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Home » Ferment » Vegetable Ferments » How to Make Sauerkraut: Traditionally Fermented Cabbage

How to Make Sauerkraut: Traditionally Fermented Cabbage

May contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my privacy policy and affiliate disclosure.

Originally published on February 27, 2021. Last updated on February 28, 2021

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Homemade sauerkraut in a jar.

Traditionally made from cabbage and a saltwater brine, sauerkraut is fermented for several weeks. Homemade sauerkraut is amazing and doesn’t resemble store bought at all, plus it’s easy and cheap to make and filled with probiotics. Let’s make homemade fermented sauerkraut!

a mason jar of fermented sauerkraut

What is Sauerkraut?

I don’t know about you, but I hated sauerkraut when I was a kid. The stuff that came off the grocery store shelf smelled funny and was mushy and weird tasting.

I was even one of those kids that liked weird tasting things, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around sauerkraut. What on earth was it?

Turns out, sauerkraut is one of the original ferments of its time!

Traditionally made from cabbage and a saltwater brine, it is fermented for several weeks (or months, even!) before it is eaten.

Lactic acid bacteria, which is present naturally on all plants, does all the work for you and turns the cabbage into something awesome to put on your sandwich or hot dog.

Homemade sauerkraut is amazing and doesn’t resemble store bought at all, plus it’s super easy and cheap to make. Here’s how to do it!

a quart jar of fermeting sauerkraut

Wild Fermentation Book

Let me start by recommending these books by Sandor Ellix Katz, Wild Fermentation and The Art of Fermentation.

These books are awesome and I have learned so much from them, including how to make this sauerkraut. Sandor Katz is my hero!

They would make a great gift for someone who enjoys fermenting or is interested in learning more!

Related: 12 Best Books on Fermenting and Homebrewing

the art of fermentation and wild fermentation books by sandor katz

Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe

This homemade fermented sauerkraut recipe is so easy to make! It is the perfect recipe for beginner’s to fermenting.

Sauerkraut Ingredients and Equipment

All you really need to make sauerkraut is cabbage and salt. I like to add some spices too, but it’s not necessary at all.

Any type of cabbage will work to make sauerkraut. I prefer to use just regular green cabbage, but purple, savoy, or napa all work equally well.

You can also add other shredded veggies to the mix like carrots, beets, onions, garlic, ginger, or turmeric.

For the spices I mention use anything you like, but whole spices work best.

In this recipe I went classic and used about a tablespoon each of dill seed, caraway seed, and mustard seed. Juniper berries are another common addition.

It’s helpful to have a fermentation weight of some kind and an airlock, but they aren’t required.

This recipe makes about one quart of sauerkraut. If you want more you can double the recipe and ferment it in a half gallon mason jar.

If you want even more sauerkraut you might want to invest in a ceramic crock.

I’ve made all kinds of vegetable ferments in many different vessels in the past, namely large wide mouth jars (which are also great for making kombucha).

You can also use something you already have, just make sure it’s glass or ceramic. Avoid using metal as it can react with the fermentation process or plastic because it can leach toxic chemicals.

a cutting board with cabbage quarters and a cabbage leaf

Shred, Salt & Mash the Cabbage

Start with a two pound cabbage per quart of sauerkraut. Peel away the outermost leaf from the cabbage and set it aside to use later.

Shred up the rest of the cabbage as finely as possible. A cheese grater works well for this, but you can also slice it thinly with a knife.

shredding the cabbage with a cheese grater

Put the shredded cabbage into a big wide bowl.

Sprinkle the salt all over the cabbage and stir it around to thoroughly coat everything.

a bowl of shredded cabbage and a spoon of salt for making sauerkraut

Then add the spices to the cabbage.

a tablespoon of dill seeds being added to the cabbage

Then comes the fun part, mashing it all around! Really mash it good to bruise the cabbage and break down the cell walls which will release juice.

I use a potato masher, but anything big and heavy will work. There is even such thing as a fermentation tamper if you want to give that a try!

You can also squeeze the cabbage with your hands.

a hand mashing the cabbage with a potato masher

Liquid should start forming in the bottom of the bowl, that’s good!

After mashing the cabbage for a while it will be much more juicy and will have lost quite a bit of its volume.

cabbage in a bowl after it has been mashed to make sauerkraut

Pack the Cabbage into a Fermentation Jar

When it gets to this stage it’s time to pack the cabbage into a quart jar.

