You will love this Instant Pot pork and sauerkraut dish on a cold winter’s night. It’s low carb, easy and it supposed gives you good luck if you eat it on New Years Day!!! The sauerkraut adds so much flavor to the pork roast and with only 3 ingredients you can make this easy dinner in no time. It’s naturally low carb with only 2.2g net carbs per serving.
You might also like this low carb slow cooker zest garlic pulled pork!
Every New Year’s Day we eat pork and sauerkraut. It’s thought to bring you good luck and is a tradition that both my husband and I grew up. In my household we think of this dish as a good warming dinner on a cold winter day. It’s one that my whole family loves …. even my son!
We eat it often and when you pressure cook the roast in an Instant Pot, it gets nice and tender as well as saving you cooking time! Plus you only need 3 basic ingredients so it’s really easy to throw together.
So today I am presenting you my easy Instant Pot pork and sauerkraut dinner which just happens to be a low carb dish too! My son eats it with mashed potatoes but my hubby and me just eat it as is. This recipe is one of my more popular recipes and one that we make often. Note you can also easily make this in the crockpot or slow cooker as well.
Table of Contents
- Recipe ingredients I used.
- What cuts of pork should I use?
- What is the Instant Pot cooking time to use for a pork roast.
- How to make Instant Pot pork and sauerkraut.
- What to serve with this dinner.
- How to make this recipe in the slow cooker.
- Recipe suggestions and notes.
- Nutritional information for this recipe.
Recipe ingredients I used.
All you need to make this traditional dish is a pork roast, sauerkraut, a small apple, salt and black pepper. These flavors of these simple ingredients go so well together and make an easy and flavorful dish.
Some people even go a step further and make their own sauerkraut. It’s just cabbage and salt but it takes time. For me I just use sauerkraut that comes in a jar. I buy it at Aldi and they have it all year round. You can also canned sauerkraut or even fresh that you find in the refrigerated section.
Note I also use water in this recipe but you can substitute with chicken stock or broth if you want.
What cuts of pork roast should I use?
I make pork and sauerkraut recipe two ways. Usually I make this with either boneless country style pork ribs or boneless pork chops and add kielbasa. However today I am using a boneless pork roast (pork butt) in my Instant Pot.
With the ribs or even pork chops, they tend to break a part more easily so if you prefer that, check out my New Year’s pork & sauerkraut recipe.
If you want more of a slicing roast, this is the recipe for you. Some people like to use a pork loin roast. That is fine too but it is a drier meat compared to a pork butt roast. Pork tenderloin using comes in a smaller size and is more tender but I feel the butt roast goes better with the kraut and works better in the pressure cooker.
What is the Instant Pot cooking time for a pork roast?
According to the Instant Pot website, a pork butt roast like I made today should cook for 15 minutes per pound. If you are cooking a pork loin you should cook it for 20 minutes per pound.
You might want to book mark this page for all of the cooking charts from the Instant Pot website. It’s a great resource!
How to cook Instant Pot pork and sauerkraut.
The first thing you want to do to make pork and sauerkraut in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker is to brown the pork roast. You do this by using the saute function of the Instant Pot. If your pressure cooker doesn’t have a saute function you might have to do this on the stove.
Note if there are large pieces of fat on the outside of the roast, I like to cut them off. Don’t go crazy taking it off, just the very large chunks of it. You want to have some fat to make the meat moist.
STEP 1: Liberally season pork roast with salt and pepper all over. Use the saute mode on the Instant Pot and adjust to high. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the seasoned pork about 3-5 minutes per side.
STEP 2: While that is browning, get out your grater or food processor and grate a small apple. I used a small Fuji apple because it’s all I had but I would normally use a Granny Smith because it has less carbs. The apple adds a bit of sweetness to the roast.
STEP 3: Now we can start pressure cooking. Add the jar of sauerkraut with the liquid, shredded apple and about ½ cup of water to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, push the lever back to seal and then manually pressure cook for 70 minutes. (This cook time is based on my 5 pound roast.)
STEP 4: When done, let the pressure come down naturally. That is, do a natural release not a quick release. Please note that cooking times may vary depending on how big your roast is.
Once it has released all the pressure, take off the lid and you are ready to eat. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Scroll down for the printable recipe card.
What to serve with this dinner.
I put the roast in a big serving bowl or on a platter. Then I spoon the sauerkraut over top. I like to slice the meat up a little and everyone just takes what they want. You can also put the sauerkraut in a separate bowl if you prefer.
