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Best German Bratwurst Skillet – Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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This Best German Bratwurst Skillet with Sauerkraut and Apples is the dinner party hero you didn’t know you needed. It comes together in just 30 minutes, with beautifully browned bratwurst, mellow sauerkraut, and sweet apples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 fresh bratwurst sausages (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 can (14-16 ounces) sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Whole-grain mustard (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh rye bread or crusty rolls (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Slice the onion into thin half-moons. Core the apples and slice them into wedges about 1/4-inch thick. Drain the sauerkraut but don’t rinse it. Have your broth, caraway seeds, and brown sugar measured and ready.
  2. Brown the bratwurst. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully add the bratwurst sausages. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned, then turn and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pan.
  3. Cook the onions and apples. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the apple wedges and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting them get a little color.
  4. Add the sauerkraut and seasonings. Stir in the drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and brown sugar. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting flavors meld.
  5. Pour in the broth and return the bratwurst. Pour the chicken broth (or apple cider) into the skillet. Nestle the browned bratwurst back into the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover and finish cooking. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything cook together for 10-12 minutes until bratwurst reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and apples are softened.
  7. Check for seasoning and serve. Uncover, taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with parsley if using. Serve from the skillet with whole-grain mustard and bread on the side.

Notes

Don’t prick the bratwurst to keep them juicy. Toast caraway seeds first for more flavor. This dish tastes even better the next day. For a beer variation, use dark German beer instead of broth. For a low-carb version, skip the apples and brown sugar and add mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst skillet, German bratwurst, sauerkraut and apples, 30-minute dinner, Oktoberfest recipe, easy skillet dinner

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/best-german-bratwurst-skillet-easy-30-minute-recipe/