If you love cozy meals that warm your whole kitchen, this Savory Sauerkraut Casserole is one recipe you’ll want to keep close. This dish brings together tender noodles, soft onions, rich broth, and the tangy flavor of sauerkraut in a way that feels both homespun and hearty. The best part is that this casserole is simple to prepare, yet it tastes like a comforting meal someone spent all afternoon making. It also puts sauerkraut front and center, giving you that bold, classic taste without overwhelming the whole dish.

I grew up with all kinds of casseroles, but this one stands out because the flavors blend so well as they bake. The sauerkraut becomes mellow, the noodles soak up every bit of flavor, and the top turns beautifully golden. If you enjoy old-fashioned comfort food with a bit of character, this casserole is right up your alley. It’s easy to customize, budget friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Even people who don’t normally enjoy sauerkraut often end up loving this recipe because of how balanced it is.

This Savory Sauerkraut Casserole works for weeknight dinners, weekend comfort cooking, potlucks, or reheatable meals for busy days. Whether you’re new to sauerkraut or already a fan, this dish gives you a flavor-packed way to enjoy it.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 6

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What Makes This Savory Sauerkraut Casserole Special?

This casserole may look simple, but it carries a few special touches that set it apart from the usual weeknight bake.

• Balanced sauerkraut flavor: The kraut stays tangy, but baking smooths out the sharpness so the flavor is bold but not harsh.

• Cozy baked texture: The noodles turn soft and rich while the top gets lightly crisp, making each bite comforting.

• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: Everything comes together using items you likely have on hand or can grab quickly.

• Great make-ahead option: The flavors deepen after chilling, so leftovers taste even better.

• Customizable: You can add meat, switch the noodles, or mix in veggies without changing the base recipe.

You don’t need any special technique—just layer, mix, and bake. The sauerkraut does most of the flavor work for you, saving time while giving you a dish that tastes fully developed.

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Ingredient Notes

Here’s a closer look at the main ingredients and how you can adjust them to fit what you have.

• Sauerkraut
  The key ingredient. Use a good jarred or refrigerated kraut for the best flavor. Rinse lightly if you want a milder taste.

• Egg noodles
  Wide egg noodles bake beautifully and keep a soft texture. You can swap with penne, rotini, or even rice noodles.

• Onions
  They add sweetness and help balance the kraut. Yellow or white onions work best.

• Butter
  Gives richness and helps the casserole brown. Olive oil can be used instead.

• Chicken or vegetable broth
  Moistens the noodles and adds flavor. Low-sodium broth gives better control of the saltiness.

• Caraway seeds (optional)
  A classic flavor enhancer that pairs perfectly with sauerkraut.

• Sour cream or cream cheese
  Adds creaminess. Either option works, depending on what you prefer.

• Shredded cheese (optional)
  A mild cheese like Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack melts well and gives a buttery finish.

No special equipment is required—just a 9×13 baking dish and a skillet.

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How To Make Savory Sauerkraut Casserole

1. Preheat your oven
   Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish so the noodles don’t stick.

2. Cook the noodles
   Boil your egg noodles until just tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside. Slightly undercooked noodles will finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.

3. Sauté the onions
   Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly golden. This step adds sweetness and depth, so don’t rush it.

4. Mix sauerkraut and onions
   Add the sauerkraut to the skillet and stir well. If you like a milder flavor, drain extra liquid from the kraut. Cook for 3–4 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Combine noodles and sauerkraut mixture
   In a large bowl, mix the noodles with the sauerkraut blend. Pour in 1 cup of broth and stir. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more broth.

6. Add creaminess
   Stir in sour cream or softened cream cheese. The mixture should look creamy but not soupy.

7. Transfer and top
   Pour into the baking dish. Add shredded cheese on top if you want a golden, melty finish.

8. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the flavors settle.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature
  Keep out for no more than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration
  Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor improves overnight.

• Freezing
  Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

• Reheating
  Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meaty version
  Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken.

• Vegetarian version
  Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted carrots.

• Creamier version
  Add extra cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

• Cheesy top
  Use Swiss or Gruyère for a classic German-inspired flavor.

• Seasonal twist
  Add roasted apples in fall or fresh herbs in spring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned sauerkraut?
   Yes. Rinse and drain it well for the best flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

3. How do I reduce the tanginess?
   Rinse the sauerkraut lightly under water.

4. Can I use different noodles?
   Yes. Just avoid very thin pasta that may turn mushy.

5. Why is my casserole dry?
   Add more broth next time. Noodles absorb more moisture than expected.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese, oil, and skip the cheese topping.

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Conclusion

This Savory Sauerkraut Casserole is one of those meals that feels special even on a regular day. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adjustable to match your taste. If you love cozy dinners that fill the house with warm, nostalgic smells, give this recipe a try. Share it with someone who enjoys homemade comfort food—and let me know how yours turns out!

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