Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/23/22
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana 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
Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 2 cups

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.

"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

sauerkraut hot dog topping/tester image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Combine the sauerkraut, sweet pickle relish, sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds in a medium saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

    Combine the sauerkraut, sweet pickle relish, sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Use the sauerkraut topping to top hot dogs or serve alongside your favorite meats, such as ham or sausage.

    Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

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
×
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.)