Give It A Chance—These 20 Recipes Will Be Your Entryway Into Our Fave Fermented Food

It’s no secret that we love pickles here at Delish. Fried pickles, homemade pickles, pickle cheesecake (don't worry, it's a cheese ball 😉)… we can’t get enough of their salty, sour flavor. Though dills and bread & butter will always have our hearts, we’re also on a mission to get people more enthusiastic about some of the less popular kinds of pickles. One of our favorites? Sauerkraut! Not only is it super nutritious and good for your digestion, it’s also pretty darn delicious. From being a star ingredient in German food to an integral part of a certain sandwich (see below), we think it deserves to be in the spotlight. Check out our 20 sauerkraut recipes for ideas, then add a jar to your shopping list (bonus: it’ll last for ages in your fridge).

What is sauerkraut? Sauerkraut is sliced cabbage (usually green, though red works too) that has been lacto-fermented, a process in which good-for-you bacteria convert sugar into lactic acid, a natural preservative. This might sound overwhelming, but it’s pretty standard: If you’ve ever eaten or made kimchi or yogurt, you’re already familiar with lacto-fermentation and how delicious it can make average ingredients like vegetables or milk. Though sauerkraut is a vital part of German cuisine (the name translates to “sour cabbage” in German), it actually traces back to ancient China. It eventually made its way to Europe, then to the Americas, saving many from scurvy and similar ailments on its way to becoming an immigrant-owned hot dog cart staple. Fun fact: During WWI, it was renamed to “Liberty Cabbage” in America due to concerns of anti-German sentiment. For such a simple dish, it has quite the storied past!

What should I make with sauerkraut? Everything! We jest. If you’re new to the world of sauerkraut, start with two of its most classic applications—in a Reuben sandwich or paired with a hearty meat dish, like our pork & sauerkraut or our sausages & sauerkraut. If you’re unfamiliar, a Reuben is a corned beef sandwich featuring Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all stuffed between two pieces of rye bread. It’s a surprising combination of flavors that just works, even if you take it out of the sandwich realm. Check out our Reuben egg rolls, our Reuben bowls, or our creamy Reuben soup for proof, then feel free to get creative with it. We’re pretty sure almost anything can be improved with these flavors!