Use a wooden spoon (or a fermentation tamper if you have one) to pack it into the jar. It should be full of liquid and when you press down on it you should see liquid rise up over the cabbage.

a wooden spoon packing the cabbage into a quart jar

Once you pack all of the cabbage into the jar you should have a brine that covers the cabbage.

a quart jar of cabbage with liquid on top

If for some reason your cabbage didn’t release enough liquid (this can happen with not so fresh cabbage) you can make some extra brine.

Make a ratio of 1 tbsp kosher salt to 1 cup water and add it to the jar until the cabbage covered.

Then put the reserved cabbage leaf on top of the shredded cabbage which will help to keep all of the little cabbage pieces under the brine.

a cabbage leaf on top of the shredded cabbage

Then add a fermenting weight of some kind on top of the cabbage leaf. This will keep everything under the brine during the fermentation process.

I love using a ceramic fermenting weight but these glass weights are nice too.

You can also get creative and use a smaller jar full of water or a clean river stone as a weight.

a ceramic fermenting weight on top of the cabbage

Ferment the Sauerkraut

Cover the jar with a fermenting airlock system, or you can simply cover the whole thing with a cloth or towel.

Put the jar in a quiet corner of your kitchen to ferment.

putting the airlock onto the jar of sauerkraut

Push down on the weight a few times for the first day whenever you think of it, and make sure the brine is completely covering the cabbage.

It may not be for the first 24 hours and that’s ok, but if it’s still not after that you need to add more brine.

Taste the kraut as you go along, and when it’s to your liking that means it’s done. This could take 2-3 weeks or even longer.

a jar of sauerkraut with an airlock

Don’t worry if white scum forms on the top of the sauerkraut, it’s harmless kahm yeast. This is more common if an airlock is not used. Just scrape it off as best you can before you eat your kraut.

Once it has finished fermenting, store the sauerkraut in a covered jar in the refrigerator. It will last for many months or even longer.

a quart jar of sauerkraut fermenting

How to Use Sauerkraut

This traditionally fermented sauerkraut is so good! It’s perfect on a homemade Reuben sandwich.

Sauerkraut pairs perfectly with my no knead sourdough rye bread and is the perfect accompaniment to my nitrate-free corned beef.

Sauerkraut is also wonderful when added to a hot dog! It gives anything an extra probiotic boost.

Even my little one loves my homemade sauerkraut! I probably would have loved this version when I was a kid too.

top view of an opened jar of sauerkraut

More Fermented Vegetable Recipes

Here are more delicious recipes for fermented vegetables!

  • How to Make Kimchi
  • Fermented Cherry Tomatoes
  • Fermented Green Tomatoes
  • Fermented Asparagus with Garlic
  • Fermented Cucumber Pickles
  • Fermented Dilly Beans
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.75 from 12 votes

Sauerkraut

Traditionally made from cabbage and a saltwater brine, sauerkraut is fermented for several weeks. Homemade sauerkraut is amazing and doesn't resemble store bought at all, plus it's easy and cheap to make and filled with probiotics.
Course Condiment
Cuisine American, European
Prep Time 30 minutes
Fermenting Time 21 days
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 20kcal
Author Colleen @ Grow Forage Cook Ferment

Equipment

  • Cheese Grater
  • Large Bowl
  • Potato Masher
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Quart Mason Jar
  • Fermenting Weight
  • Fermentation Airlock
  • Tea Towel

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 2 pound cabbage any variety
  • 1 tbsp kosher, pickling, or sea salt
  • 1 tbsp dill seed
  • 1 tbsp caraway seed
  • 1 tbsp mustard seed

Instructions

  • Peel away the outermost leaf from the cabbage and set it aside to use later.
  • Shred up the rest of the cabbage as finely as possible. A cheese grater works well for this, but you can also slice it thinly with a knife.
  • Put the shredded cabbage into a big wide bowl. Sprinkle the salt all over the cabbage and stir it around to thoroughly coat everything. Then add the spices to the cabbage.
  • Mash the cabbage with a potato masher, wooden spoon, or a fermentation tamper. Really mash it good to bruise the cabbage and break down the cell walls which will release juice.
  • After mashing the cabbage for a while it will be much more juicy and will have lost quite a bit of its volume. When it gets to this stage it’s time to pack the cabbage into a quart jar.
  • Use a wooden spoon to pack it into the jar. Once you pack all of the cabbage into the jar you should have a brine that covers the cabbage.
  • Put the reserved cabbage leaf on top of the shredded cabbage which will help to keep all of the little cabbage pieces under the brine.
  • Add a fermenting weight on top of the cabbage leaf. This will keep everything under the brine during the fermentation process.
  • Cover the jar with a fermenting airlock system, or you can simply cover the whole thing with a cloth or towel. Put the jar in a quiet corner of your kitchen to ferment.
  • Push down on the weight a few times for the first day whenever you think of it, and make sure the brine is completely covering the cabbage. It may not be for the first 24 hours, but if it’s still not after that you need to add more brine.
  • Taste the kraut as you go along, and when it’s to your liking that means it’s done. This could take 2-3 weeks or even longer.
  • Once it has finished fermenting, store the sauerkraut in a covered jar in the refrigerator. It will last for many months or even longer.

