Kraut Bierocks

Authentic Kraut Bierocks Recipe: A Taste of German Comfort

Kraut Bierocks, also known as Runzas, are a cherished comfort food with German roots that have become beloved worldwide. These hearty pockets of dough filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, cabbage, and onions are the ultimate comfort food. Whether enjoyed as a meal on the go or as a satisfying family dinner, Kraut Bierocks are sure to warm your heart and soul. In this blog post, we’ll share an authentic Kraut Bierocks recipe along with answering common questions and providing variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Get ready to experience the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Ingredients

Meat:

  • 1 lb Ground beef, lean
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, ground

Produce:

  • 3 cups Cabbage
  • 1 cup Onion

Condiments:

  • 3 tbsp Mustard, prepared

Baking & Spices:

  • 1 1/2 (.25 ounce) packages Active dry yeast
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 2 tsp Black pepper, ground
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Shortening
  • 1/2 cup White sugar

Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Powdered milk
  • 1/2 cup Processed American cheese

Liquids:

  • 2 cups Water

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water according to the package instructions. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, powdered milk, shortening, and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  5. Add the chopped onion and cabbage to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the prepared mustard, black pepper, and salt. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle or rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Spoon some of the meat and cabbage filling onto one half of each dough portion, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and diced American cheese over the filling.
  9. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a pocket or turnover shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
  10. Place the filled Kraut Bierocks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Serve the Kraut Bierocks warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the Kraut Bierocks just before baking. Store the assembled pockets in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  • Freezing Instructions: Kraut Bierocks freeze well. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen Bierocks to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen in a preheated oven until heated through.
  • Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. Instead, use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and diced vegetables as the filling.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the dough to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the sausage and cheese, are also gluten-free.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some adjustments you can make to this Kraut Bierocks recipe:

  • Keto Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to lower the carb content of the dough. Use a low-carb sweetener instead of sugar, and omit the white flour in the filling. Replace the onions with shallots or green onions to reduce the carb count.
  • Low-Carb Version: Similar to the keto version, use almond flour and coconut flour for the dough. Reduce or omit the sugar in the dough and filling. Increase the amount of low-carb vegetables like cabbage and onions in the filling, and use a combination of shredded cheese and cream cheese for the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch? A: Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough as a time-saving option for this recipe. Simply roll out the dough and proceed with the filling and baking instructions.

Q: Can I freeze the unbaked Kraut Bierocks? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled Kraut Bierocks before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in the filling? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or provolone would all work well in this recipe.

Kraut Bierocks are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty meal or enjoying them as a savory snack, these flavorful pockets of dough filled with a savory meat and cabbage mixture are sure to satisfy. With their golden crust and cheesy filling, Kraut Bierocks are a true taste of German comfort food.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them on your own, Kraut Bierocks are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Enjoy!