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Cozy German Bratwurst Skillet with Sauerkraut and Apples

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples. This cozy German-inspired skillet dinner comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 fresh bratwurst links
  • 1 (14-ounce) jar or can sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1 large firm apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and cut into ½-inch thick slices or wedges
  • 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Slice onion into thin half-moons. Core apple and cut into ½-inch thick slices or wedges (keep skin on). Drain sauerkraut in a colander (do not rinse). Pat bratwurst dry with a paper towel.
  2. Brown the Bratwurst: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Once melted and sizzling, add bratwurst links. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Use tongs to turn. Transfer browned sausages to a plate (they will not be cooked through).
  3. Sauté the Onions and Apples: In the same skillet, add sliced onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add apple slices and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in apple cider and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let bubble for about 30 seconds until slightly reduced.
  5. Add the Sauerkraut and Caraway: Stir in drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds (if using). Mix until onions and apples are distributed throughout.
  6. Finish Cooking: Nestle browned bratwurst back into the skillet, pushing them into the sauerkraut mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove lid and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Don’t rinse the sauerkraut to preserve its tang. For a dairy-free version, use oil instead of butter. If using pre-cooked bratwurst, brown for 2-3 minutes per side and reduce simmer time to 5 minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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