Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
Slow Cooker Boston Butt With Sauerkraut
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Starting with a cut like Boston Butt is a great start to a delicious roast, and cooking it in this sweet and tangy mixture of sauerkraut and brown sugar is an excellent next step. The result is tender pork and extra flavorful kraut on the side.
serves/makes:
ready in:
over 5 hrs
over 5 hrs
2 reviews
ingredients
4 pounds Boston Butt (pork roast)
2 cans (15 ounce size) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 cup brown sugar
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
directions
Place the pork roast in the crock pot.
In a bowl, combine the sauerkraut, brown sugar, and onion soup mix. Mix well and pour the mixture over the pork.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for 1 hour. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 6 more hours or until the pork is tender and cooked.
Remove the roast from the crock pot and slice. Serve with the sauerkraut.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
Try adding other spices like caraway seeds, garlic powder, or paprika to the sauerkraut mixture.
If the sauerkraut mixture is too sweet, balance it with a bit more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
If desired, you can brown the Boston Butt on all sides in a skillet before placing it in the crock pot.
Try adding chopped apples or onions to the sauerkraut mixture.
For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauerkraut during the last hour of cooking.
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative.
Serve the pork and sauerkraut with a side of German-style mustard.
common recipe questions
What is Boston Butt and why is it good for this recipe?
Boston Butt, also known as pork shoulder, is ideal for slow cooking due to its fat content and connective tissue, which make it tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While Boston Butt is preferred, you can use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, but they may be less tender due to lower fat content.
Why do I need to rinse and drain the sauerkraut?
Rinsing and draining sauerkraut helps to reduce its natural brininess and acidity, which can overpower the other flavors in the recipe.
Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Yes, fresh sauerkraut can be used. It might offer a slightly different texture and flavor but will work well in the recipe.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar in this recipe?
If you prefer, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia.
How can I tell when the pork is fully cooked?
The pork is done when it's very tender and easily shreds with a fork. It should also register 145 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
Can I cook this recipe on high for a shorter time?
While you can cook it on high, slow cooking on low heat is recommended.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve the sliced pork with the sauerkraut on the side. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
nutrition data
593 calories, 25 grams fat, 30 grams carbohydrates, 60 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
January 18, 2020
good, but way too sweet for me. I might try it without the brown sugar next time.
January 22, 2013
This is AMAZING!! We don't do kraut, so instead I added 1/2 C water for liquid and it made the BEST gravy! Served with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans, this made a dinner everyone enjoyed!