Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/6 checked
12
servings
2 cup

sauerkraut

well-drained, chopped

1 unit

onion

chopped

2 unit

tart apples

peeled, cored and chopped

1.5 tbsp

brown sugar

1 pinch

pepper

0.25 cup

summer savory

Step 1
~21 min

Combine the well-drained and chopped sauerkraut, chopped onion, peeled, cored, and chopped apples, brown sugar, pepper, and summer savory in a large bowl.

Step 2
~21 min

Loosely pack the mixture into the turkey cavity, ensuring it's no more than 3/4 full to allow for expansion.

Step 3
~21 min

Fasten the cavity with skewers or sew it closed.

Step 4
~21 min

Place the turkey in a roasting pan.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 5
~21 min

Tuck the wings under the bird and tie the legs together.

Step 6
~21 min

Rub oil over the turkey skin.

Step 7
~21 min

Loosely tent the turkey with foil.

Step 8
~21 min

Roast at 325F for 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 hours.

Step 9
~21 min

Remove the foil and baste the turkey frequently during the last hour.

Step 10
~21 min

Check for doneness: the drumstick should move easily in the joint.

Step 11
~21 min

Let the turkey stand, covered, for 15 minutes before carving.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Ensure sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent soggy dressing.

Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your desired level of sweetness.

For a deeper flavor, sauté the onion before adding it to the mixture.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

Can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Moderate
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with roasted turkey.

Accompany with cranberry sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Roasted Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Cultural Significance

Traditional dressing for turkey in Lunenburg

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Thanksgiving
Christmas

Occasion Tags

Thanksgiving
Christmas
Holiday

Popularity Score

60/100

More German-American Side Dish Recipes

Discover more delicious German-American Side Dish recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

German-American
Medium
A-

German Baked Beans

4.3
(325 reviews)

A hearty and flavorful baked bean dish with hamburger, onions, and green pepper.

60 min
500 cal
Gluten-Free (check ketchup and baked beans)
Dairy-Free
80%
75
German-American
Easy
A-

Midwest Living's German Potato Salad

4.5
(1321 reviews)

A warm and tangy potato salad with bacon and onion, a classic Midwest comfort food.

45 min
300 cal
80%
75
German-American
Hard
A

Bill Telepan's Squash Spaetzle with Maple Glaze

4.2
(1730 reviews)

A delightful dish of homemade squash spaetzle, tossed with bacon, apples, and a sweet and savory maple glaze. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion.

45 min
450 cal
Vegetarian (if bacon is omitted)
Gluten-Free (with gluten-free flour)
60%
75
German-American
Medium
B+

Pretzel Rolls

4.1
(1112 reviews)

A delicious homemade pretzel bread recipe. Perfect for sandwiches or serving with dips.

97 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
85%
75
German-American
Medium
A-

German Style Baked Beans

4.3
(1679 reviews)

A hearty and flavorful baked bean dish with bacon and a tangy-sweet sauce.

45 min
350 cal
75%
70
German-American
Easy
A-

German Style Beans

4.2
(1927 reviews)

A hearty and flavorful bean dish with bacon, onion, and a tangy-sweet sauce.

45 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free (check catsup)
Pork
80%
75
German-American
Easy
A-

German Skillet Beans

4.0
(115 reviews)

A quick and easy skillet bean dish with a German-inspired flavor profile.

20 min
250 cal
Gluten-Free (check pork and beans)
Dairy-Free
80%
65
German-American
Easy
A-

Kraut Vegetable Salad

4.4
(146 reviews)

A refreshing and tangy kraut vegetable salad that's perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Mix the ingredients, let it sit overnight for the flavors to meld, and enjoy!

1440 min
150 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
65