If you’ve ever wanted to try fermenting at home, this easy sauerkraut recipe is the perfect place to start. With just two ingredients—cabbage and salt—you can create a probiotic-rich, tangy condiment that’s great for gut health and packed with flavor.
🌿 Why Make Your Own Sauerkraut?
- ✅ Budget-friendly: Skip the pricey store-bought jars
- 🧪 Probiotic-rich: Supports digestion and immune health
- 🛠️ Simple ingredients: No vinegar, no preservatives—just real food
- 🧄 Customizable: Add spices like caraway, garlic, or even jalapeños

📝 Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage
- 1.5 tablespoons sea salt (non-iodized)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- A few juniper berries or garlic cloves
🥣 Instructions
- Prep the Cabbage
Remove outer leaves, quarter the cabbage, and slice thinly. Save a few clean outer leaves for later. - Massage with Salt
Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and massage for 5–10 minutes until it starts to release liquid. - Pack into Jar
Firmly press the cabbage into a clean wide-mouth mason jar. Pour in any liquid from the bowl. The cabbage should be submerged. - Weigh It Down
Use a fermentation weight or a smaller jar to keep the cabbage submerged. Cover with a cloth or airlock lid. - Ferment
Store at room temperature (60–75°F) for 7–21 days. Taste after a week and continue fermenting until it reaches your desired tanginess. - Store
Once fermented, seal with a lid and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 6 months.
🍽️ How to Use Sauerkraut
- Top hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches
- Stir into potato salad or coleslaw
- Serve alongside grilled meats or roasted veggies
- Add to soups or stews for a tangy twist
💬 Final Thoughts
Making sauerkraut at home is easier than you think—and the health benefits are worth the wait. Whether you’re new to fermentation or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a great way to add flavor and probiotics to your meals.
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