A hearty and flavorful dish combining sauerkraut, smoked sausage, and tender potatoes, perfect for a cozy meal.
Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and maintains the desired temperature throughout.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.
Cooking the onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Adding garlic later prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
Sprinkle in the thyme, sage, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Toast the spices briefly to enhance their aroma and flavor.
Layer the sauerkraut, sliced potatoes, and smoked sausage in an oven-safe baking dish.
Arrange the ingredients evenly for consistent cooking.
Pour the onion and spice mixture over the layered ingredients.
Ensure the mixture is distributed evenly for balanced flavor.
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
Covering with foil traps moisture, keeping the dish tender and juicy.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly for safer serving.