As I mentioned my son likes this with mashed potatoes and I just eat it plain. The tangy sauerkraut goes so well with the pork roast. We usually have a green salad as well but this is basically a one pot dinner. This is how I eat it when I am watching my carb in take.
But I also serve this with mashed potatoes for my son and husband. They like to spoon the kraut over top as you would gravy. Potatoes do go very well with this dish so if you don’t care about carbs I use serve with mashed potatoes.
How to make this recipe in the slow cooker.
The only difference in making this in the slow cooker vs. the Instant Pot is you have to sear the meat on the stove (and this method saves you hours using the pressure cooker!)
So add some oil to a large pan on the stove and heat to medium high heat. Sear the roast for about 2-3 minutes on all sides. Then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Note that you can also make this pork and sauerkraut on stove or in the oven.
Recipe suggestions and notes.
- My friend Lisa also makes pork roast and sauerkraut with brown sugar and butter. Just sprinkle the sugar on top of the sauerkraut and add a few tablespoons of butter. My father in law likes it sweeter like hers but my son and husband prefer it this way. You could use a brown sugar substitute if you want to keep it low carb.
- Some people add things like sliced onions, caraway seeds, apple juice, potatoes, garlic cloves etc. However my personal preference is the simplicity of the 3 ingredients I use.
- Note that you can use pork loin, pork tenderloin, chops, ribs, etc in this recipe. However I would suggest using a slow cooker so you can easily check the doneness of the meat. I find that is a little harder to do with an electric pressure cooker.
I hope you enjoy this delicious pork roast with sauerkraut that I made in the Instant Pot. This recipe makes a lot so if you want to use a smaller roast, I would just keep the rest of ingredients the same.
The nutritional information for 1 serving is: 594 cals
40.4g fat / 3.7g carbs / 1.5g fiber / 48.9g protein = 2.2g net carbs
Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe
You will love this simple pork roast with sauerkraut dish on a cold winter's night. It's low carb and easy when you make it in the pressure cooker. It supposedly gives you good luck if you eat it on New Years Day!!! Only 3 ingredients and 2.2g net carbs per serving.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5-6 lb pork shoulder or butt
- salt & black pepper
- 1 small apple
- 24 ounces sauerkraut (I use Aldi's German sauerkraut in a jar)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Hit the saute button on the Instant Pot and then adjust to high. As that is heating up, liberally season roast with salt and black pepper. Trim away and big pieces of fat first but don't go crazy. Some fat gives this dish more flavor.
- Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil and sear the roast for about 3-5 minutes on all sides. When done, hit the cancel button.
- While the meat is browning, either grate the apple or pulse in a food processor. Make sure to take out the seeds but leave the skin on.
- When the meat is done browning, pour in the water and then the sauerkraut juice and all. This liquid adds to the flavor. Lastly mix in the grated apple. Cover and push the lever back to seal.
- Manually cook on high pressure for 70 minutes and then let the pressure come down naturally - that is do a natural release and not a quick release.
- Slice the roast and serve on a platter with the sauerkraut.
Notes
Note you can substitute the water with chicken stock or broth if you want.
The nutritional information for 1 serving is: 594 cals
40.4g fat / 3.7g carbs / 1.5g fiber / 48.9g protein = 2.2g net carbs
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 594Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Liz
Yum, this is my kind of meal! I’ve been looking for new recipes for the Instant Pot! Thanks for sharing!
Linda
Instant pot recipe is the best and this pot roast is one of them
Mark
Thanks so much for this recipe it was delicious! I did a 3 lb roast for the full 70 minutes and it was fall apart tender which is how I love it! I also placed in full potatoes with skin on on the top and they held together well to the plate. They were moist with flavor and nice and tender. I put sauerkraut over everything on my plate and then added a bit of mustard over top the pork and sauerkraut. I’m definitely making again!
Denise
Hi Mark, so glad you liked it and thanks for sharing your tips! I never thought about the skin on potatoes keep it altogether. Great idea!
Beth
I cooked a 5 lb. roast according to the directions yesterday, but the roast came out dry, despite the fact that there was plenty of liquid and sauerkraut over the top. I have never had this happen when cooking a roast before. They are always juicy and delicious, but this was the first time that I did a pork roast. I’m very disappointed.
Denise
Hi Beth, I don’t know why that would be. I might depend on the type of pork roast you use? A pork loin will be drier than a pork shoulder because their is little fat. Regardless with the liquid and sauerkraut it should have been juicy. Sorry it didn’t work out for you.
Michelle
How would you add hot dogs to this recipe
Denise
Hi Michelle, I hot this is not too late for you. Hot dogs do not need much time at all so after the roast is done, I would add the hot dogs and hit the saute button and let them cook in the pot for 5 minutes. Or you can just pre cook them and add after the roast is done.
