Pioneer Woman Pork Chops and Sauerkraut Recipe

These pioneer woman’s pork chops and sauerkraut burst with rustic charm and mouthwatering potential.

German culinary traditions blend seamlessly with midwestern comfort in this soul-warming recipe.

Tender pork transforms alongside tangy, fermented cabbage, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Slow-cooked magic elevates humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that beckons hungry diners.

Crispy edges of perfectly seared meat contrast beautifully with the sharp, zingy sauerkraut.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through hearty, unpretentious cooking techniques.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a meal that speaks directly to your comfort food cravings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pork Chops with Sauerkraut

• Pork Chops: Select bone-in center-cut chops with minimal fat for optimal tenderness and rich flavor.
• Canola Oil: Choose a high-quality, fresh oil with a neutral taste that can withstand high cooking temperatures.

• Sauerkraut: Look for raw, unpasteurized sauerkraut with crisp texture and vibrant fermented flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Opt for fine-grain brown sugar that dissolves easily and caramelizes beautifully.

• Green Pepper, Onion: Pick firm, glossy green peppers and crisp onions with no soft spots for maximum crunch and zesty undertones.

Gear You Need for Pork Chops & Sauerkraut

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning pork chops and creating a golden crust.
• Baking Dish: Generous-sized dish for layering sauerkraut and pork chops.
• Aluminum Foil or Lid: Covers the dish during baking to lock in moisture.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for slicing green pepper and onion.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice vegetables with precision.
• Cooking Tongs: Great for flipping and transferring pork chops safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate brown sugar measurements.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.
• Plates: One for transferring browned pork chops, another for serving.

Cooking Pioneer Woman’s Pork and Sauerkraut Dish

• Sizzle The Pork Chops

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place pork chops into the hot pan, cooking each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, creating a flavorful exterior that seals in the juices.

• Create The Sauerkraut Base

Spread sauerkraut across the bottom of a baking dish, generously sprinkling brown sugar to add a subtle sweetness. Slice green pepper and onion into thin strips, scattering them across the tangy sauerkraut layer.

• Assemble And Layer

Nestle the beautifully browned pork chops onto the sauerkraut bed, arranging them carefully to ensure even cooking. Top the chops with remaining sauerkraut and another sprinkle of brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering flavor landscape.

• Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil, transforming the oven into a flavor sanctuary. Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize for about an hour. The slow cooking process will infuse the pork with incredible depth and richness.

• Serve And Savor

Carefully remove the dish from the oven, letting it rest briefly. This short pause allows the flavors to harmonize and the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last. Plate the pork chops with their sauerkraut companions and enjoy a truly comforting meal.

Tips for Flavorful Pork and Tangy Cabbage

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinate pork chops in a blend of apple cider vinegar, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and depth of taste.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace pork chops with chicken thighs or turkey cutlets for a different protein experience while maintaining the classic sauerkraut base.
• Spice Up The Dish: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the tangy sauerkraut.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Experiment with additional vegetables like sliced carrots, diced celery, or mushrooms to create more complexity and nutritional variety in the final dish.

Serving Pork Chops and Sauerkraut, Ree’s Style

• Pair with Hearty Sides: Complement the tangy, savory pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up the delicious sauerkraut sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the rich, robust flavors of the dish.
• Wine Pairing Recommendation: Serve with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light-bodied Pinot Noir, which beautifully balances the acidity of the sauerkraut and the richness of the pork.
• Create a Comfort Meal Platter: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to round out this classic, comforting German-inspired meal.

Keeping Pork and Sauerkraut Fresh for Later

• Maximize Meal Prep: Quick Storage Solutions for Pork Chops and Sauerkraut
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed dishes stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Portion the dish into individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain delicious for up to 2 months, providing convenient make-ahead options.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated meals in the microwave or oven. Use medium heat and cover to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent the pork from becoming tough.
• Meal Prep Strategies: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven for a quick, delicious meal that tastes freshly made.

Sizzling Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman pork chops and sauerkraut blend German culinary traditions with rustic American cooking. Simple ingredients create a comforting meal that connects family and heritage with rich, tangy flavors you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in center-cut pork loin chops (8 oz / 226 g each)
• 1 jar sauerkraut, undrained (32 oz / 907 g)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (170 g)
• 1 medium green pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tbsps canola oil (30 ml)

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Instructions

1. Sear Pork Chops: Heat canola oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Brown bone-in center-cut pork loin chops until golden, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to a temporary plate.
2. Layer Sauerkraut Base: Spread undrained sauerkraut across the bottom of a large baking dish, creating a foundational layer. Sprinkle half the brown sugar evenly, establishing a sweet substrate.
3. Arrange Protein and Vegetable Layer: Position seared pork chops on the sauerkraut foundation. Cover completely with remaining sauerkraut, then distribute residual brown sugar across the surface. Intersperse thinly sliced green pepper and onion strips throughout the dish for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Bake and Tenderize: Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil or lid. Roast in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 1 hour, allowing ingredients to meld and protein to become tender.
5. Finalize and Rest: Verify pork chops have reached 145°F (63°C) internal temperature. Remove from oven and let rest 3-5 minutes to allow flavor integration and juice redistribution before serving.

Notes

• Sear for Supreme Flavor: Browning pork chops before baking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and intensifies taste.
• Sugar Balances Acidity: Brown sugar neutralizes sauerkraut’s tangy profile, creating a harmonious sweet-and-sour flavor combination.
• Moisture Matters: Covering the dish prevents meat from drying out, ensuring tender, succulent pork chops that melt in your mouth.
• Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to verify pork reaches 145°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg