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Crispy German Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet

crispy German bratwurst and sauerkraut skillet - featured image
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A quick, 15-minute weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared bratwurst with caramelized onions and tangy sauerkraut in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 raw bratwurst links (pork or chicken)
  • 16–20 oz jar refrigerated raw sauerkraut
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-rings
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/2 cup light lager, pilsner, or beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of caraway seeds (optional)
  • Whole grain mustard, ketchup, or sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions into half-rings and drain the sauerkraut, reserving 2 tablespoons of the liquid. Slice the bratwurst links in half diagonally.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once foaming, add the bratwurst pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
  3. Sear the sausages for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and crispy. Remove to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the pan with leftover sausage fat and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  5. Add the drained sauerkraut and reserved liquid to the onions. Pour in the beer or broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until liquid reduces.
  6. Return the sausages to the pan, tossing to coat in the onion-kraut mixture. Heat through for 1 minute, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use raw, fresh sausages rather than pre-cooked ones to ensure a crispy texture. If using chicken brats, add a tablespoon of oil to the pan as they have less fat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to prevent steaming; space is key for crispiness. If the kraut is very sour, rinse it or add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/crispy-german-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-skillet-15-min-dinner/