Margaret
yummy! thanks for the recipe! love it
Sue
I would like to try this with a 2:2kg leg pork roast. How long do you think I should pressure cooker for?
Denise
Hi Sue, I’m not sure what you mean by a leg roast but 2.2kg is about 4.8lbs which is similar to what I made. So I would say 70 minutes as well. Hope you like it!
Kim
We love sauerkraut and pork! Was not sure how to prepare in the instapot so your post was awesome. I added the apples to my recipe, my recipe uses cranapple juice for the liquid and sprinkle brown sugar on top. Turned out perfect! Thank you!
Denise
Hi Kim, so glad you liked it! Thanks for coming back and sharing your tips. I’m sure my readers will love to hear how you prepared it. I’ve used apples before and brown sugar. My friend even adds a little butter. My family now just likes it straight…no sweetness….and we eat this a couple times a month. It’s s simple recipe and there are lots of ways to doctor it.
Raquel Brown
Could I use a pork loin roast ?
Denise
Hi Raquel, I don’t see why not. Pork loin is leaner but it should work too. Let me know how it comes out and I hope you like it!
Elaine Vanderground
First time I am using my Instant pot. When I put the sauerkraut in, do you continue to cook it on the saute button?
Denise
No Elaine. Once you have brown the roast. Hit the cancel button. Then put in the sauerkraut and whatever else you want. Secure the lid. Push the pressure release valve to the lock position. Then hit the manual button and adjust for the correct time. Hope that made sense! Good luck.
Suzanne
I don’t have a manual button on my pot, what should I use.
Denise
Hi Suzanne, use whatever button you would use that starts the pressure cooking process. I’m assuming your pot lets you set for how much time you want to cook something. Are you using an Instant Pot?
Margaret
I loved this so much I just made it again. I love sauerkraut so I put in 3 jars of it.
Denise
Hi Margaret, we eat this a lot during the fall and winter. It’s very comforting and easy. I’m so glad you liked it!
Suzanne
We made this for New Years and it was perfect! I only had a two pound pork roast so I only cooked for 40 minutes (20 minutes per pound). It was fabulous and will be my go-to NY meal in the future!
Denise
Hi Suzanne, so glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing your tips about the smaller roast. Many people have been asking me about that. Happy New Year!
Lynsie
I just made this for dinner with the boneless pork ribs and Granny Smith apples and got some rave reviews! Every year on New Year’s Day my beau wants pork and sauerkraut. We’ve never found a place open and I’ve never been brave enough to make it myself. This year I decided it is time to try and I came across your recipe. I was nervous since I’ve never eaten anything like this before but he was so happy with the final result that he requests we repeat the recipe every year going forward! Thanks for posting ❤️👍
Denise
Hi Lynsie, so glad it worked out for you! It is a simple dish but we eat it at least once a month. Thanks for coming back to comment and sharing your success!
Pam W.
I love pork and sauerkraut. If I use a smaller roast, maybe around 4lbs since it’s just my husband and me, should I decrease the cooking time?
Denise
Hi Pam, I would maybe decrease it to 60 minutes but I like to err on the longer side because I like it when the meat falls apart. Hope you like it and Happy New Year!
Jenn
I can’t wait to try this tomorrow, it sounds amazing!! I picked up a pork shoulder (6.5 lbs). Will this work? If so, how long would I cook in the Instant Pot and would I need any special preparations to the shoulder? Thank you! 🙂
Denise
Hi Jenn, I’m sorry I just saw this now. You won’t need any special preparations. I like to brown mine in the Instant Pot first. That’s a little bigger roast than what I used so I think 70 minutes should still work. If not you can always, check it and pressure cook it for 10 more minutes. Hope you like it and Happy New Year!
Aline
We made this in the IP for tomorrow to serve with a pork dish and it’s awesome!!! Great recipe!
Denise
So glad you liked it!
Mary
If I add carrots and potatoes will they come out mushy?
Denise
Mary, they might come out mushy. Here’s what I would do. I would cut them in big pieces and then cook the pork roast for 60 minutes, quick release the pressure and then add in the potatoes and carrots. Pressure cook again for 10 minutes. Here is my lamb roast in the instant pot. I cooked the potatoes and carrots for the full 60 minutes and they were mushy but ok to me. However I did cut them into big pieces. Check out the post and see if you would be happy with the way they might turn out. OR just add them at the end like I described above. Hope that made sense!
Jess
Oh my yum! I am grabbing my Instant Pot right now! This recipe looks and sounds like a fantastic weeknight dinner idea!
