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Easy German Bratwurst Skillet with Apples & Sauerkraut

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy bratwurst, caramelized apples, and tangy sauerkraut. Perfect for busy weeknights, this savory-sweet skillet dinner comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bratwurst links (about 1 lb total)
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes). Slice the onion into thin half-moons. Core the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch thick wedges or slices. Drain the sauerkraut in a small colander and press gently to remove excess liquid. Pat the bratwurst dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat your skillet (2 minutes). Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and foam, but don’t let it burn.
  3. Sear the bratwurst (6-8 minutes). Add the bratwurst to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Remove them to a plate and set aside.
  4. Cook the onions and apples (5 minutes). Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the apple slices and sprinkle with brown sugar and caraway seeds. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the apples begin to soften and turn golden at the edges.
  5. Add the sauerkraut and cider (2 minutes). Push the onions and apples to the sides of the skillet. Add the drained sauerkraut to the center and let it warm through for about 1 minute. Pour in the apple cider and stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the bratwurst to the pan (5-7 minutes). Nestle the seared bratwurst back into the skillet among the apples, onions, and sauerkraut. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  7. Finish and serve (2 minutes). Remove the lid, taste the sauerkraut mixture, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve the bratwurst with the apple-sauerkraut mixture spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t pierce the bratwurst while cooking to keep them juicy. Toast caraway seeds in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding butter for more flavor. Adjust heat levels to prevent burning. For a lower-carb version, swap apple cider for chicken broth and skip the brown sugar.

Nutrition

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

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