Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe (Easy Fermented Cabbage)

Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe (Easy Fermented Cabbage)

Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe

Making homemade sauerkraut is easier than you think.

With just cabbage and salt, you can create a crunchy, tangy fermented food that's packed with flavor and beneficial bacteria.

This traditional sauerkraut recipe is beginner-friendly and requires only a few simple ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Only 2 ingredients

  • Budget-friendly

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Naturally fermented

  • Great for meal prep

  • Traditional recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds)

  • 1 tablespoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1

Remove outer cabbage leaves.

Thinly slice cabbage.

Place into a large bowl.

Step 2

Sprinkle salt over cabbage.

Massage cabbage for 5–10 minutes.

The cabbage will release liquid.

Step 3

Pack cabbage tightly into a clean glass jar.

Pour any liquid from the bowl into the jar.

Step 4

Press cabbage down until fully submerged beneath the brine.

Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.

Step 5

Cover loosely.

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Step 6

Allow to ferment for 1–4 weeks.

Taste periodically until desired tanginess is reached.

Step 7

Transfer to the refrigerator once fermentation is complete.

Tips For Success

  • Keep cabbage submerged at all times.

  • Use non-iodized salt.

  • Avoid metal containers.

  • Ferment in a cool location.

  • Use a fermentation weight if available.

Ways To Use Sauerkraut

Hot Dogs

Classic pairing.

Sandwiches

Adds tangy crunch.

Grain Bowls

Adds flavor and texture.

Salads

Mix into green salads.

Sausage Dishes

Traditional German-style serving.

FAQ

How long does sauerkraut take to ferment?

Most batches ferment between 1 and 4 weeks.

Why is my sauerkraut bubbling?

Bubbles are a normal sign of active fermentation.

How long does homemade sauerkraut last?

Several months when refrigerated.

Nutrition

Per Serving

  • Calories: 15

  • Carbohydrates: 3g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Protein: 1g

  • Fat: 0g

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