How to Make Flavored Sauerkraut - Different Recipes and Flavors

May 21, 2025

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish known for its tangy flavor and powerful probiotic benefits. Just 2 tablespoons of sauerkraut can contain millions of live beneficial bacteria, making it a natural way to support digestive health.

While traditional sauerkraut is made with cabbage and salt, you can easily elevate it by adding spices, herbs, fruits, or vegetables. These flavor additions transform basic sauerkraut into a delicious, customisable condiment that suits any meal, from sandwiches and bowls to salads and grilled dishes.

In this guide, you'll learn how to make flavored sauerkraut from scratch, explore spicy, savory, and sweet recipe variations, and get simple tips for experimenting with your flavor combos.

The base for flavored sauerkraut

The basic recipe involves shredding cabbage (green, red, or napa), salting it to draw out moisture and create a brine, and then allowing it to ferment for some time.

This initial fermentation process yields the characteristic sour flavor and probiotic richness that define sauerkraut.

Once this base sauerkraut is established, you can introduce a wide range of ingredients to create exciting and nuanced flavor combinations.

Why make flavored sauerkraut?

Making your own flavored sauerkraut at home has many advantages. First, it's incredibly easy to customise based on your flavour preferences. You can experiment with spicy, savoury, or sweet variations to suit different meals.

Additionally, homemade sauerkraut is fresher and often more cost-effective than store-bought options. Adding flavours lets you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and other unwanted additives.

Plus, the health benefits from probiotics remain intact, offering digestive support with every bite.

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Let’s start by laying the foundation with the basic sauerkraut recipe.

Basic sauerkraut recipe for flavor variations

Knowing how to make basic sauerkraut is important. This simple recipe will serve as the base for your flavoured creations.

Ingredients

1 medium cabbage (green or purple)
1–2 tablespoons of sea salt (non-iodised)
Optional: Caraway seeds, garlic, or other spices for a base flavour.

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage: Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or food processor.
Add salt: Sprinkle salt evenly over the cabbage. Massage the salt into the cabbage for about 5–10 minutes. This will help draw out moisture and soften the cabbage.
Pack the cabbage: Pack the cabbage tightly into a clean jar or fermentation vessel. Press it down to ensure there are no air pockets and that the cabbage is submerged in its brine.
Fermentation: Cover the jar with a cloth or lid and leave it at room temperature for 3–7 days. Taste it every couple of days to check the fermentation progress. Once it reaches your desired level of tanginess, move it to the fridge to slow down fermentation.

You can easily add different flavouring ingredients to create your favourite variations.

Now, let’s spice things up!

Spicy flavored sauerkraut recipes

Spicy sauerkraut is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. The following recipes add bold flavors and spices that give the sauerkraut an extra kick.

Spicy chili sauerkraut

To make a spicy chili-flavored sauerkraut, simply add fresh chili peppers or dried chili flakes to the basic sauerkraut recipe. Here’s how:

Ingredients: 1–2 chopped fresh chilli peppers or 1 tablespoon chilli flakes (adjust according to your heat preference).
Instructions: Add the chilli peppers or flakes to the shredded cabbage before massaging in the salt. This will infuse the cabbage with a spicy kick as it ferments.

This sauerkraut pairs well with grilled meats, sausages, or tacos, adding a zesty heat that will elevate your meals.

Jalapeño and garlic sauerkraut

For a tangy, garlicky, and spicy variation, try adding jalapeños and garlic.

Ingredients: 1–2 sliced jalapeño peppers and 3–4 minced garlic cloves.
Instructions: Mix the jalapeños and garlic with the cabbage and salt. The garlic adds a rich, aromatic flavour, while the jalapeños provide heat. This version works great as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.

Spicy kimchi-style sauerkraut

This kimchi-style sauerkraut is a fantastic addition to Asian-inspired dishes, rice bowls, and as a spicy condiment.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes), 2–3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and optional fish sauce.
Instructions: Mix gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce with the shredded cabbage and salt. Let it ferment, and enjoy a spicy, umami-packed version of sauerkraut.

Curry spiced sauerkraut

This curried sauerkraut is an excellent accompaniment to Indian dishes and can add an interesting twist to sandwiches and salads.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and 1 small grated apple (optional).
Instructions: Mix curry powder, turmeric, and grated apple with the cabbage and salt. This will infuse the sauerkraut with rich, aromatic flavors as it ferments.

If you’re looking to add some gut-friendly goodness to your diet, The Good Bug’s sauerkraut could be the perfect fit, as it is packed with probiotics and crafted to boost your health.

If spicy isn’t your style, consider these savoury options to complement your meals with fresh and aromatic flavours.

Savory flavored sauerkraut recipes

If you prefer savory flavors, there are plenty of herbs and seeds that will complement the natural taste of sauerkraut. Here are two recipes to try:

Caraway seed sauerkraut

Caraway seeds add a mild, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the tang of sauerkraut.

Ingredients: 1–2 tablespoons of caraway seeds.
Instructions: Add caraway seeds to the cabbage and salt mixture before packing it into the jar. The seeds will give the sauerkraut a unique, savory flavor.

Caraway sauerkraut is a classic pairing for sausages, potatoes, and even rye bread.

Dill and mustard seed sauerkraut

Dill and mustard seeds bring a fresh and slightly spicy flavor to your sauerkraut.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds and a handful of fresh dill.
Instructions: Add the mustard seeds and dill to the cabbage and salt mixture. The dill provides a fresh flavour, while the mustard seeds add a mild heat.

This savory sauerkraut is ideal for pairing with sandwiches, grilled vegetables, or roasted meats.

