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Easy Oktoberfest Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet (30-Minute One-Pan Meal)

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This Easy Oktoberfest Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet is a 30-minute one-pan meal that brings all the festive flavors of a German beer hall to your table. Juicy bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and savory onions combine for pure comfort food bliss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 fresh bratwurst sausages (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • ½ cup apple cider or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Mustard (for serving, optional)
  • Hot dog buns or crusty bread (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients. Slice the onion and apples about ¼-inch thick. Drain the sauerkraut in a colander, but do not rinse.
  2. Brown the bratwurst. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bratwurst and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned all over. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and apples to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and starting to turn golden, and the apples are just beginning to soften.
  4. Build the flavor. Pour in the ½ cup of apple cider (or chicken broth). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for about a minute, reducing slightly.
  5. Add the sauerkraut and seasonings. Stir in the drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Return the bratwurst to the pan. Nestle the browned bratwurst back into the skillet, pushing them down into the sauerkraut mixture.
  7. Simmer to perfection. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the bratwurst is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
  8. Rest and serve. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the bratwurst and sauerkraut mixture directly from the skillet with mustard and buns or bread if desired.

Notes

For extra caramelization on the bratwurst, remove the lid after cooking, turn heat to medium-high, and let the liquid reduce for 2-3 minutes. Do not rinse the sauerkraut to preserve flavor. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the bratwurst juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, Oktoberfest, one-pan meal, 30-minute meal, German recipe, fall dinner, easy dinner

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-oktoberfest-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-skillet-30-minute-one-pan-meal/