Sauerkraut Balls (Fried or Baked, with Bratwurst or Vegetarian)
Crispy, golden brown breading encases sauerkraut and cooked bratwurst bound with cream cheese. Sauerkraut balls are a delicious all-in-one appetizer that partner great with beer.
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Servings: 16 balls
Calories: 124kcal
Ingredients
- 3 links about ½ lb uncooked bratwurst, casings removed
- 1 onion medium sized, diced
- 1 ½ cup sauerkraut drained
- 2 tablespoon bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
- 3 tablespoon cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoon flour
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup beer sub with water or milk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs might need a bit extra
- cooking oil as needed for deep frying
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat brown the bratwurst while breaking it up with a wooden spatula or spoon.* Add the diced onion, mix it in and let soften. Once the bratwurst is fully cooked let the mixture cool down.
- In a mixing bowl add the drained sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, parsley, cream cheese, salt and pepper, garlic powder and cooled off bratwurst and onion mixture.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and form into golf-sized balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 min to let them firm up.
- Prepare a breading set up - one bowl with flour, one bowl with the beaten eggs + beer (sub water/milk), one bowl with breadcrumbs.
To Deep Fry
- Over medium-high in a deep frying pan heat enough cooking oil to fully submerge the balls to 350 F.
- Bread the chilled sauerkraut balls (coat with flour, then egg wash, then roll in bread crumbs).
- Fry a few at a time until golden brown and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.
To Bake
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Bread the chilled sauerkraut balls (coat with flour, then egg wash, then roll in bread crumbs), arrange on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
* Optional - bratwurst is already seasoned, but if you desire more pronounced flavors you can add a pinch or two of cumin and/or ground caraway seeds at this stage.
If frying do not overcrowd frying pan, the temperature of the cooking oil will drop. Try to keep it around 350 F for best results.
Serve with honey mustard or Bavarian whole grain mustard.
Nutrition
Serving: 4g | Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 470mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
