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Oven Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut

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Want to make a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal fuss? Oven baked sausage with sauerkraut is an easy dish where you cook sausage in the oven until browned and tender. This method keeps the kitchen clean with less splatter and delivers a tasty sausage bake perfect for any dinner.

Cast iron skillet filled with sausage sauerkraut.
Oven Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Lets Cook Today.

I wanted a meal that was both simple and full of flavor, so I started experimenting in the kitchen. I combined sausage and sauerkraut in the oven, hoping the flavors would blend well without much fuss. To my surprise, the result was delicious and easy to make, so I kept coming back to this recipe again and again.

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Type of Sausage for this Recipe

Smoked sausages like kielbasa or bratwurst work best because they add extra flavor. You can also use Italian sausage if you want a spicier kick. Choose sausages that hold their shape well when baked.

Sauerkraut and Sausage in an Oven

Layering sauerkraut under or around the sausages helps keep them moist during baking. The sauerkraut’s tangy juices mix with the sausage fat to create a rich, tasty sauce. Baking everything together lets the flavors blend beautifully.

Homemade baked sausage nestled in tangy sauerkraut.
Homemade baked sausage nestled in tangy sauerkraut.

Best Time to Serve this Dish

This meal is perfect for cozy fall or winter evenings when you want something warm and comforting. It’s also great for casual family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it when you want a simple, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare, along with onion rings crisps.

Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Baking Sausage Recipe

Enjoy a comforting dish of baked sausage and sauerkraut that’s full of rich, tangy flavors. This guide helps you combine simple ingredients for a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Oven baked sausage served with sauerkraut topping.
Oven baked sausage served with sauerkraut topping.

Kitchen Must-Haves

  • Oven: Ensures even baking and brings out the rich, roasted flavors of the sausage and sauerkraut.
  • Cast Iron: Perfect for baking, holds heat well and gives the sausages a beautiful sear while keeping everything juicy.

Grab these Ingredients

  • Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy, fermented bite that balances the richness of the sausages.
  • Sausages: Hearty, savory, and full of flavor, and they roast up beautifully in the oven.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Oven Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut

First: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Grab your sausage of choice, store-bought or homemade both work well and your sauerkraut. If the sauerkraut is too sour for your taste, squeeze out the liquid or reserve it to adjust later. Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit (180°Celsius).

Raw sausages and sauerkraut on wooden board.
Ingredients for Oven Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut.

Second: Sear the Sausages

In a cast-iron or oven-safe pan, sear the sausages over medium-high heat until nicely browned on all sides. This helps them hold their shape and boosts flavor.

Browning sausages in cast iron skillet.
Browning sausages in cast iron skillet.

Third: Add Sauerkraut to the Pan

Once the sausages are seared, place them into the center of the pan. Spread the sauerkraut around them, and pour in a bit of the reserved liquid if needed. This helps everything bake together evenly and stay juicy.

Adding sauerkraut to browned sausages in skillet.
Adding sauerkraut to browned sausages in skillet.

Fourth: Cover and Bake

Cover the pan with foil or a lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 40 minutes if using raw sausage. If your sausage is pre-cooked or smoked, reduce baking time to around 20 minutes.

Covering skillet with foil before baking.
Covering skillet with foil before baking.

Handy Tips for Tasty Wins:

  • Use smoked sausage like kielbasa or bratwurst for the best flavor and texture. These sausages hold up well in the oven and add a smoky richness to the dish.
  • Spread the sauerkraut evenly under or around the sausages to keep them moist while baking. The tangy juices from the sauerkraut help create a delicious sauce as it cooks.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to let the juices settle. This makes slicing the sausages easier and keeps the flavors locked in.

Your Questions, My Answers

What are the Pairings to Try with Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut?

This dish pairs well with creamy mashed cauliflower or broccoli and bacon casserole to balance the tangy sauerkraut. A side of green bean salad or roasted carrots adds freshness and color. For drinks, try a crisp lager or a glass of dry white wine to complement the flavors.

Sausage with sauerkraut garnished with fresh parsley.
Sausage with sauerkraut garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Store this Baked Dish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to keep it fresh. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain taste and texture.

How to Freeze Sausage with Sauerkraut?

Allow the baked sausage and sauerkraut to cool completely before freezing. Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. For best flavor, use within 2-3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Stress-Free Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking to simplify mealtime, these recipes are perfect for you. Try fried chicken bites with a flavorful crust every time. Air fryer chicken drumsticks are quick to make and come out juicy with a golden finish.

A homemade substitute for onion powder means you always have fresh seasoning on hand. These recipes make cooking stress-free and tasty, no matter your skill level.

Pin and Come Back Anytime

Oven baked sausage with sauerkraut in skillet.
Oven baked sausage with sauerkraut in skillet.

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Juicy sausage baked with sauerkraut and herbs.

Oven Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut

Zuzana Paar
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This Oven Baked Sausage with Sauerkraut is a simple, hearty dinner that cooks itself in the oven. The sausages get browned and juicy while the sauerkraut softens and picks up flavor. It is an easy meal that works well for any dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course, Main Dishes
Cuisine American, International
Servings 2 Portions
Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • Cups Sauerkraut
  • 2 Pieces Sausages sliced or whole

Video

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). If sauerkraut is too sour, squeeze out and reserve some liquid.
  • Heat a cast-iron or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear sausages until nicely browned on all sides, then remove to a plate.
  • Place sausages back in the center of the pan. Spread sauerkraut around them and add reserved liquid if needed.
  • Cover pan with foil or lid and bake for 40 minutes for raw sausage, or 20 minutes for pre-cooked or smoked sausage.

Notes

  • Use smoked sausage like kielbasa or bratwurst for the best flavor and texture. These sausages hold up well in the oven and add a smoky richness to the dish.
  • Spread the sauerkraut evenly under or around the sausages to keep them moist while baking. The tangy juices from the sauerkraut help create a delicious sauce as it cooks.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to let the juices settle. This makes slicing the sausages easier and keeps the flavors locked in.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PieceCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1649mgPotassium: 425mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 4mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

side salad to pair

A salad on the side with baked sausage adds a fresh, crisp contrast to its rich and savory flavor. Try a simple green salad, tangy coleslaw, or a cucumber and tomato mix to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

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By Zuzana Paar on June 23rd, 2026
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About Zuzana Paar

Welcome to Let's Cook Today, where we make cooking simple and delicious together. Join me as we whip up tasty recipes that turn every mealtime into a food adventure. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, friends, or hosting a party, we've got the perfect portions and flavors to make every dish a delight. Let's cook together and savor the joy of creating amazing meals, effortlessly.

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