Let’s take sauerkraut in a different direction with these sweet options, blending fruit and spices for a unique twist.

Sweet flavored sauerkraut recipes

Sweet sauerkraut might sound unusual, but adding fruit and spices can result in an unexpectedly delicious and refreshing dish. Here are two recipes to try:

Apple and cinnamon sauerkraut

The sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon combine beautifully with sauerkraut’s tangy flavor.

Ingredients: 1–2 apples (sliced thin), 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Instructions: Add the apple slices and cinnamon to the cabbage before massaging in the salt. This combination creates a naturally sweet and slightly spiced sauerkraut.

This sauerkraut is perfect for pairing with roasted pork or even as a side dish for a holiday meal.

Beetroot and ginger sauerkraut

Beets add a rich, earthy sweetness to sauerkraut, while ginger brings a zesty spice.

Ingredients: 1 small beetroot (grated), 1–2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger.
Instructions: Add the grated beetroot and ginger to the cabbage and salt mixture. This vibrant, colorful sauerkraut is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Beetroot and ginger sauerkraut works well with salads or as a unique topping for your sandwiches.

The fun doesn’t stop here—let’s get even more creative with some unexpected flavor combinations to experiment with.

Other creative flavour combinations

The possibilities for flavored sauerkraut are endless. Here are two more combinations to try:

Curry and turmeric sauerkraut

For a unique, earthy flavor, add curry powder and turmeric to your sauerkraut.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of curry powder and 1 teaspoon of turmeric.
Instructions: Mix the spices into the cabbage and salt. The turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits, while the curry powder adds depth and warmth.

This sauerkraut is excellent for pairing with curry dishes or grilled chicken.

Cranberry and orange sauerkraut

For a bright and tangy flavour, try cranberries and orange zest.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 orange.
Instructions: Add the cranberries and orange zest to the cabbage before salting. The citrusy flavor pairs well with the tangy sauerkraut base.

This combination works beautifully with holiday meals or roasted turkey.

Rosemary and thyme sauerkraut

For a more earthy and slightly piney flavor profile, try adding fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs to your sauerkraut. The aromatic oils from these herbs infuse the ferment with their distinct characteristics.

Ingredients: Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (remove before refrigerating).
Instructions: Add the whole sprigs to the cabbage and salt mixture. After fermentation, remove the sprigs to avoid overpowering woody textures.

This herbaceous sauerkraut pairs well with roasted meats and hearty stews.

Cilantro and lime sauerkraut

Inspired by Latin American flavors, the combination of fresh cilantro and lime juice (added after the initial fermentation) creates a bright and zesty sauerkraut.

Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice.
Instructions: Add the chopped fresh cilantro to the cabbage and salt mixture. After fermentation, stir in the lime juice for an extra zing.

This flavored sauerkraut is a fantastic topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Timing is key to flavoring your sauerkraut.

When to add flavorings to your sauerkraut

The timing of when you add your flavoring ingredients to your sauerkraut can influence the final taste and texture.

Generally, most solid ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, are added to the shredded cabbage before the initial salting and fermentation process. This allows the flavours to meld and develop together during the fermentation.

However, some more delicate ingredients or those whose flavours you want to remain brighter can be added after the initial fermentation, during a secondary fermentation period.

For example, fresh cilantro and lime juice are often best added after the cabbage has fermented to maintain their fresh and vibrant character.

Experimenting with adding ingredients at different stages can produce interesting and nuanced flavour outcomes.

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These helpful guidelines will assist you make sure your flavored sauerkraut is perfect.

Tips for successful flavouring

To ensure your flavored sauerkraut creations are a success, keep these additional tips in mind:

Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your sauerkraut will only be as good as the ingredients you use. Opt for fresh, ripe fruits, vegetables, and high-quality herbs and spices.
Don't overdo it: Start with smaller amounts of your chosen flavourings and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's challenging to remove ingredients once they are mixed in.
Consider texture: Consider the texture your added ingredients will contribute to the final sauerkraut. Some fruits and vegetables soften during fermentation, while others retain more of their crunch.
Experiment and have fun: The best way to discover your favorite flavored sauerkraut recipes is to experiment! Don't be afraid to try new combinations and adjust recipes to your taste preferences.
Take notes: Track the ingredients and amounts you use in your different sauerkraut batches so you can replicate your successes and learn from any experiments that don't turn out as planned.

Also read: Making Homemade Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut.

Let’s explore some exciting ways to serve and enjoy it.

Serving ideas while enjoying your delicious sauerkraut

Once your flavored sauerkraut is ready, the possibilities for enjoying it are endless. Here are just a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Condiment: Use it as a flavorful topping for sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and sausages.
Side dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish for a tangy and healthy accompaniment.
Salad ingredients: Add it to salads for flavour and probiotic benefits.
Bowl builder: Incorporate it into grain bowls and nourish bowls for added texture and tang.
Appetiser: Serve it as part of a fermented vegetable platter.
Culinary inspiration: Let your flavored sauerkraut inspire new and exciting dishes in your kitchen.

Crafting flavored sauerkraut opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to transform a simple fermented food into a vibrant and exciting ingredient.

By understanding the base fermentation process and experimenting with different fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, you can create unique sauerkraut recipes that cater to your taste preferences and elevate your meals.

If you're looking to experience the benefits without the wait, try The Good Bug's sauerkraut. Packed with billions of beneficial bacteria, it promises to transform your meals into gut-healthy feasts. Visit our website to buy this tangy, probiotic goodness and make your meals more exciting and your gut happier!

So, gather your ingredients and start fermenting today.