A Sweet, Tangy, and Comforting Crowd Favorite
These Sauerkraut Meatballs are a deliciously unexpected combination of savory meatballs, tart sauerkraut, and sweet-sour sauce. Baked in the oven until bubbly and glazed, they’re perfect as an appetizer or served over mashed potatoes for a hearty main dish.
A comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧄 Tangy Sauerkraut Twist: Adds depth and a touch of fermentation magic.
- 🍬 Sweet & Sour Sauce: Cranberry, chili sauce, and brown sugar create a rich glaze.
- ⏱️ Oven-Baked Simplicity: Just layer, bake, and enjoy—no stovetop work required.
- 🎉 Great for Gatherings: Perfect for game day, holidays, or family dinners.
- 🥣 Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day—ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Meatballs:
- 32 oz precooked frozen meatballs , thawed (about 1½ lbs – beef, pork, or plant-based)
For the Sauerkraut Sauce:
- 14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce (or jellied if preferred)
- 12 oz chili sauce (or ketchup with a splash of Worcestershire for deeper flavor)
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar , packed
- 14 oz sauerkraut , undrained (adds tang and moisture)
- 1 cup water (to balance acidity and thickness)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Extra sauerkraut or cranberries on top
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Place thawed precooked meatballs in a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cranberry sauce
- Chili sauce
- Brown sugar
- Undrained sauerkraut (no need to drain—it adds liquid and flavor)
- Water
Stir well until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
Tip: If you prefer smoother texture, lightly crush the cranberries or pulse once in a blender.
Step 3: Pour Over Meatballs
Pour the sauerkraut-cranberry sauce evenly over the meatballs.
Use a spoon to gently coat each one before baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes , stirring halfway through, until the meatballs are fully heated and the sauce is thickened, glossy, and bubbling.
The longer it bakes, the richer and thicker the sauce becomes.
Step 5: Serve Warm & Delicious
Serve warm:
- As appetizers with toothpicks
- Over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting dinner
- With crusty bread or rolls for dipping
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy every bite of this sweet, tangy, slightly spicy classic!
Tips for Success:
- 🧁 Use Homemade Meatballs: For extra flavor control and texture—just follow your favorite recipe.
- 🌶️ Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- 🍞 Make Ahead Magic: These reheat beautifully—great for meal prep!
- 🥣 Try Different Sauces: Swap chili sauce with tomato jam or barbecue sauce for variation.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked meatballs in sauce for future meals—bake straight from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect at holiday parties, church potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Ideal with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or buttery noodles.
- Great for slow cooker too—just mix everything and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8 – based on regular meatballs and sauce):
(Without sides – approximate values)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~12g
These Sauerkraut Meatballs are more than just a quirky combo—they’re a comfort food classic that brings together sweet, sour, and savory in perfect harmony. Whether you grew up eating them or are trying them for the first time—you’ll be hooked after one bite.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try… because once you taste it—you’ll want to make it again and again!
