Warm Apple and Sauerkraut Skillet (Printable)

Caramelized apples meet tangy sauerkraut in this warm skillet. A probiotic-rich, German-inspired side ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Produce

01 - 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cups fresh sauerkraut, drained

→ Pantry

04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

→ Seasonings

07 - ½ tsp caraway seeds
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
11 - ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans

# Directions:

01 - Pour olive oil into a large skillet and set over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add sliced apples and red onion to the heated oil. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples develop golden color and onions become soft and translucent.
03 - Sprinkle in caraway seeds and stir constantly for 1 minute to release their aromatic oils.
04 - Add sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and black pepper. Toss ingredients gently and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauerkraut is thoroughly warmed.
05 - Sample the mixture and adjust salt as needed to balance flavors.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and carefully transfer the warm salad to a serving platter or bowl.
07 - Scatter chopped parsley and toasted nuts over the top. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way caramelized apples balance the tangy sauerkraut creates layers of flavor you wont expect
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
  • Your gut will thank you for all that fermented goodness while your taste buds do a happy dance
02 -
  • Don't skip the toasting step for the nuts if you're using them, it transforms them from ordinary to extraordinary
  • The apples should still have a little bite when you're done cooking, not completely soft
  • This dish tastes even better the next day as all the flavors have time to really get to know each other
03 -
  • Drain your sauerkraut really well, otherwise the dish can get watery as it cooks
  • Use a wide skillet rather than a deep pan, more surface area means better caramelization
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