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Classic German Bratwurst Skillet with Sauerkraut and Apples

Classic German Bratwurst Skillet - featured image

A cozy, one-pan German-inspired dinner featuring seared bratwursts simmered with caramelized onions, tart apples, and tangy sauerkraut in a rich, savory sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 German Bratwurst Sausages (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 2 large Yellow Onions, diced
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 cups Sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
  • 2 medium Granny Smith Apples, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tsp Caraway Seeds
  • 2 tbsp Whole Grain Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken or Beef Broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider (dry)

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Dice onions and apples. Drain and squeeze excess liquid from the sauerkraut thoroughly.
  2. Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear bratwursts for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove brats and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add apple cubes and caraway seeds to the onions. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until apples begin to soften.
  5. Stir in drained sauerkraut, whole grain mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Nestle the seared bratwursts back into the skillet, pushing them into the mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until sausages are cooked through.
  7. Remove lid and cook for another 5 minutes to reduce the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste if needed.
  8. Serve hot directly from the skillet, spooning extra juices over the top.

Notes

Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent a watery dish. Use natural casing sausages for better texture. If using pre-cooked brats, skip the searing step and add them during the braising stage. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: German bratwurst, one-pan dinner, sauerkraut, comfort food, skillet meal, winter recipes, easy dinner