The Simplest Two-Ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut

5 from 4 votes
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Ever since I posted my Tuna Salad with Sauerkraut recipe on social media, everyone has been begging for my homemade sauerkraut, so here it is!

Sauerkraut is a fantastic choice for those interested in at-home fermentation because it’s one of the simplest recipes out there. All you need is some cabbage, salt, and a little bit of science, but once you get the hang of it, it opens the door to all sorts of fun fermented things like pickles or even kimchi!

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the science behind sauerkraut:

Lactobacillus bacteria are considered “friendly” bacteria, are not harmful to humans and are present everywhere, including on our skin, in our bodies, and on the produce we consume. This bacteria has two critical qualities: it can survive in oxygen-free environments, and it can tolerate salt better than other microorganisms.

To ferment vegetables, such as cabbage, we take advantage of these two qualities – it’s our golden ticket to fermentation! First, we add enough salt to make it difficult for competing microorganisms to survive. The salt then draws moisture out of the cabbage’s cells through osmosis, forming a salty brine. This brine is important because it submerges the cabbage and deprives the Lactobacillus and other microorganisms of oxygen – the second step! Lactobacillus then kicks into something called Anaerobic (Oxygen-Free) Fermentation Mode, converting the cabbage’s sugars into lactic acid while creating by-products like carbon dioxide (this is what makes our fermented products bubble and burp).

The main enemy here is oxygen, which is why it’s crucial to keep the cabbage submerged in the brine throughout the entire fermentation process. As long as you remember to check it regularly, you’ll be fine! I also recommend tasting it along the way.

An important note: sometimes molds can form on the surface of the brine, especially in the early stages before the cabbage has fully acidified. Mold on the surface is not ideal, but it doesn’t mean your kraut needs to be thrown away. Just carefully remove the mold and continue with the recipe as usual.

So, who’s making this?

Watch Me Make My The Simplest Two-Ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut

If you’re in need of some more homemade staples, be sure to follow me on Facebook, or see all of my better basics (and so many other delicious recipes!) over on Pinterest.

How To Make My The Simplest Two-Ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut

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Step 1. Trim, core, and shred the cabbage using a mandoline or very sharp knife.  Reserve the outer leaves for fermenting.

Step 2. If using a large fermentation crock, add shredded cabbage to crock, sprinkling in the measured salt and optional spices as you go. If using a Mason jar, put shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with measured salt and optional spices. Mix well, then knead and squeeze cabbage for a few minutes to begin to release its liquid.

Step 3. Covering cabbage with the lid between squeezes, continue to squeeze and knead cabbage roughly every 15 minutes for up to 4 hours, until lots of brine has formed and it covers the cabbage when it’s pressed down.  If you don’t have enough brine, see my note at the end of the recipe for how to make more brine and simply top up the container with that.

Step 4. Lay reserved cabbage leaves on top of cabbage and press down until brine rises 1/2 to 1 inch above cabbage. Add stone or glass weights and push down to compress even more.

Step 5. Seal fermentation Crock or Mason Jar with airlock lid following manufacturer’s instructions. Put in a cool, dark place; 65 to 70°F is ideal.

Step 6. After a day or two (or three), the fermentation process should kick off more actively and the cabbage should be bubbling away.

Step 7. After the first week, feel free to open the vessel, push cabbage back down below brine level. It’s very important that the cabbage remains submerged in liquid.  Don’t forget to taste the cabbage to see how it’s going!

Step 8. The sauerkraut is ready when, well, it tastes like sauerkraut!  I usually refrigerate mine at 2-3 weeks. If a tiny bit of mold has formed, it’s usually okay, you can scoop it out and discard.  Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 6 months.

Step 9. Enjoy!

What Else Can I Use?

  • This is the most basic recipe, feel free to add caraway seeds, juniper berries, or garlic to flavor your sauerkraut once you get the hang of it
  • You can use purple cabbage for a more German style of sauerkraut
  • Diamond Kosher salt is what I use here, which is less salty than Morton’s.  If you’re using something other than Diamond, weigh the salt as directed rather than going by the tablespoon amount.

This The Simplest Two-Ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut is special because:

It’s two ingredients, it literally could not get easier than this

It keeps for 6 months in the fridge!

More Homemade Condiments

Torrisi’s Famous Hot Sauce

Make-Ahead Gravy (Gluten Free)

White Bean Blender Hummus Dip (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

If you make my Two-Ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment here and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!

