
Slow Cooker Roast Pork with Beer Sauerkraut and Dumplings
Slow Cooker Roast Pork with Beer Sauerkraut and Dumplings
Classic DishVepřo-knedlo-zelo
Prep: 25 min • Cook: 480 min. Fall-apart tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a rich, savory broth with sauerkraut infused with dark beer, served alongside fluffy homemade bread dumplings. This classic Czech dish, Vepřo-knedlo-zelo, is adapted for the slow cooker, making it incredibly easy to prepare for a hearty family meal.
- Preparation time
- 25 min
- Cooking time
- 8 hrs
- Total time
- 8 hrs 25 min
- Servings
- 6
Instructions
Roast Pork
- 1Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub it generously with salt, black pepper, and caraway seeds.
- 2Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- 3Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
- 4Pour the beef broth around the pork.
- 5Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
Beer Sauerkraut
- 1About 1 hour before the pork is done, combine the drained sauerkraut, dark beer, and bay leaves in a separate pot or slow cooker insert (if using a second insert or pot).
- 2Cook the sauerkraut over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until tender and the flavors have melded. Add a splash of reserved sauerkraut liquid for extra tang if desired.
Bread Dumplings (Knedlíky)
- 1In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, chopped parsley, and salt.
- 2In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk and beaten eggs.
- 3Pour the milk and egg mixture over the bread cubes and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.
- 4Gradually add flour to the bread mixture, tossing gently until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 5Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wet your hands and shape the dough into logs, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- 6Carefully place the dumplings into the boiling water. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
- 7Boil for 20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are firm and cooked through. Drain well.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 850 kcal
- Protein
- 55 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Carbs
- 50 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 850 kcal |
| Protein | 55 g |
| Fat | 45 g |
| Carbs | 50 g |
Tips
- For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid a watery dish; reserve some liquid for adjusting consistency.
- Slice the cooked dumplings thickly and serve immediately with the shredded pork and sauerkraut.

