Here’s a cozy, tangy, and savory German-Style Pork Chops with Sauerkraut recipe 🇩🇪 — tender chops simmered with sauerkraut, onions, and apples for that perfect sweet-and-sour flavor balance.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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2 tbsp butter (or bacon grease for richer flavor)
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1 medium onion, sliced
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1 apple, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
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1 lb (16 oz) sauerkraut, drained (but not rinsed — unless you prefer milder flavor)
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½ cup chicken broth (or apple cider)
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1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional German flavor)
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1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances tang)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
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Brown the pork chops:
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Season chops with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
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Brown pork chops on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side).
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Remove chops and set aside.
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Cook onions and apples:
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In the same pan, add sliced onions and apples.
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Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–6 minutes.
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Layer and simmer:
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Add sauerkraut, brown sugar, caraway seeds, and chicken broth.
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Stir to combine, then nestle pork chops back into the pan, covering them with some of the sauerkraut mixture.
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Cook until tender:
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Cover and reduce heat to low.
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Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, until pork chops are tender and flavors meld.
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(Or bake in a covered dish at 350°F / 175°C for 1 hour.)
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Serve:
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Serve hot with mashed potatoes, German potato salad, or rye bread.
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Spoon sauerkraut and apples over the pork chops.
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💡 Tips
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Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or beer for deeper flavor.
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If you want a creamier twist, stir in 1–2 tbsp sour cream before serving.
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This dish gets even better the next day — perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Would you like me to give you a slow cooker version of this German-style pork chops and kraut (great for set-and-forget cooking)?
