Sauerkraut Balls Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of this cherished family recipe for Sauerkraut Balls, a delightful appetizer passed down from generation to generation. Despite any initial reservations about sauerkraut, these savory morsels are sure to win over even the most skeptical taste buds. Perfect for lunches, snacks, or entertaining guests, these easy-to-make treats are a comforting blend of pork, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in a crispy coating. Whether deep-fried to golden perfection or baked for a healthier alternative, these Sauerkraut Balls are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 8 links sausage
- 1/4 cup beer
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 1 package cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Bread crumbs
Instructions:
-
Cook Sausage and Onion:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
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Prepare Sauerkraut Mixture:
- Add the drained sauerkraut and 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs to the skillet with the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Stir to combine well.
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Make Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped parsley, prepared mustard, and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
-
Combine Sauerkraut and Cream Cheese Mixtures:
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the skillet with the sauerkraut mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up.
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Form Balls:
- Once chilled, take spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into small balls using your hands.
-
Coat with Flour:
- Roll each ball in flour until lightly coated, shaking off any excess.
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Prepare Egg-Milk Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs together with the milk to create an egg-milk mixture.
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Dip and Coat:
- Dip each flour-coated ball into the egg-milk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
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Roll in Bread Crumbs:
- Roll the coated balls in bread crumbs until they are completely covered, providing a crispy outer layer.
-
Cooking Options:
- Deep-Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the coated balls to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Alternatively, for a healthier option, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serve Hot:
- Whether deep-fried or baked, these Sauerkraut Balls are best served hot and enjoyed immediately. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 325.5
- Total Fat: 19.1g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5g
- Cholesterol: 101mg
- Sodium: 1055mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 12.1g
Recipe Notes:
- These Sauerkraut Balls can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before cooking. Simply follow all the steps up to frying or baking, then freeze the balls on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for storage. When ready to enjoy, cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
- Experiment with different types of sausage or add additional seasonings to customize the flavor of these savory appetizers to your liking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
