Want to extend the shelf life of sauerkraut? You’ll be happy to know that they freeze well. In this post, you’ll learn everything about how to freeze sauerkraut properly and how to cook frozen sauerkraut.
Did you know that sauerkraut is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals? Even better – it is a fermented food it contains natural probiotics which are important for digestive health.
Table of Contents
Can You Freeze Sauerkraut in a Bag?
The simple answer is yes! All you need to do is to transfer the sauerkraut into a freezer-friendly bag, label it and place it in the freezer for future use.
Pro Tip: Push the air out as much as possible and make sure you close the bag properly.
Can You Freeze Cooked Sauerkraut?
You may be surprised to know that cooked sauerkraut is better to freeze than raw sauerkraut. The reason? It contains less liquid!
Can You Freeze Leftover Sauerkraut?
As long as you haven’t added anything else to the sauerkraut, it’s perfectly safe to freeze leftover sauerkraut.
Can You Freeze Sauerkraut Soup?
Yes you can!! Sauerkraut soup is completely fine to freeze as long as you don’t add in any dairy products that don’t freeze well. If your soup has vegetables, you may also lose some of their texture – to prevent this, slightly undercook your vegetables before freezing.
Can You Freeze Sauerkraut Juice?
If you have some juice left behind, don’t be afraid to freeze it in an airtight container. This is particularly a good choice when you’re looking to use the juice in the future for cooking, drinking or as a dressing.
How to Freeze Sauerkraut Properly?
The easiest way to freeze sauerkraut is to transfer it to a plastic bag or freezer-safe plastic container. The key thing to remember is to leave a few inches of space at the top – the excess liquid in sauerkraut will expand when frozen. Remove as much air as possible and then seal tight.
Does Cooked Sauerkraut Freeze Well?
When freezing cooked sauerkraut, you will need to follow the same process as you would with raw sauerkraut. Cooked sauerkraut freezes better than fresh or uncooked sauerkraut. The thing to remember though is that, when you cook Sauerkraut you risk killing a lot of the good bacteria that is found in this dish.
How to Defrost Sauerkraut
To defrost your sauerkraut, leave it out on the countertop for a few hours at room temperature. After it is fully thawed, be sure to use it right away. Your other option is to defrost sauerkraut in the microwave with high heat for about 10-20 seconds.
How to Cook Frozen Sauerkraut
The easiest way to cook frozen sauerkraut is to place the entire jar in the bottom of a crockpot. Add in some salt and pepper for taste, then cook on low for 8-10 hours. If you’re using a recipe that calls for cooking cabbage, then you can skip the defrosting process and dump the frozen sauerkraut right into your dish. Key thing to remember here is that due to the sauerkraut being frozen, it may take a few extra minutes to cook thoroughly.
How Long Does Sauerkraut Last in the Freezer?
If you properly store your sauerkraut, it will last longer than keeping it in the fridge. This means that freezing is the best option when looking at long-term storage. Sauerkraut that has been properly placed in an airtight container and frozen will last for 8-12 months.
How Long Can You Keep Sauerkraut in the Refrigerator?
If you store your sauerkraut in the fridge, then it should stay fresh for about 4 – 6 months after opening it. The key thing to remember, ensure the container is properly closed and sealed after each use – if it isn’t, you risk bacteria coming into contact with it and causing it to spoil.
What Can I Do with Leftover Sauerkraut?
If you have leftover sauerkraut that you no longer want to return to the jar, because gross, you can totally make something out of this and our favorite is sauerkraut casserole. Everything made in casserole form already makes for a good leftover dish. Another great option is to use the leftover sauerkraut to make a Reuben sandwich or Reuben soup, or simply add in some sausage to make a casserole dish. If making a dish isn’t your thing, then simply pop a bit of the leftover sauerkraut in ice cube trays and save for another day.
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How to Freeze Sauerkraut (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- 4 servings Sauerkraut
- Freezer-friendly bags
Instructions
- Place the sauerkraut into a freezer-friendly bag or container.
- Leave a few inches of space at the top – the excess liquid in sauerkraut will expand when frozen.
- Remove as much air as possible and then seal tight.
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