Fix this Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut on New Year’s Day to ensure good luck in the coming year. As a pig roots forward, so will you!
I’m a born and bred Ohio girl so pork and sauerkraut is tradition for me on New Year’s Day. I never really understood the connection, but in researching it I found several references to a pig rooting forward. Therefore eating pork is thought to keep you moving ahead.
I’d not posted a recipe specifically for pork and sauerkraut yet so it was about time. My secret ingredient in this Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut recipe is apple butter. The sweetness and spice in the apple butter really compliments the tangy flavor of the sauerkraut. It kind of tones it down enough so the kids will be more likely to enjoy this traditional dish.
For purists, you can serve extra sauerkraut on the side – that hasn’t been slow cooked with the pork loin. And of course a big side of mashed potatoes are a must with this main course!
Tips for Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut:
- Use a six or eight quart slow cooker for this recipe.
- I used a boneless pork loin for this recipe.
- This recipe can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. I put my cold pork and sauerkraut back into my slow cooker a few hours before serving to slowly reheat it.
- Traditional mashed potatoes or my party potatoes should be served with this pork and sauerkraut.
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Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
Fix this Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut on New Year's Day to ensure good luck in the coming year. As a pig roots forward, so will you!
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless pork loin
- 1 sweet onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- 1 cup apple butter
- 2 tbsp mustard can use whatever kind you have on-hand
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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In a large bowl, stir together the onion, sauerkraut, apple butter, mustard, garlic, soy sauce, salt and pepper.
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Place the pork loin in the crock of a 6 or 8 quart slow cooker. Top it with sauerkraut mixture. Cook on LOW heat for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork loin is easily shredded with a fork.
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Serve with mashed potatoes and more sauerkraut on the side.
Pam says
I had never heard about the New Years Day tradition of pork and sauerkraut. My boyfriend is from Ohio and explained this tradition. So I searched Pinterest and made this recipe, it was a hit! He had two plate fulls. I served it with mashed potatoes and green beans. It will be made every New Years Day from now on. Thanks!
foodtasticmom says
I love hearing this! Thank you and I’m glad both you and your boyfriend enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
Tiffany Zum says
I’m from Ohio but have lived away for the past 12 years. Didn’t realize it was a regional thing until now. 😆 at least I’m not alone.
LJinPA says
Can this be done on high for 4 to 5 hours?
foodtasticmom says
I think so. Depending on the size of your pork, it may take more than 4 hours to fall apart, even on high heat.