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Pork & Sauerkraut Recipe For New Years

This easy and delicious pork & sauerkraut recipe will be your go-to dish for a New Year full of good luck! A traditional PA Dutch recipe cooked on the stovetop is a super easy meal to enjoy all year long. 

Pork on Sauerkraut

I got a call from my father on New Year's Eve around 7:30 pm requesting us to not call at midnight to say Happy New Year, for he would be in bed.

We both laughed and wished each other a good night. Before we hung up, he asked the question “So, what are you having for dinner tomorrow?”

My answer was “Pork & sauerkraut of course!”

Pork & Sauerkraut Ingredients

Related recipes: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Ham Roll Up Appetizers, Glazed Pork Chops, Nana's Sand Tarts Cookies

Pork and Sauerkraut on Stovetop

Tradition has it in Pennsylvania Dutch country that eating this dish on New Years Day will bring good luck for the year.

How could you pass that up?

Something you will notice with PA Dutch dishes: most are very basic and boiled, like our recipe for Ham & Green Beans with Potatoes!

This recipe is no exception.

All you will need to make this is a good stockpot, like this stainless steel pot or a dutch oven like the one I use from Le Creuset

Pork & Sauerkraut Recipe For New Years

There are many dishes that have the tale of bringing a year of good fortune. This traditional recipe has been served for New Years for as long as I can remember. 

I will be honest, this has a very unique aroma while cooking, but the end results are super delicious and make great leftover sandwiches too! 

The key success to this easy pork and sauerkraut recipe all comes down to the sauerkraut. I only use Silver Floss out of the glass jar and you can get it on Amazon. 

sauerkraut in bowl

What Cut of Pork is Best for Pork & Sauerkraut?

The best cut of pork for this dish is a boneless center-cut roast. 

Since it will be cooking in liquid, it will remain juicy and tender and will not dry out. I usually use a 2-3 pound cut for a family of 4. This is plenty for dinner and to have leftovers too. 

What Should I Serve with Sauerkraut?

Since this dish cooks together, you may wonder what you should serve with it. Our favorite side dish is mashed potatoes. Mixing the kraut with potatoes and a piece of pork roast tastes so incredible!

Other serving suggestions could be

Pork and sauerkraut a traditional PA Dutch New Year day Meal. #holidaymeals

How to Make Pork & Sauerkraut

Place pork roast in a pot with water.

Cover with an entire jar of sauerkraut. No need to rinse the kraut if used from the glass jar. If you can only find the canned version, then rinsing is okay to remove the metallic can taste.

Place lid on the pot and simmer on your stovetop! SUPER easy! 

A must on your dish?

Mashed potatoes!

If you like simple recipes, then here are some others to try! 

New Years Pork & Sauerkraut
Yield: 12

Pork & Sauerkraut

Pork and sauerkraut a traditional PA Dutch New Year day Meal. #holidaymeals

A traditional PA Dutch Meal for New Year's Day, this pork and sauerkraut is said to bring good luck to all who consume on the first day of the year! Simple boiled dinner served with mashed potatoes is delicious!  

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lb. Center cut boneless pork roast
  • 1 32 oz Silver Floss Shredded Sauerkraut (in the glass jar)
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

  1. Place pork roast in a pot with about 2 cups water.
  2. Cover with the entire jar of sauerkraut.
  3. Salt & pepper.
  4. Place lid on the pot and simmer for 4 hours.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 Servings

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 677Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 204mgSodium: 679mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 53g

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Original Post: 1/1/10

Updated: 12/31/19 

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