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Easy German Bratwurst Skillet with Sauerkraut & Apples

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring browned bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bratwurst links (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 lb sauerkraut, drained
  • 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
  • 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the onion thinly into half-moons. Core the apples and cut them into 1/4-inch wedges (leave the skin on). Drain the sauerkraut in a colander and give it a quick rinse if you want less tang. Pat the bratwurst dry with paper towels.
  2. Brown the bratwurst: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst links and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for fresh brats. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Caramelize the onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add the sliced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to turn golden. Add a splash of broth if they stick.
  4. Cook the apples: Add the apple wedges to the pan with the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until they start to soften and get a little color on the edges.
  5. Add the sauerkraut and seasonings: Stir in the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
  6. Simmer everything together: Pour in the 1/2 cup of broth and stir to combine. Nestle the browned bratwurst back into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the lid and let the skillet rest for 2 minutes off the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the bratwurst with a generous spoonful of the sauerkraut and apple mixture.

Notes

For a beer-braised version, replace the chicken broth with a dark German beer. For a low-carb option, skip the apples and add extra sauerkraut and sliced mushrooms. The dish can be made ahead: brown the bratwurst and cook the onions and apples up to a day in advance, then combine with sauerkraut and broth and simmer before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, apples, German, skillet, one-pan, quick dinner, Oktoberfest

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-german-bratwurst-skillet-with-sauerkraut-and-apples/