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Savory German sauerkraut and ham rolls with bacon, pork, Emmentaler cheese, mustard, and sour cream

Savory Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls (Schinken-Sauerkrautrollen)

These Savory Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls, or Schinken-Sauerkrautrollen, are a flavorful German-inspired appetizer filled with bacon, ground pork, sauerkraut, mushrooms, leeks, tomatoes, juniper berries, clove, and Emmentaler cheese. Baked until golden and served with sour cream, they make a hearty party snack for Oktoberfest, holiday gatherings, brunch, or German-style entertaining.
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 cup mushrooms chopped
  • 2 slices bacon
  • 1/3 pound ground pork
  • 1/4 cup sliced leek
  • 1 clove
  • 3 juniper berries crushed
  • 1 cup German wine sauerkraut
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes canned are fine
  • 1 package crescent rolls 10 ounces
  • 1/2 cup shredded German Emmentaler cheese
  • sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Soak mushrooms in 1/4 cup of cream. Cut bacon in cubes. Begin cooking bacon on medium/high heat. Add ground pork and heat until cooked through. Let cool and drain excess grease.
  • Combine leek rings, clove, juniper berries, sauerkraut and tomato in a sauce pan. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add creamed mushrooms and allow to simmer until mushrooms soften. Drain liquid from mixture and let cool.
  • Unroll crescent roll dough into a rectangular shape and press seems together. Cover evenly with bacon and ground pork, then with the drained sauerkraut mixture. Roll dough into a log. Slice dough log 6 times and lay slices on a baking sheet (slices should look similar to cinnamon rolls). Pour remaining cream into rolls and cover with shredded Emmentaler cheese.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until dough is golden brown. Serve with sour cream.

Notes

Tips for the Best Sauerkraut Rolls

Drain the sauerkraut mixture well before adding it to the dough. Too much liquid can make the crescent dough soft and difficult to roll.
Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the rolls. Hot filling can soften the dough too quickly and make it harder to handle.
Press the crescent dough seams together firmly so the filling stays inside while rolling and slicing.
Use a sharp knife to cut the dough log into rounds. If the dough feels too soft, chill the rolled log briefly before slicing.
Serve the rolls warm for the best texture. The cheese will be melted, the filling will be fragrant, and the dough will be soft and golden.

Oktoberfest Appetizer and Party Serving Ideas

Savory Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls are a natural fit for Oktoberfest parties because they bring together sauerkraut, pork, cheese, and a creamy dipping sauce in an easy-to-serve format.
Arrange the rolls on a platter with sour cream, German mustard, pickles, and radishes. Add pretzels, cheese cubes, sliced sausages, and rye bread for a fuller Oktoberfest-style appetizer board.
These rolls also work well for holiday parties, brunch spreads, potlucks, and game day gatherings. Serve smaller portions as appetizers or pair two or three rolls with salad for a casual meal.

What to Serve with Savory Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls

These rolls are rich and savory, so they pair well with crisp, tangy, and refreshing sides.
Good pairings include:
  • Sour cream
  • German mustard
  • Pickles or gherkins
  • Radishes
  • Cucumber salad
  • German potato salad
  • Green salad with vinaigrette
  • Pretzels
  • Rye bread
  • Beer cheese dip
  • German beer
  • Sparkling mineral water
  • Apple cider
For a party platter, serve them with small bowls of sour cream and mustard so guests can choose their favorite dip.

Make-Ahead Tips

The filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to assemble. Let it cool completely before storing, and drain off any extra liquid before spreading it over the dough.
For the best texture, assemble and bake the rolls shortly before serving. Crescent dough is easiest to work with when cold, so keep it chilled until you are ready to fill and roll it.
Leftover rolls can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven until warmed through. Reheating in the oven helps restore some of the flaky texture.

Variations

For a stronger ham flavor, add finely chopped smoked ham to the bacon and pork mixture.
For a sausage-style version, replace the ground pork with cooked bratwurst filling or mild German sausage.
For a cheesier version, add a little extra Emmentaler inside the roll before slicing.
For a tangier version, add a small spoonful of German mustard to the sauerkraut filling.
For a party bite version, slice the log into thinner rounds and serve with toothpicks and dipping sauce.
For a vegetarian-inspired version, omit the bacon and pork and increase the mushrooms, leeks, and cheese. Use butter or oil to sauté the vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Savory Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls?

Savory Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls are German-inspired baked rolls filled with sauerkraut, bacon, ground pork, mushrooms, leeks, tomatoes, spices, and Emmentaler cheese. They are sliced and baked like savory pinwheels.

What does Schinken-Sauerkrautrollen mean?

Schinken-Sauerkrautrollen means ham and sauerkraut rolls. The name describes the savory German-style filling and rolled shape of the dish.

Can I serve these rolls for Oktoberfest?

Yes. These rolls are a great Oktoberfest appetizer because they feature sauerkraut, pork, cheese, and sour cream in an easy party format.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Drain the sauerkraut mixture well and let the filling cool before spreading it over the dough. Too much moisture can soften the crescent roll dough.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes. The filling can be made ahead, cooled, and stored in the refrigerator. Drain any extra liquid before assembling the rolls.

What cheese works best?

German Emmentaler works well because it melts nicely and adds a mild, nutty flavor. Swiss cheese or another meltable Alpine-style cheese can also work.

What do you serve with sauerkraut rolls?

Serve them with sour cream, German mustard, pickles, radishes, cucumber salad, potato salad, pretzels, rye bread, or beer.

Can these be served as a main dish?

Yes. Serve larger portions with salad, potatoes, pickles, or roasted vegetables for a simple German-inspired meal.
Course: Appetizers