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Quick German Bratwurst Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner featuring juicy bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 fresh bratwurst sausages (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: slice onion into thin half-rings, core and slice apple into thin wedges (about 1/4-inch thick), and drain sauerkraut.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, place bratwurst in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add a splash of apple cider or broth if pan looks dry.
  4. Add drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting sauerkraut get some color on the edges.
  5. Tuck apple slices into the sauerkraut mixture. Pour in apple cider or broth, and sprinkle with brown sugar if using. Stir gently and cook for about 2 minutes until apples start to soften.
  6. Nestle browned bratwurst back into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 2 minutes. Slice bratwurst on a bias into thick rounds or serve whole. Spoon sauerkraut and apple mixture over the top and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, get the pan screaming hot before adding bratwurst to ensure a good sear. Do not pierce the bratwurst while cooking to keep them juicy. Let sauerkraut get crispy edges for added texture. Different apple varieties cook at different rates; Honeycrisp holds up well. Start with 1/4 cup liquid and add more only if needed to avoid soupy sauerkraut.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, skillet, quick dinner, German, sauerkraut, apples, 30-minute meal, one-pan

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/quick-german-bratwurst-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner/