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Cozy German Bratwurst Skillet with Sauerkraut & Apples

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A one-pan dinner featuring seared bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples, all simmered together in a savory broth. Ready in 30 minutes, this cozy skillet is perfect for fall and winter weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fresh bratwurst sausages (about 1 pound total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
  • 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard (for serving)
  • Warm crusty bread or mashed potatoes (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Slice the onion into thin half-moons. Core the apples and cut them into 1/4-inch wedges (leave the skin on). Drain the sauerkraut but don’t rinse it.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. Prick each bratwurst a few times with a fork and place them in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply browned all over.
  3. Remove the bratwurst to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to turn golden. Add a splash of apple cider if the pan looks dry.
  4. Add the apples to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until they soften slightly but still hold their shape.
  5. Stir in the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauerkraut starts to caramelize.
  6. Pour in the apple cider. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cider bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
  7. Nestle the bratwurst back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let everything simmer together for 10-12 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness: the bratwurst should be firm and register 160°F internally. If not, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve immediately. Spoon the sauerkraut and apple mixture onto plates, top with bratwurst, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with whole grain mustard and crusty bread.

Notes

Don’t skip the searing step; it builds flavor. Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best results. Toast caraway seeds briefly in the pan for extra aroma. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, apples, one-pan, skillet, German, fall, winter, comfort food

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