Notes

  • Any type of cabbage will work to make sauerkraut. I prefer to use just regular green cabbage, but purple, savoy, or napa all work equally well.
  • You can also add other shredded veggies to the mix like carrots, beets, onions, garlic, ginger, or turmeric.
  • If for some reason your cabbage didn’t release enough liquid (this can happen with not so fresh cabbage) you can make some extra brine. Make a ratio of 1 tbsp kosher salt to 1 cup water and add it to the jar until the cabbage covered.
  • Don’t worry if white scum forms on the top of the sauerkraut, it’s harmless kahm yeast. This is more common if an airlock is not used. Just scrape it off as best you can before you eat your kraut.

Nutrition

Calories: 20kcal
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alex says

    March 14, 2023 at 8:36 pm

    Is it it okay (safe) to open this the day after initially preparing it (less than 24h later) to add some brine? My brine level from just the cabbage is lower than I realized and there is some cabbage uncovered. I want to make sure it’ll be safe to eat still (in a few weeks, of course!) if it’s been a day without enough brine….? I’m using Ball fermentation lids, if that matters at this point. Thank you for your time!

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      March 15, 2023 at 8:31 am

      Hi Alex. That’s totally fine!

      Reply
      • Alex says

        March 15, 2023 at 1:51 pm

        Thank you! Got it covered and very excited for my first ever home made sauerkraut! 🎉

      • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

        March 16, 2023 at 9:04 am

        Wonderful! Enjoy!

  2. Dedicated Proxies says

    February 17, 2023 at 8:39 am

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    Reply
  3. Anthony MICELI says

    February 11, 2023 at 12:51 am

    My thought is that sauerkraut has been made for centuries before refrigeration existed. Does it indeed need to be kept in the fridge at all or is that just a modern “nicety” or so that no one gets sued for something going wrong??

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      February 13, 2023 at 9:59 am

      Hi Anthony. As long as the cabbage is submerged under the brine, it’ll stay good for many months unrefrigerated. You may need to add additional liquid to make up for any that has evaporated. Some people, like myself, prefer to refrigerate the kraut to keep it someone crunchy. The longer it ferments, the more it breaks down and becomes softer and softer.

      Reply
  4. Amber says

    November 16, 2022 at 9:57 pm

    Great post,
    I also love how you dont make us go out and buy something we don’t already have. Can I try black salt with this and also can I use Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice? just comming up with some creative sources of fermentation brine out of what I have . :D

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      November 20, 2022 at 11:59 am

      Hi Amber. I have never used black salt. If it’s free from preservatives, you can use it. Personally, I wouldn’t add additional acidity to a lacto ferment as it has a nice tang on its own.

      Reply
    • Val says

      December 8, 2022 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      Hi Amber. From what I have read over, and over, again, if we add vinegar to our fermented foods such as this recipe, the vinegar kills the good bacteria we are striving for. (Note: vinegar kills good and the bad bacteria..) <3 Just an FYI

      Reply
  5. Kaila says

    November 14, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    5 stars
    I added a jar of cowboy candy liquid to one of my batches. It is soooooo good. I also omitted mustard seed and added tumeric and garlic powder instead

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      November 14, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      What a great and delicious sounding idea. I’ll have to try that!

      Reply
  6. Ellen says

    August 6, 2022 at 9:31 am

    Anyone ever add a bit of beer and reduce the water?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      August 8, 2022 at 9:33 am

      No, but you could try it and let us all know it goes. I’ve read, that using unpasteurized beer is the way to go, but again, I haven’t tried it.

      Reply
  7. jim deem says

    February 28, 2022 at 6:07 pm

    just bought a 4 gallon crock at a farm auction this weekend specifically to make this, hope it works out!

