🥬 Easy Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe – Fermented Goodness in a Jar

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

homemade sauerkraut in mason jar

📝 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

  1. Prep the Cabbage
    Remove outer leaves, quarter the cabbage, and slice thinly. Save a few clean outer leaves for later.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Weigh It Down
    Use a fermentation weight or a smaller jar to keep the cabbage submerged. Cover with a cloth or airlock lid.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to leave a comment and subscribe!


Want help adding affiliate links for fermentation tools or creating a printable recipe card? I’d love to help you take it to the next level!


Discover more from Campfire Exploring

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.