Delicious Dutch Sauerkraut Casserole: The Ultimate Winter Comfort Food Recipe

“The weather is wintry, cold and the wind is chilly. I can then enjoy a delicious sauerkraut casserole.”

There’s something uniquely comforting about a hearty casserole when the temperatures drop and the world outside turns frosty. Here in Holland, when the snow falls and a brisk wind whips through the air, my thoughts inevitably turn to one ultimate winter dish: a warm, bubbling sauerkraut casserole. The moment it goes into the oven, a wonderful aroma begins to fill the kitchen, promising a truly satisfying meal. It’s truly winter food at its best!

The Heart of Winter: Why Casseroles?

Casseroles have long been a staple in kitchens around the world, revered for their ability to deliver a complete, wholesome meal in a single dish. They’re practical, often budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. But beyond their convenience, casseroles offer a warmth and depth of flavor that feels like a comforting embrace on a cold day. This particular sauerkraut casserole recipe is no exception; it’s a celebration of cozy, robust flavors that truly embodies the spirit of winter cooking.

Discovering the Magic of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut, meaning “sour cabbage” in German, is a traditional fermented food that boasts a distinctive tangy flavor. While its bold taste might not appeal to everyone at first, it’s a staple in many European cuisines, particularly throughout Germany, Eastern Europe, and of course, the Netherlands. Beyond its unique flavor, sauerkraut is packed with probiotics and nutrients, making it a surprisingly healthy addition to your diet.

A Brief History of Sauerkraut

The origins of fermented cabbage can be traced back thousands of years to China, where laborers working on the Great Wall consumed it. It was later introduced to Europe, where it became a popular way to preserve cabbage for the long winter months. Sailors, like Captain Cook, even took it on voyages to prevent scurvy due to its high vitamin C content. Over centuries, various cultures developed their own versions and uses for this versatile ingredient.

The Dutch Connection: Stamppot and Beyond

In Dutch cuisine, sauerkraut is perhaps most famously known as a component of “stamppot,” a traditional dish of mashed potatoes mixed with various vegetables, often served with smoked sausage. Our sauerkraut casserole takes inspiration from this hearty tradition but elevates it into a baked dish that brings out different layers of flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic way to introduce sauerkraut to those who might be hesitant about its strong flavor, as the other ingredients help to balance and mellow its tanginess.

Crafting the Perfect Sauerkraut Casserole

The Recipe Inspiration

My quest for the ultimate sauerkraut casserole led me to the internet, where I discovered a fantastic recipe on Smulweb, a popular Dutch recipe database. The particular version by Ruth Brock captured my attention, offering a delightful twist on classic Dutch flavors. Her innovative approach served as the primary inspiration for this incredible casserole, which I’ve adapted slightly to create the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and sweet notes.

Layers of Flavor: What Makes This Casserole Special

This sauerkraut casserole isn’t just a mix of ingredients; it’s a carefully constructed symphony of textures and tastes, layered to perfection. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and deeply satisfying meal.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The Comforting Base

The top layer of this casserole is a rich and creamy mashed potato, made with chicken stock, milk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg. Boiling the potatoes in chicken stock instead of just water infuses them with an incredible depth of flavor right from the start. The addition of milk, butter, and nutmeg creates a smooth, velvety texture that’s the ideal counterpoint to the more robust flavors below. This fluffy potato blanket crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing a golden-brown finish that’s simply irresistible.

Tangy Sauerkraut with a Twist: Balancing the Flavors

The sauerkraut layer is where the magic truly happens. While traditional sauerkraut can be quite sour, this recipe takes a clever approach to mellow its acidity and enhance its overall profile. By frying bacon until crispy and cooking the rinsed sauerkraut with cream and a little water, we transform it into a richer, more nuanced component. The smoky bacon fat and the creamy addition soften the tang, making it more approachable and delicious, even for those new to sauerkraut.

Savory Ground Beef Mixture: The Hearty Core

Nestled between the mashed potatoes and sauerkraut is a wonderfully seasoned ground beef mixture. This isn’t just plain ground beef; it’s a flavorful blend seasoned with paprika, fried onions, orange juice, dark brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce), and ketchup. This unique combination creates a sweet and savory profile with a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the tang of the sauerkraut and the richness of the potatoes. The fried onions add a lovely texture and depth of flavor, while the orange juice and brown sugar subtly cut through the richness, elevating the entire dish.

Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Tips for Success

Preparing this Dutch sauerkraut casserole is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure your dish is perfect:

• Potato Prep: Cut your potatoes into equal pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Don’t skip boiling them in chicken stock; it makes a significant difference in the final flavor of your mashed potatoes.
• Sauerkraut Rinse: Rinsing the sauerkraut helps to reduce some of its intense sourness, making it more palatable for a wider audience. Squeeze out excess water for better texture in the casserole.
• Bacon Love: Frying the bacon on low heat until crispy is key. This renders out the fat, which adds flavor, and gives you delicious crunchy bits to mix with the sauerkraut.
• Flavorful Beef: Take your time to properly brown and break up the ground beef. The blend of spices and sauces in this recipe is crucial, so don’t be shy with them – they create the casserole’s signature taste.
• Layering: The order of layers (sauerkraut, then meat, then potatoes) is designed for a reason. It ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the potato topping provides a lovely crust.
• Golden Crust: The bread crumbs and butter bits on top of the mashed potatoes are essential for that golden-brown, slightly crispy crust that makes casseroles so appealing.

