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!
Pork and Sauerkraut Tradition
I’m a born and bred Ohio girl so pork and sauerkraut is a traditional meal 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 in the next year. And I suppose if you’re going to make your own luck, moving forward and adapting to change is certainly helpful!
How to make Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
This pork can be put together and slow cooked overnight so it is ready and waiting for you to enjoy on New Year’s Day! Simply stir together the sauerkraut and seasonings and pour it over the pork loin. Cook it on LOW heat for 8 – 10 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork. It is melt in your mouth delicious!
Making Pork and Sauerkraut Kid-Friendly
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 down the overall flavor enough so kids will be more likely to enjoy this traditional dish. For purists who want that punch of fermented flavor, you can serve extra sauerkraut on the side.
Kitchen Tips:
- 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 to slowly reheat it before serving.
- Traditional mashed potatoes or my party potatoes should be served with this pork and sauerkraut.
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Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
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
- In a large bowl, stir together the onion, sauerkraut, apple butter, mustard, garlic, soy sauce, salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and extra 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.
Kim Dietz says
Have your butcher chunk up your pork roast! It cooks faster and just falls apart! Any grocery store butcher will do it for you if you ask! I think the meat comes out way more tender this way…
foodtasticmom says
This is a great suggestion. Thank you!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I just love food traditions, and this is a favorite (and we could use lots of good luck for the upcoming year)! I never thought to make this in the slow cooker – I’m going to give this a try. It looks so moist and delightful! Happy New Year!
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear you are going to try my recipe. I love food traditions and family recipes so much! Happy New Year!
Tavo says
I found the recipe very easy to follow and delicious! thank you!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave a 5-star rating, I appreciate it!
Andrea says
This is such an easy recipe. Full of so much flavor. A perfect meal for my family.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you so much!
Dannii says
Now this is my kind of comfort food. I am adding it to my meal plan.
foodtasticmom says
It is definitely comfort food. Enjoy!!
Toni says
This is really good! I love that it is so easy to make with my slow cooker!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks Toni, so glad you enjoyed my pork recipe. Happy New Year!
J Thomas says
I will be using a 5lb pork shoulder. Is it safe to assume 12 hours on low would be accurate? Will that amount of time overcook the pork and kraut? Thanks for the recipe and reply!
Happy New Year!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, I believe that 12 hours on low should be enough to cook a 5 pound shoulder. Watch it periodically towards the end of cooking time, just to be sure. I have left roasted meat in my slow cooker enough to where it starts to get browned and crispy. It’s more the edges of the meat and generally after the meat has been shredded and it’s sitting for a long time on low in a party situation. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
Carol says
If ever I need to pick my “last meal” it would be pork roast, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and applesauce. My pork and sauerkraut I add 2 T of caraway seeds , a sliced apple , onion and a can of beer. Yum yum
foodtasticmom says
That sounds so good!
Lynn R says
Thank you! This delicious recipe may be our New Year’s go to!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Catherine says
A perfect winter’s meal and so easy to make with the slow cooker. Looks delicious!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks for your positive review, Catherine!
Beth says
This is such a delicious recipe! The sauerkraut is perfect with the pork. I made this and served it with some rice, and it was so delicious.
foodtasticmom says
This pork is definitely delicious with rice!
Dana Sandonato says
This is such a great recipe! The pork comes out so tender and the sauerkraut adds so much flavor. Just love that zing!! Perfect with mashed potatoes.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you!
Stephanie says
I’m from NY and have never heard of this as a NYE tradition, but I think it’s totally worth trying! I recently discovered that sauerkraut isn’t “yucky” anymore once you grow up so I think I’ll really enjoy it!
foodtasticmom says
Haha, I get it. I didn’t enjoy sauerkraut as a kid, but now I love it!
Gina Abernathy says
Great combo. So easy and tasty.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you!
Brian says
This is a staple for us. I always fry the sauerkraut first and add some apple cider vinegar while frying.
foodtasticmom says
Love the addition of apple cider vinegar!
Jarrod says
I have been making Sauerkraut and Pork at least twice a year for the past 9-10 years. I have a set recipe and I make small variations each time trying to improve it. This time I used your idea of apple butter (not quite as much as you call for). The results were amazing. The flavor of the apple butter combined with the pork is insanely good (almost addictive). This was the best I have ever made. One thing I would suggest to you that I do is to cut pieces of garlic and insert them throughout the pork loin (it makes a big difference). no mustard is needed either. Other than that 5 stars. Maybe try my suggestion of inserting the garlic next time you make it. Oh and one last suggestion, add in a rope of Polska Kielbasa when you cook it.
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad my recipe provided inspiration and a willingness to try and change up your tried and true recipe! I take that as a great compliment! The garlic and Kielbasa are great suggestions. I will try that next year. Thanks for taking the time to review and offer your feedback.