Baked Sauerkraut and Potato Casserole with Cheddar

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

A layered casserole featuring tender potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 80 minutes pairs drained sauerkraut, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, medium, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp butter.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Layer half of 3 large peeled and thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Spread 2 cups drained sauerkraut over the potatoes, followed by the sautéed onions and 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining potato slices on top, then pour 1 cup heavy cream evenly over the layers. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, salt to taste, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Step 6: Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Sauerkraut and Potato Casserole with Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Baked Sauerkraut and Potato Casserole with Cheddar?

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 drained sauerkraut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Sauerkraut and Potato Casserole with Cheddar?

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 Baked Sauerkraut and Potato Casserole with Cheddar 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 Baked Sauerkraut and Potato Casserole with Cheddar?

American comfort food 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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