Putting a Spin on Your Traditional Sauerkraut

Oktoberfest is all about tradition — hearty food, good company, and celebrating the harvest season. And while sauerkraut has long been a staple on the table, we like to think we’ve added a little Floyd, Virginia twist to this classic.

At Deer Park Farm, our sauerkrauts aren’t just fermented cabbage — they’re flavor-packed creations inspired by the land, our kitchen, and the people who keep the old ways alive while adding something new. From our family favorite Papa’s Kraut to our bright and zesty Ginger Kraut and our savory Garlic Kraut, each jar brings a fresh take on this beloved staple.

Let’s dig into what makes each one unique — and how you can enjoy them at home.

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Papa’s Kraut: A Classic with a Kick

Papa’s Kraut is our homage to tradition. It starts with crisp cabbage, a touch of apple for sweetness, and just the right hint of caraway and mustard seed — earthy, tangy, and balanced. The apple adds a gentle roundness that keeps this kraut versatile enough for everything from brats to breakfast.

Papa’s Kraut Harvest Skillet
A one-pan wonder that tastes like Oktoberfest in a skillet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Papa’s Kraut (drained but not rinsed)

• 1 lb smoked sausage or bratwurst, sliced

• 2 apples, thinly sliced

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp butter or bacon fat

• 1 tsp whole grain mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.

2. Add sausage and apples, cooking until the apples start to caramelize.

3. Stir in Papa’s Kraut and mustard, letting it all sizzle together for about 5 minutes.

4. Season to taste and serve warm with crusty bread or roasted potatoes.

A crowd-pleaser that hits every note — sweet, smoky, and tangy.

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Ginger Kraut: Bright, Bold, and Unexpected

This one is our sunshine in a jar. The Ginger Kraut blends fresh ginger root, garlic, and green cabbage for a zippy, aromatic kraut that wakes up any meal. The ginger gives it warmth and brightness, making it perfect for lighter dishes and global flavors.

Ginger Kraut Buddha Bowl
A simple, nourishing meal that balances flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice or quinoa

• ½ cup Ginger Kraut

• ½ avocado, sliced

• 1 roasted sweet potato, cubed

• 1 handful baby spinach

• 1 soft-boiled egg or grilled tofu

• Drizzle of sesame oil or peanut sauce

Directions:

1. Arrange rice, spinach, and sweet potato in a bowl.

2. Top with Ginger Kraut, avocado, and egg or tofu.

3. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or your favorite sauce.

It’s the perfect mix of tang, crunch, and comfort — proving sauerkraut isn’t just for brats anymore.

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Garlic Kraut: The Comfort Kraut

Our Garlic Kraut is bold but balanced — a simple combination of green cabbage, sea salt, and plenty of fresh garlic. It’s the kind of kraut that brings depth and richness to any dish it touches. And when we say it’s good in everything, we mean everything.

But this Oktoberfest, we’re using it to reinvent a comfort food classic: pierogies.

Pierogi with Garlic Kraut and Potatoes
Our spin on a cozy favorite

Ingredients (makes about 20 pierogies):
For the dough:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 egg

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup mashed potatoes

• ½ cup Deer Park Garlic Kraut, finely chopped

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Mix dough ingredients until smooth. Wrap and rest for 30 minutes.

2. Combine mashed potatoes, Garlic Kraut, cheddar, butter, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into circles (about 3 inches wide).

4. Spoon a tablespoon of filling into each, fold in half, and pinch edges to seal.

5. Boil pierogies in salted water until they float (2–3 minutes), then pan-fry in butter until golden.

6. Serve with sour cream, chives, and an extra forkful of Garlic Kraut on top.

It’s comfort food with a farmhouse twist — creamy, garlicky, and perfectly tangy.

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A New Tradition, the Deer Park Way

We love honoring the roots of Oktoberfest — the gathering, the food, the stories shared over a meal. But we also love bringing our own twist to the table. Our sauerkrauts are as much about creativity as they are about tradition, using simple ingredients and slow fermentation to create something worth celebrating.

So this season, whether you’re grilling brats, making pierogies, or building a Buddha bowl, grab a jar of Deer Park Farm Sauerkraut and taste the spin we’ve put on this timeless staple.