Loreto Nardelli
This recipe reminds me of my father. He lived pork and sauerkraut. I like the addition of the apple always a great compliment to pork ! Great recipe!
Tammy
Oooh this sounds wonderful! Perfect winter and holiday dish. I love the idea of slow cooking it in sauerkraut…definitely something I need to try!
Elaine
Haha, I love that this dish brings good luck 🙂 It certainly looks like something that can warm you up on a cold night and make everyone happy!
Sharon
Sauerkraut and pork roast sound like a wonderful combination! Even better when it’s made in the Instant Pot making it so tender.
Jennifer
Could you use a tenderloin?🤔
Denise
Hi Jennifer, yes you could.
Aleta
Yes! Another win for the instant pot! I love mine so much, and cant wait to try my next pork roast in it! Especially with that sauerkraut. Thanks for sharing!
Veronika
OMG! I have to make this recipe just for my husband! He will looove it!) Plus, I love using my Instant Pot as much as I can;)
Tara
I’ve just added sauer kraut to my Aldi list, thanks for the tip! Anything I can make in my Instant Pot turns into a go-to recipe a I’m sure this will as well. This may just be a new Ney Year’s tradition at our house!
Amanda
I love that this roast cooks in the Instant Pot! It definitely makes it so convenient, and it turned out perfectly tender. Thanks so much for sharing!
Suzanne
I have eaten this dish all my life, especially on New Year’s Day. All my kids have always loved it. I get what you are saying about the mashed potatoes. Have you considered mashed cauliflower? I steam mine and then put it in a food processor. I add a tiny bit of cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Amazing. Even my kids ask for it. It has the same mouth feel as mashed potatoes when combined with this dish or something like meatloaf.
Denise
Hi Suzanne, you are right I should try the mashed cauilflower. I haven’t made it in a long time and I think with the sauerkraut and pork it would definitely work. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
David
How long would you cook it when using a 2 pound roast?
Denise
Hi David, for a 3lb roast I usually cook it for 60 minutes so I would say roughly 40 – 50 minutes? I would err on the long end though so I would do it for 50 minutes. Hope that helps!
Monica
Made New Year’s Day with my new Instant Pot – delicious !!! I cut my my apple instead of grating it.Thanks for the fabulous recipe.
Denise
Hi Monica,
So glad you liked it! We eat this all the time. Surprisingly my son really likes sauerkraut and he’s not a big vegetable lover. Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!
Robyn
Did you cook this on high or low pressure?
Denise
Hi Pressure.
Fred
Would be nice if you to edit the recipe and put this missing info in there so no one had to spend 10 minutes reading comments to find it like I did…
Denise
Hi Fred. I will amend the recipe.
Josie
Wow. You can safely assume that you always use high pressure unless noted otherwise. No need to be rude to Denise.
Denise
Thank you Josie. 🙂
Sheila
I agree. Sometimes people forget to proofread and “Nicen” up what they’re saying. Love this dinner Denise! You are very kind!!
Denise
So glad you liked it Sheila! Thank you for your kindness too.
Trisha McKee
I am most grateful for my life! For the every day normalcy, for my family, for evenings spent with them and mornings spent waking up and going to a job I love. I am just grateful for all of it!
Denise
🙂
Carolyn Daley
I am grateful for family, friends, cat, and health. I am thankful that my family lives close so that we can celebrate the holidays together.
Barbara Montag
This holiday season I am most grateful to have my birth daughter and her two girls in my life – yes!
thank you
Denise
Awesome!
Tracy Pryor
I’m grateful that my son who has autism is learning to read and is doing so well in school.
Denise
Good for him!
Mary Cloud
I’m most grateful for another year spent with family. It may not have always been the best but as long as you have your family it makes everything all right.
Denise
So true!
kerry paul
I am most grateful for the people in my life and the opportunity to spend time with them. I love every minute that I get with them.
Denise
Very nice!
Azeem Isaahaque
I’m grateful for God’s Grace and my family!
Denise
Me too!
Laurie Emerson
I am so thankful that my best friend of over 25 years is safe and sound. She lost everything she owned to the hurricane that hit Panama City Florida but she is still here today and I am so thankful for that.
Denise
🙂
Sheila F
As an RN I am grateful and reminded daily that my family enjoys good health🌱
Denise
I bet you see alot!
Brenda Elsner
I am most grateful for my family!!!
Denise
Me too!