Rating: 5 out of 5.
5 from 4 votes

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5 from 4 votes

The Simplest Two-Ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a fantastic choice for those interested in at-home fermentation because it's one of the simplest recipes out there.
Prep: 4 hours
Cook: 0 minutes
Initial Fermentation Period: 7 days
Total: 7 days 4 hours
Servings: 1.5 Quarts

Ingredients 

  • 1 small head of green cabbage, About 3 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons of Diamond Crystal kosher salt, If using other brands, measure 2% of the cabbage’s weight and use that amount of salt

Instructions 

  • Trim, core, and shred the cabbage using a mandoline or very sharp knife. The thinner the shreds, the easier it will be to pull moisture out which we will be doing. Reserve the outer leaves for fermenting.
  • If using a large fermentation crock, add shredded cabbage to crock, sprinkling in the measured salt and optional spices as you go. If using a Mason jar, put shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with measured salt and optional spices. Mix well, then knead and squeeze cabbage for a few minutes to begin to release its liquid.
  • Covering cabbage with the lid between squeezes, continue to squeeze and knead cabbage roughly every 15 minutes for up to 4 hours, until lots of brine has formed and it covers the cabbage when it’s pressed down.
  • Lay reserved cabbage leaves on top of cabbage and press down until brine rises 1/2 to 1 inch above cabbage. Add stone or glass weights and push down to compress even more. If you still don’t have enough brine, I've added instructions below to help you make more.
  • Seal fermentation Crock or Mason Jar with airlock lid following manufacturer's instructions. Put in a cool, dark place; 65 to 70°F is ideal.
  • After a day or two (or three), the fermentation process should kick off more actively and the cabbage should be bubbling away. If the Crock/Mason Jar is quite full, put a rimmed baking tray under it to catch any overflowing liquid.
  • After the first week, feel free to open the vessel, push cabbage back down below brine level – it's very important that the cabbage remains submerged in liquid. Taste the cabbage to see how it’s going.
  • The sauerkraut is ready when, well, it tastes like sauerkraut! I usually refrigerate mine at 2-3 weeks. If a tiny bit of mold has formed, it’s usually okay, you can scoop it out and discard. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 6 months.

Make Additional Brine:

  • Dissolve 2 grams of salt in 100 grams of water; 1 cup of water would require about 1 heaping teaspoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 14062mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Vitamin C: 222mg | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Kat Ashmore
Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Initial Fermentation Period: 7 days
Total Time: 7 days 4 hours
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American, German
Servings: 1.5 Quarts
Calories: 151
Keyword: Cabbage, Sauerkraut
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16 Comments

    1. Because of the minerals in Himalayan pink salt, it’s not recommended to use for pickling – it can impact the overall quality. You’re best to use kosher or pickling salt!
      Kat.

    1. It’s noted at the end of the recipe card, but adding it for you here as well: Dissolve 2 grams of salt in 100 grams of water; 1 cup of water would require about 1 heaping teaspoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
      Let me know how you get on!
      Kat.

  1. 5 stars
    My late grandfather, who was originally from Hungary made many things at home. One of them was sauerkraut. He would have made something similar to this recipe. But right at the end, he would cover the cabbage with neatly arranged bacon, so as to cover all the cabbage. The last step was covering the whole thing with some soft white bread. He called it chucrut…I call it delicious!

    1. I have never heard of this before – I’m so intrigued! I may have to try this out for myself.
      Thank you for sharing, Oscar!
      Kat.

  2. 5 stars
    I love this simple recipe, because there’s a video, detailed down instructions, and photos for every step! Thank you, Kat!

  3. I tried making some homemade sauerkraut and it turned out with a good taste but it was dry when I open the jar I used pickeling salt can you tell me what I did wrong

    1. Hi Roy,
      it’s hard to say exactly, but it may have needed a bit more brine!
      If you give it another go, make sure you’ve got a good half inch of brine covering your cabbage.
      It may also have been due to the temperature of where it was kept. If it was too warm, some of that moisture may have dissipated.
      Let me know if you give it another try!
      Kat.

  4. What kind of fermentation vessel. Can I buy to make homemade sauerkraut, other than a mason jar? Thanks Anne

    1. Hi Anne,
      Really any glass jar with a firm, airtight seal will do – I recommend mason jars because many people have them on hand already, but if you are looking to purchase something specifically, a fermentation crock is designed exactly for this purpose!
      Kat.

  5. 5 stars
    I’m making this now and I’ve added Caraway seeds. Even in the early stage it tastes and smells delicious. Question: what can you do with the extra brine produced from the cabbage/ salt mix?

    1. Brine can be used as a ‘vinegar’ in salad dressings, or used like a pickle juice to add extra tang to tuna salad or deviled eggs, or even to ferment cucumbers or other vegetables!
      Let me know how it goes!
      Kat.