, quick lunches, check out our classic tuna melt sandwich for a cozy midday meal or loaded sweet potato bowls for a nourishing, colorful lunch that satisfies.

Why Sauerkraut Makes a Great Snack

Sauerkraut is packed with probiotics, fiber, and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to your lunch routine. Cooking it into sauerkraut balls takes the bite out of the tang while retaining its health benefits, offering a snackable way to add gut-friendly goodness to your day in a fun, satisfying form.

Ingredients and Preparation for Perfect Sauerkraut Balls

What’s in Sauerkraut Balls?

Sauerkraut balls are a blend of tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, sautéed onions, and creamy cheese, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with breadcrumbs before frying or baking until golden and crisp. This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors: the sauerkraut adds brightness and gentle tang, the sausage brings richness, and the cheese ensures a creamy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating.

To take the bite out of sauerkraut, rinse and drain it well before using, then sauté with onions until softened. This process retains the benefits and flavor while mellowing the sharpness, making it more approachable, especially for those new to fermented foods.

For more cozy lunch ideas that blend comfort with nourishment, check out our creamy rigatoni pasta bake for a satisfying midday meal or our delicious crack chicken noodle soup for comforting, easy lunches that warm your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make sauerkraut balls, gather:

• 1 cup well-drained sauerkraut
• ½ pound ground sausage (pork or chicken)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs for breading
• Oil for frying or spray for baking

These ingredients create a savory, creamy, and slightly tangy filling that holds together well, making it easy to form balls that crisp up beautifully.

Next, we will cover step-by-step instructions to prepare your sauerkraut balls, variations to suit your taste, and how to enjoy them for a quick, cozy lunch while maintaining their gut-friendly benefits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sauerkraut Balls

How to Make Sauerkraut Balls

1. Prep the Sauerkraut: Rinse and drain your sauerkraut thoroughly, then pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to take the bite out of sauerkraut and prevent sogginess.
2. Cook the Sausage and Onions: In a skillet, cook your ground sausage over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine the Mixture: In a bowl, mix the sausage and onion mixture with sauerkraut, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Form the Balls: Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
5. Bread the Balls: Prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each sauerkraut ball in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
6. Cook: Fry in oil heated to 350°F until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes), or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

For a healthier option, you can air-fry your sauerkraut balls at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.

How to Eat Sauerkraut as a Snack

Sauerkraut balls are a fun, snackable way to enjoy sauerkraut. Serve them warm with spicy mustard, Thousand Island dressing, or a simple yogurt dip. They are perfect for lunch, snacks, or party appetizers, bringing probiotic benefits in a comforting, crispy package.

For more warm, snackable lunches, explore our crispy Reuben balls and one-pan garlic butter salmon for cozy, flavorful midday meals.

Next, we will cover the health benefits of sauerkraut, why eating a spoonful daily is beneficial, and how sauerkraut balls can fit into your nourishing lunch routine.

Health Benefits of Sauerkraut and How Sauerkraut Balls Fit In

Is Eating a Spoonful of Sauerkraut a Day Good for You?

Yes, eating sauerkraut daily can be beneficial for gut health. Sauerkraut is a fermented food rich in probiotics, fiber, and vitamins like C and K, which can help support digestion and overall immune health. Even a spoonful daily can contribute beneficial bacteria to your gut, supporting your microbiome and aiding digestion naturally.

If the tang of raw sauerkraut feels too sharp, cooking it into sauerkraut balls is a delicious way to incorporate these benefits into your lunch routine while making it easier to enjoy regularly.

How Sauerkraut Balls Fit Into a Healthy Lunch Routine

While sauerkraut balls are a cozy, snackable lunch option, they also help you include sauerkraut in your diet in a warm, satisfying form. By rinsing and draining the sauerkraut before cooking, you reduce excess sodium while retaining its probiotic benefits and tangy flavor. Pairing sauerkraut with sausage and cheese in a crispy ball format makes it accessible, especially if you’re trying to add more fermented foods to your diet without compromising on comfort.

For a balanced lunch, serve your sauerkraut balls with a green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, opt to air-fry or bake your sauerkraut balls rather than deep frying.

For more comforting, gut-friendly lunch ideas, check out our sourdough discard jalapeno popper bites and creamy tomato basil soup for warming, nourishing midday meals.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sauerkraut balls are a cozy, crisp, and flavorful way to enjoy the gut-friendly benefits of sauerkraut while adding a fun twist to your lunch routine. By combining tangy sauerkraut with savory sausage and melty cheese in a crispy bite, you create a comforting snack or lunch that feels special without being complicated. Whether served with mustard or paired with a salad for a balanced lunch, these sauerkraut balls are a delicious, creative way to nourish your body while satisfying your cravings for something warm and crunchy. more recipes follow me: facebook – Pinterest.