Marisa Franca
What a great recipe. Pork is such a great meat — economical and tasty. That certainly is a plus for a family. I’m still wanting an Instant Pot but I don’t know if Santa will be bringing me one. Right now we’re trying to find a home for all of our stuff. This recipe would be ideal for New Years Day but really any day of the week. Throw everything in the Instant Pot and you have a delicious meal in no time.
Ashley c
I’m most grateful for my son and husband
Denise
Me too!
Joseph Gersch
i am most grateful for family this holiday
Denise
🙂
Susie Gruber
Looks delicious! Will have to try it this week!
Denise
Thanks Susie! We really like it.
Susan Christy
So grateful that I will be surrounded by family and friends this holiday season.
Denise
So nice.
cheryl s
I’m grateful that both my adult sons are still living near me and my family is healthy
Denise
Aw that’s so nice. 😉
Suzanne K
I am most grateful for my friends and neighbors who’ve helped me thru a 10 week period of a broken ankle.
Denise
Sounds like you have good friends and neighbors!
Cynthia C
I am grateful for good health, family and friends.
Denise
Me too!
Liz N.
I’m grateful for the time I got to see family – and then that we live far enough away that I don’t have to see them too often! Hahaha!
Denise
Good one!
Lynne
I am most grateful for my friends. They have helped me through some tough times this year and last.
Denise
Friends are the best. I have a sister who has become my best friend a best friend that’s become a sister!
Brittany
I am grateful that I get to hang out with my kids this year and spend time with the family.
Denise
Kids at Christmas is great no matter what their age.
Elizabeth Ray
I am grateful for the lack of traumatic drama in the family this year. No major illnesses, no major injuries, no funerals. We’ve had too many BAD years in the past, so I am VERY grateful that this past year has NOT been one of those!
Denise
Yes I think we all have those times when everything goes wrong for long periods of time and then it gets better and you so appreciate the boringness of everyday life.
Abigail Gibson
I am most grateful for my health.
Denise
Me too.
Erika Chilton
I am grateful that my family is healthy & that we are together for the holidays.
Denise
That’s the best isn’t it?!
Tamra Phelps
I’m most thankful to still be here this Christmas. I had a serious illness, sepsis, in February and nearly died. I’m still in physical therapy, getting back on my feet, but I’m still here!
Denise
Oh my goodness! That is a wonderful thing to be grateful for. My father in law had a similar problem and he’s doing great. Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.
Amy Lanham
This looks amazing and sounds like such a good warm, hearty meal for this rainy weather we’ve been having lately! Definitely on my list of things to try!
Denise
Hope you like it Amy!
Veena Azmanov
I have never tried sauerkraut. I heard some say you either love it or hate it. I need to try. This recipe sounds so simple and easy to make. Love the favors you have going.
Denise
Thanks Veena!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
I love cooking with an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, I do several times per week. My Mom would love this dish as it has sauerkraut, which she really enjoys.
Denise
Yes I think sauerkraut is something you love or hate. But I do have to say it really goes well with pork.
Jolina
This looks sooo delicious and flavourful. We’re not familiar with that tradition but it’s something we totally get 🙂 We don’t have an instant pot rn so thanks for including a tip on how to make this in a slow cooker.
Denise
Yes it’s very easy in the slow cooker but you have to remember to start early in the morning…..which is something I often forget so that I why I like the Instant POt.
Kelly D
I am grateful for my 2 kids.
Denise
Kids are the best!
Tiffany Dean
I hope I when my husband burnt mine before I even got to try it out.
Denise
Oh that stinks!
Kathleen Hacker
I am most grateful for my wonderful family. I love Sunday dinners when the whole family gathers together!
Denise
I’m sure they are grateful for you too!
Gloria
I don’t have an Instant Pot, but I do have a pressure cooker. This sounds delicious. The Ukrainian in me knows a thing or two about sauerkraut. My mom and baba made their own every year. Oh the childhood memories.
Denise
I’ve always wanted to try making my own.
Grace Hodgin
I love my instant pot and think it was one of the best inventions ever. It saves me so much time in the kitchen. It is always great to have recipes like the one you have shared and like to make over and over again for hearty meals.
Denise
I agree Grace!
joel timmons
Love. Insta. Pot. Make. Ahead meals. For. The. Week
Denise
Hi Joel, Me too!
Earl McGee
Guessing I can slice onions and put in with roast, too?
Denise
Hi Earl, I’m sorry I just saw this. Yes you can add onions. I have never done this but there is no reason why not. Actually it sounds like a good idea!
Catania Drum
I bet sprinkling some lakanto gold brown sugar erythritol would be a great substitute for that brown sugar! I’m going to save this for New Years!
Denise
That’s a great idea! I just got some Swerve brown sugar but haven’t tried it yet.