By
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Derrick-Riches-BBQ-768d5f2dd6c148b0b88ce02a24780e91.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (1)")
Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process
Updated on 12/23/22
Tested by
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/diana-rattray-3034029-214a20a1b27243df822f3a300f26dc59.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (2)")
Tested byDiana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process
(51)
Write a Review
Trending Videos
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sauerkraut-hot-dog-topping-recipe-335384-hero-01-38befcd524f74313a35b411f0273f543.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (3)")
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 2 cups
51 ratings
Write a Review
Add a comment
A hot dog isn't a hot dog until it's loaded up with all the best condiments, right? And what people decide to put on hot dogs can get pretty hotly contested; just consider how the conversation about ketchup versus mustard can get people riled up. Beyond that, people love sauerkraut and relish, too. And you can, of course, always use something store-bought for your cookout. But making your own specialized topping is much more delicious and fun.
This recipe is a great topping for those who love sauerkraut on their hot dogs—and then some. It combines sauerkraut, sweet pickle relish, mustard, sugar, and caraway seeds. Chances are you have many of these ingredients already, so take a moment to jazz it up a bit and make it a memorable topping at your next cookout. Serve it as part of a hot dog spread along with ketchup, mustard, onions, and relish. People will love the combination of flavors; it's an easy way to get a lot on the hot dog all in one go.
The topping can also be used for grilled sausages, bratwurst, and burgers of any kind, whether it's beef, veggie, or turkey. You might also consider serving it with ham.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Hotdogs-GettyImages-645386655-5a04421913f1290037d8ad04.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (4)")
"The sauerkraut topping was excellent, with well balanced sweet, sour, and tangy flavors. It's a flavorful all-in-one topping and takes only about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. My family loved it and I'm sure I'll make it again." —Diana Rattray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sauerkraut-hot-dog-topping-recipe-335384-diana-rattray-2022-aea102d6bec34d42bcf8dd44191fefe3.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (5)")
A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients.
Combine the sauerkraut, sweet pickle relish, sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds in a medium saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Use the sauerkraut topping to top hot dogs or serve alongside your favorite meats, such as ham or sausage.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sauerkraut-hot-dog-topping-recipe-335384-step-01-d5ef8215b8e445e997dae9812cd536c1.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (6)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sauerkraut-hot-dog-topping-recipe-335384-step-02-bc263b6836b4458fbbc1177f60f47c6c.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (7)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sauerkraut-hot-dog-topping-recipe-335384-step-03-292c9923bbc04dfdbab92f17082dfd7c.jpg "Make the Perfect Hot Dog Topping With This Sauerkraut Recipe (8)")
Tips
- For an extra-special hot dog topping, make homemade sauerkraut. Just plan about six weeks ahead, since that's how long the fermentation process typically takes. You can also go so far as to make homemade relish. There are so many different combinations, but a sweet relish works well here, whether it's made from peppers, onions, cucumbers, or other veggies. Experiment until you find the combination of ingredients and flavors you prefer.
- Homemade or store-bought bread and butter or sweet pickles can be used in place of the relish. Just make sure to chop everything finely before using.
- For an even extra-special hot dog, make your own hot dog buns!
- To avoid a soggy bun, drain the sauerkraut thoroughly.
Recipe Variations
- Feel free to omit the caraway seeds or substitute with an equal amount of fennel seeds.
- Try making the topping with a spicy sweet relish or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Use yellow mustard, Dijon, or your favorite gourmet mustard.
How to Store
- Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days after preparation.
- To freeze the sauerkraut topping, put it in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost the topping in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Just before serving, heat leftover sauerkraut topping in a saucepan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes or until hot.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 34 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 8g | Carbs |
| 1g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 34 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 435mg | 19% |
| Total Carbohydrate 8g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 6% |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| Protein 1g | |
| Vitamin C 8mg | 40% |
| Calcium 18mg | 1% |
| Iron 1mg | 5% |
| Potassium 97mg | 2% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Rate This Recipe
I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!