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      March 1, 2022 at 10:29 am

      Wonderful, Jim! Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  8. Joe says

    February 25, 2022 at 9:43 am

    4 stars
    I love making Krout! My favourite time to make it is cabbage season, all those fresh from the garden cabbages give up so much juice for fermenting. I make a 5gal pail full, ferment it, jar it, keep some and give lots away to friends and family. Now they are calling and putting in orders 🤓

    Reply
  9. Lori says

    July 29, 2021 at 8:05 am

    Can I process this so I can keep it in my pantry? I planted a ton of cabbage just to make sauerkraut, but don’t have enough refrigerator space…

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      August 2, 2021 at 11:40 am

      Hi Lori. Technically, you could can your sauerkraut, but you’d kill off the enzymes that you cultivated in the fermentation process. Another option is to store your kraut in the freezer which may not kill off all the healthy bacteria.

      Reply
  10. Shannon R says

    January 6, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Just made the Sauerkraut today. Forgot to add garlic, but it’s going to be great anyway. Thank you for such quality recipes ! Health is a concern these days and healthy recipes are always appreciated !
    Thanks for all you do

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      January 11, 2021 at 8:59 am

      You’re welcome! I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  11. DK says

    December 14, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    5 stars
    What kind of garlic and how much? Minced,clove, salt……….

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      December 21, 2020 at 8:49 am

      You can use whatever kind of garlic you have available and it doesn’t matter whether you use cloves or minced. Do whichever you prefer. As for the salt, there is no precise amount. Sprinkle salt between the cut layers of cabbage.

      Reply
  12. Brice says

    July 16, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    Hopefully I didn’t miss this somewhere but, once it’s ready, how long will it keep in the fridge?

    Reply
    • Barclay says

      June 8, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      Forever

      Reply
  13. Naomi says

    November 28, 2018 at 7:21 am

    I made this recipe and it worked but the sauerkraut it unbearably salty. Am I supposed to rinse it off?
    please help
    thanks

    Reply
    • Barclay says

      June 8, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      Absolutely NOT! It’s supposed to be salty! You can use less salt but it will take longer to ferment.

      Reply
    • Dan Shigley says

      March 23, 2021 at 11:24 pm

      That’s because people never use weight in their recipes. Always volume. So the difference in sodium between 1 Tbsp of pickling salt vs table salt vs kosher salt is vastly different. Even between different types of kosher salt the crystal size varies. Good luck finding fermentation recipes given in weight.

      Reply
  14. Betty says

    August 5, 2018 at 2:00 am

    Hi there, I am Dutch and love our Zuurkool… It is about the same but not so many herbs and we make it with potato puree. Can I make it in a ceramic cooking pot? Do I cover that with the lid or a towel? Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Marie-Michele says

    September 26, 2016 at 3:55 am

    Ok, I just have to say it, I love you!!! I’m SO happy I found your blog! You are an inspiration!
    I love fermenting (and growing, and foraging, And cooking!), I’ve made kumbucha and kefir but had some hits and mist. But I want to get back in the game! Thanks so much for your generousity and your creativity!!

    Reply
  16. Alyssa McKillip says

    January 17, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    Hi Colleen,
    I have been thinking about sauerkraut for some time now, as I live in the land of cabbage and root vegetables. I will try this today with heads of cabbage and see how it goes. Will let you know!

    Warm regards,
    Alyssa (Hendrickson) McKillip

    Reply
  17. Katy says

    January 9, 2015 at 7:17 am

    Great post, now I want a wine crock! Is a mason jar too small? I need to get a bigger wide jar anyway. What I totally love about you (&Joel) is that you always say that what you already have works- you don’t need anything new or expensive- find and use what you already have, and go w/ it!

    Reply
    • Colleen says

      January 11, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      A quart size mason jar is probably too small, unless you just want to make a small amount :) It seems more worth it to use at least a one gallon jar. Most of the time you can use things you already have in your home for these types of things, that’s what I want people to realize! Or, if you do need to buy something there are usually cheap options that work great.

      Reply
    • Judy says

      August 11, 2022 at 2:52 am

      I use a half gallon jar and the Ball fermentation cap and spring press. It works great!

      Reply

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Hello there! I’m Colleen.

I want to inspire you to live seasonally, become more self sufficient, and protect your health. I share information on foraging and wildcrafting, fermenting and preserving, cooking whole foods from scratch, permaculture gardening, and making herbal products. And that’s just the beginning! Learn more.

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