📖 Recipe Card: Dutch Sauerkraut Casserole

RECIPE CARD

Sauerkraut casserole

By Andréa

This sauerkraut casserole is the perfect winter comfort food. Hearty, warm, and full of delicious flavors, it’s an ideal dish for those chilly, wintry days.

5 of 6 votes

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Prep Time

30 minutes
mins

Cook Time

30 minutes
mins

Total Time

1 hour
hr

Course
Dinner

Cuisine
Dutch

Servings

4
persons

Calories

1013
kcal

Equipment

• A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

Mashed potato

• ▢ 1200 gram potatoes
• ▢ 500 ml chicken stock
• ▢ 100 ml milk
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Sauerkraut

• ▢ 500 grams sauerkraut
• ▢ 125 gram bacon, cut in 1 cm thick stripes
• ▢ 50 mL cream

Ground beef

• ▢ 500 grams ground beef
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon paprika , ground
• ▢ 3 tablespoons fried onions
• ▢ 1 tablespoon orange juice
• ▢ 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis, like ketjap manis
• ▢ 4 tablespoons ketchup

Topping

• ▢ 4 tablespoons bread crumbs
• ▢ 1 tablespoon butter, in cubes

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric –
US Customary

Instructions

Preparation

• ▢
  Preheat the oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius.)
• ▢
  Butter a casserole pan.

Mashed potato

• ▢
  Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal pieces.
• ▢
  Boil the potatoes in the chicken stock until they are done.
• ▢
  On a low fire heat the milk, butter and nutmeg, until the butter is melted.
• ▢
  Mash the potatoes. Mix with the milk butter mixture until it’s smooth.

Sauerkraut

• ▢
  Fry the bacon crispy on low heat.
• ▢
  Put the sauerkraut in a colander and give a quick rinse with water.
• ▢
  Put it in a large pan and add the cream, bacon and fill with water until the level is about 2 cm. Cook for 15 minutes.

Minced beef

• ▢
  Bake and loosen the ground beef until done.
• ▢
  Add paprika, onions, orange juice, brown sugar, chili sauce, sweet soy sauce, and ketchup.

Sauerkraut casserole

• ▢
  The first layer will be sauerkraut. Spread it on the bottom of the casserole.
• ▢
  Put the meat as a second layer on the sauerkraut.
• ▢
  Cover with the mashed potatoes.
• ▢
  Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top en distribute small butter bits on top.
• ▢
  Put 30 minutes in the oven until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 1013kcal
Carbohydrates: 90g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 55g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 1986mg
Fiber: 11g
Sugar: 24g
Vitamin A: 617IU
Vitamin C: 80mg
Iron: 8mg

Keyword
a recipe for a winter casserole, sauerkraut, Dutch food

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Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole

This Dutch sauerkraut casserole is a complete meal on its own, packed with potatoes, meat, and vegetables. However, a few simple additions can elevate the dining experience even further:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up any lingering juices and flavors.
• Pickled Vegetables: For those who love an extra tangy kick, a side of gherkins or pickled onions can complement the sauerkraut beautifully.
• Apple Sauce: A dollop of homemade apple sauce or even a simple compote can add a lovely touch of sweetness, cutting through the savory notes.

Variations & Customizations: Make it Your Own!

While this recipe for sauerkraut casserole is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your personal taste or dietary preferences:

• Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, you could use ground pork, a mix of beef and pork, or even a vegetarian ground alternative for a meat-free version. If using chicken or turkey, adjust seasonings as they are leaner.
• Add Apple: Many traditional sauerkraut dishes incorporate apples. Grate an apple and add it to the sauerkraut layer for a touch of sweetness and fruitiness that complements the tang.
• Cheesy Topping: For an extra rich and golden crust, sprinkle some grated cheese (like Gouda, cheddar, or a mix) over the bread crumbs before baking.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy more heat, increase the sweet chili sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Vegetable Boost: Finely diced carrots or bell peppers can be sautéed with the ground beef to add more vegetables and nutrients.
• Smoked Sausage: For a more traditional Dutch touch, consider slicing smoked sausage and adding it as a layer with the meat, or serving it alongside.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This casserole is often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once cooled, divide into individual portions or leave whole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 325°F (160°C). Cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from burning and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again.
• Reheating (Microwave): Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

Whether it’s a blustery winter evening or just a craving for a hearty, flavorful meal, this Dutch Sauerkraut Casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot. Its unique blend of tangy, savory, and creamy elements makes it a truly unforgettable dish. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich history packed into every delicious bite!