Sauteed the onions and threw it all in the crock on high for two hours. Served over egg noodles. Was very flavorful, with notes of sweet, tart, and savory balancing each other well. Made about 4 servings, would easily double for a party by using a larger onion, bigger jar of Sauerkraut, and 2nd sausage ring. Next time I might brown the sausage, but it was totally fine without that step.