Baden-Württemberg Style Roast Pork with Sauerkraut

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy roast pork shoulder paired with tangy sauerkraut, a hearty dish reflecting the flavors of southwestern Germany. This german-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder roast, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 German cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat dry 3 lbs pork shoulder roast and rub all over with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp caraway seeds.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 8 minutes until browned and crisp around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and set aside. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 1 medium peeled diced apple to the skillet, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 cups drained sauerkraut, 1/2 cup apple cider, 1 bay leaf, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Nestle the pork shoulder back into the sauerkraut mixture.
  5. Step 5: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and roast in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve pork slices atop the sauerkraut mixture with pan juices spooned over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baden-Württemberg Style Roast Pork with Sauerkraut take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baden-Württemberg Style Roast Pork with Sauerkraut?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baden-Württemberg Style Roast Pork with Sauerkraut?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baden-Württemberg Style Roast Pork with Sauerkraut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baden-Württemberg Style Roast Pork with Sauerkraut?

German pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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