Print

Cozy Oktoberfest Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet

Oktoberfest Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pan German dinner featuring seared bratwurst, caramelized onions, and tangy sauerkraut simmered in beer. This hearty skillet meal delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs raw bratwurst or kielbasa
  • 2 cups raw, refrigerated sauerkraut
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup German lager or pilsner (or beef broth)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon or whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Oil (optional, for searing lean sausages)

Instructions

  1. Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces or diagonal rounds. Dice onions and mince garlic. Drain sauerkraut well, pressing out excess liquid.
  2. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear sausages in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and caraway seeds to the onions. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add drained sauerkraut to the pan. Pour in beer (or broth) and add the bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until kraut softens and liquid reduces.
  6. Return seared sausages to the pan. Stir in mustard. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use raw sausages with natural casings for a better ‘snap’. Ensure sauerkraut is drained well to prevent a watery dish. Deglaze the pan thoroughly to incorporate browned bits for maximum flavor. If using pre-cooked sausages, skip the searing step to avoid drying them out.

Nutrition

Keywords: German dinner, sausage and sauerkraut, Oktoberfest recipe, one-pan meal, bratwurst skillet, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-oktoberfest-sausage-and-sauerkraut-skillet-easy-german-dinner/