Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping ~ 5 Minute Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks™ (2024)

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June 29, 202113 Comments

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Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping is a perfect addition to grilled plant-based sausages, veggie hot dogs, even carrot dogs!

5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of cooking time are all you need for this quick and easy recipe.

Perfect for your 4th of July cookout or Oktoberfest celebration!

Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping ~ 5 Minute Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks™ (1)

I have been making this sauerkraut topping every 4th of July holiday for years and recently added it to my Oktoberfest menu collection of recipes.

My favorite way to serve this is on top of grilled vegan sausages in pretzel buns. There is just something about that distinct combination of flavors – sausage, pretzels, and sauerkraut – that I love.

Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping ~ 5 Minute Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks™ (2)

I like this recipe because the sauerkraut actually doesn’t have a strong sour taste to it. The bitterness so frequently associated with sauerkraut is reduced significantly by rinsing it thoroughly with water then draining well prior to cooking.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping

Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping ~ 5 Minute Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks™ (3)

You will need:

16 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed

How to Make Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping

STEP ONE: In a medium-size saucepan over low heat, stir together the sauerkraut, relish, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and fennel seed.

STEP TWO: Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes, or until heated through then serve.

Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping ~ 5 Minute Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks™ (4)

Quick Tip For Success

Do not skip rinsing the sauerkraut! This step is critical to the success of the recipe! Failure to thoroughly rinse the sauerkraut will result in a strong sour and acidic taste that some might find overpowering.

Drain the sauerkraut! This step is just as important as rinsing. You want the sauerkraut drained well, to the point that it is no longer dripping when you pick it up. Failure to adequately drain the sauerkraut will result in a mixture that has too much liquid and no one wants to eat a grilled veggie hot dog or sausage on wet bread.

FAQ

Can this be made in advance?

Yes! This sauerkraut topping can be made a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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