Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
If youโve never tried making pork and sauerkraut in a slow cooker, nowโs the time to give it a shot! This recipe transforms a classic dish into a juicy, tender masterpiece with minimal effort. Perfect for the holidays, itโs hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the season. Plus, itโs Weight Watchers-friendly, so you can indulge without going overboard on points. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Get The Recipe Here: Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
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For this savory dish, you’ll need 1 ยฝ pounds (680 g) of pork loin, 2 cups (300 g) of yellow apple, peeled, cored, and sliced, and 1 cup (240 ml) of apple juice. Combine with 4 cups (450 g) of drained sauerkraut, 2 envelopes of Splenda (or your preferred sweetener), and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vinegar. Add 2 bay leaves, ยฝ teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Ingredients
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Trim excess fat from the pork loin and season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer apple slices on top and sprinkle with Splenda to balance flavors.
Assemble the Dish
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Place the seasoned pork loin over the sauerkraut and apples. Nestle bay leaves around the pork, sprinkle thyme, and pour in the apple juice and vinegar.
Cook and Finish
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6โ8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded. Adjust seasoning as needed and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
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Slice or shred the pork and serve with the sauerkraut and apple mixture for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Variations and Substitutions
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Variations and substitutions for pork and sauerkraut allow you to tailor this classic dish to your preferences. Lean cuts like pork tenderloin or trimmed pork loin work best for a balanced and even cook, while a boneless pork shoulder provides a richer flavor if you’re willing to trim the fat. For a fruity twist, try swapping classic apples for peach slices with peach juice or add a citrusy note with fresh oranges and orange juice. Enhance the flavor profile with spices like rosemary, thyme, or herbes de Provence, or go bold with smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for added depth or heat.
Tips and Tricks
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Trim visible fat from the pork to keep the dish lighter and healthier. Season generously, as the slow cooking process allows spices to penetrate the pork while mellowing the sauerkrautโs tanginess. Use fresh ingredients like apples and pure, unsweetened apple juice for the best flavor, avoiding added sugars in processed alternatives. Layer thoughtfully by starting with sauerkraut, placing the pork on top, and pouring apple juice over everything to infuse flavor evenly. Slow cook for 6-8 hours to achieve tender, flavorful pork and perfectly melded ingredients.
Get The Recipe Here: Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
